The Sunday News
Thandeka Matebesi, Business Reporter
PLAYERS in the tourism and hospitality industry in Bulawayo have already started making preparations for Easter holidays and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
This year’s diamond jubilee trade show will run from 23 to 27 April under the theme, “Propagating Industrial Growth through Trade and Investment”.
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Innocent Manyera said players in the industry were already making renovations to their properties in preparation for the Easter holidays and ZITF.
“Preparations are already in place, with Bulawayo chapter already embarked on massive renovations and training. The drive by most players to renovate properties is such a great excitement. Also, there are different packages favourable to long stays,” said Mr Manyera.
The Rainbow Tourism Group temporarily closed the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel to make way for renovations.
Rainbow Tourism Group corporate communications and innovations manager, Ms Pride Khumbula said the hotel would be ready for the ZITF.
“The scope of the refurbishment will cover the overhaul of the hotel’s entire plumbing system, the replacement of the critical in-room fixtures, guest lifts and the overhaul of all 181 guest room bathrooms,” she said.
Glen Lodge and Tours founder and owner Mrs Beauty Bhulu said the company was already preparing for the holidays and ZITF and they were in the process of reviewing their packages.
“We are already preparing for Easter holidays and the Trade Fair because these are very important, we cannot afford to miss out on these opportunities. The Trade Fair is both a national and international event so we need to really prepare for it,” said Mrs Bhulu.
However, Mr Manyera said price distortions were making it difficult for them to plan ahead of the holidays.
“We expect this Easter holiday to be different since the fuel situation is a bit stable. However, the worry is on price distortions caused by rating, especially by our suppliers. It is difficult to plan ahead for most to be able to travel because of reduced disposable income. However, for all to be possible, be it Easter, ZITF, sports tourism among others, the macro-economic ills need to be addressed for all to be a possibility,” he said.
