The Sunday News
Njabulo Bhebe, Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has called on players in the hospitality and tourism sector to use the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) as a springboard to aggressively market their array of products and services.
In an interview with Sunday News Business last Tuesday, ZTA head of corporate affairs Mr Godfrey Koti said ZITF to be held next month presents players in the hospitality and tourism sector with an opportunity to showcase their products and services to a wider market while also selling the country’s diverse tourist attractions to the outside world.
The annual event, which is being organised by the ZITF Company, runs from 21 to 25 April at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo under the theme, “Augmenting Trade and Investment towards a Shared Economic Vision”.
“ZITF presents a great opportunity to the tourism sector, as people get to appreciate local tourism. Thus, there is a need for players in this sector to present competitive products and services to a wider market. This is also an opportunity for them to grow their businesses through finding ways of attracting as well as keeping their old clients. To achieve this there is a need to put on board creative packages and activities that will excite the market and keep them wanting more,” said Mr Koti.
He, however, said there was a need for players in the sector to come up with competitive pricing models.
“As an authority we would like to caution players in the sector to desist from the habit of placing unjustified prices for their services or products, as this may result in a decline of customer turnout. Prices must be within a reasonable range,” said Mr Koti.
He added that visitors to the ZITF should make prior reservations to avoid difficulties of finding accommodation on arrival as well as falling prey to unjustified price increases.
“Many people have fallen victims to price hikes due to delays in planning for their accommodation. Therefore, we call upon all those attending the event to have themselves pre-booked at their accommodation of choice, be it hotel or lodges so as to avoid unnecessary price hikes,” said Mr Koti.
