Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
The Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) has urged tourism stakeholders to intensify their preparations as the festive season approaches, as they anticipate brisk business during this period.
HAZ has further emphasised the importance of establishing adequate back-up facilities, including alternative power sources, to ensure that clients experience seamless service during their travels.
December typically sees a surge in family trips to local tourist destinations, making it crucial for the industry to be well-equipped to meet the demand.
In an interview, HAZ president, Brian Nyakutombwa who is also the general manager for Montclair Hotel and Casino, said they were looking forward to brisk business during this year’s festive season.
“As HAZ, this festive season we are looking forward to high traffic to resort, or out-of-town properties spread around the country as travellers seek to discover and enjoy the various tourist attractions in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The bookings are promising so far, the indication is that a majority of travellers will be Zimbabweans based locally and those from the diaspora. In that traffic mix, there will also be a component of foreign international tourists.”
He said operators should step up their preparations and be ready to serve festive menus, provide entertainment and leisure activities while also ensuring that the essential facilities like power backup, internet, water, health and safety are in place for customers to enjoy their holidays.
Mr Nyakutombwa said it was now a tradition that the festive season is known for special accommodation and activity packages from the various hospitality and tourism players.
“This year is going to be no different from the other years and the hype is already picking up as the travelling public scramble for space in the various establishments.
Mr Brian Nyakutombwa“The Domestic Tourism Festive Season campaign by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is an initiative that has brought an exciting dimension to promotion of the festive season,” he added.
“The campaign helps with showcasing the various tourist attractions around the country thereby raising awareness and creating interest which hopefully will translate into bookings.”
He said they were looking forward to an eventful and joyous festive season that will be good for both the travelling public and the service providers.
Bulawayo Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) vice chairperson Ms Sithabile Bhebhe called on local SMEs in the tourism sector to collaborate with other sectors to ensure they provide all the essential services for their clients.
“The tourism industry relies on a value chain with various industry sectors that co-ordinate to get the tourism and hospitality products to be enjoyed. We are calling on Bulawayo SMEs in the tourism sector to work together with other sectors such as transport service providers, food and beverage suppliers, road safety authorities and the police.
Ms Sithabile Bhebhe“As well as with utility providers for essentials like water and power, emergency service providers, art and craft vendors, and so on, all these are critical to the successful delivery of Zimbabwe’s hospitality and tourism experience. In a way that makes almost everyone a tourism player,” she said.
She said it was important that sectors come together in different spaces to ensure that the festive season is enjoyable and memorable.
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is on a growth trajectory as the country continues to re-discover and re-establish itself as a destination of choice in the global tourism value chain by being easily accessible, having adequate and world-class accommodation facilities as well as harnessing the diversified activities that cater for travellers’ different tastes.
The tourism industry surpassed its 2025 target of US$5 billion in revenue. In 2023, the tourism industry accounted for 12 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The travel and tourism market in Zimbabwe is expected to grow at an annual rate of 34,33 percent between 2024 and 2029.
This post was originally published on here
