THE Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) expects to record an increase in occupancy levels from just below an average of 50% the sector recorded in the first nine months of the year, an official has said.
Victoria Mtomba
HAZ vice-president Tamuka Macheka last week said the occupancy levels have been on an upward trend since the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Conference held at Victoria Falls last month.
Macheka said the resort town of Victoria Falls recorded good performances together with Masvingo, Eastern Highlands and Harare.
“On average, in the nine-month period, the sector was just above 50% in other areas and within 42%-45% in other areas that resulted in the average being below 50%. There is need for players to introduce packages that will encourage the domestic market to participate,” he said.
“The festive period is usually busy and the occupancy for the last quarter will be around 58% to 60%.”
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The hospitality association is set to hold a three day congress next month in the resort town of Victoria Falls under the theme Putting the People First.
The organisation’s consultant Stan Higgins said the objective of the congress was to develop and market human resources.
Higgins said Tourism minister Walter Mzembi would grace the occasion together with South Africa’s City and Guild human resources guru Juan Visser who will talk about human resource development.
He said the national parks, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, National Manpower Advisory Committee and the Victoria Falls community will present reports on the seminar at the congress.
The association signed two memorandum of understanding agreements with Padarerenhaue-based technology company as well as a technological company that will offer wireless waiter.
The tourism sector recorded a 12% increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of the year compared to same period last year due to improved destination image.