Tourism Ministry Fumes Over Bulawayo Hotel Prices

The Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry says it notes with grave concern the levels of rates purportedly being charged by some accommodation providers in Bulawayo for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).

ZITF is taking place from the 23-25 April 2019 normally witnesses accommodation challenges with the main Bulawayo hotels booked to maximum capacity.

“The unpopular reaction to some of the charged rates calls for intervention by the authorities as we seek to protect the consumers while at the same time also promoting business,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality, Mr Munesu Munodawafa said.

“In this regard, the  Ministry is in engagement with the Operators, Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe and the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe in an attempt to amicably resolve the problem as a matter of urgency.”

The Permanent Secretary in the Tourism Ministry said providers of services and goods should not take advantage of the customers.

“Price hikes should be within reasonable and justifiable levels,” Munodawafa said.

“The kind of price increases being alleged in Bulawayo and said to be triggered by demand far outstripping supply are not justifiable.”

“We expect the hospitality sector to be responsible and to exercise restraint while conducting their businesses in an ethical manner,” went on Munodawafa.

The Permanent Secretary also said his Ministry with relevant stakeholders and other partners are seriously promoting investment into the accommodation sector not only in Bulawayo but throughout the country.

“As a relief, the Ministry through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in collaboration with the ZITF Company have allowed people with suitable accommodation in their homes to avail this to interested visitors during the ZITF time, and that at reasonable rates,” Munodawafa said.

“Those interested in providing such a service should contact the ZTA or the ZITF Offices in Bulawayo to register. The premises will be duly inspected for registration purposes.”