Zimbabwean hotels that do not implement the industry’s star-rating system will not be given contracts during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the state-controlled Herald said on Friday.
Chief executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Karikoga Kaseke said that only 30% of hotels in the country had registered for star-ratings to date, a figure he described as ”too low”.
”Many hotels are refusing to be rated, but this entire process is going to promote travel and package tours in Zimbabwe,” Kaseke reportedly said.
The rating exercise would improve the quality of service offered by the hotels while at the same time putting the hospitality industry on the world map, the paper said.
Kaseke said the authority had given the hospitality industry until June 30 next year to register their hotels for rating.
”We are, therefore, encouraging all hotels countrywide to upgrade and refurbish their hotels so that they meet the required standards for star grading,” he said.
The authority was concentrating on hotel accommodation because it had the potential to earn the country foreign currency, the state mouthpiece reported.
Kaseke said he was also working with the Ministry of Transport and Communications to ensure all public infrastructure, communication systems and public transport were upgraded and made more user-friendly.
”Zimbabwe is expecting to host some of the delegates to the world soccer extravaganza to be held in neighbouring SA,” the paper said. – Sapa