Tourism Ministry to Shut Down Illegal Lodges
"There is a significant mismatch between the charges and the services available” - Barbara Rwodzi, Tourism minister
Tourism Ministry to Shut Down Illegal Lodges
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, has raised concerns over the increasing number of illegal lodges across the country, particularly in Harare.
These unregistered establishments, which she referred to as ‘quickie nests’, are hindering Zimbabwe’s efforts to enhance both domestic and international tourism.
The Minister issued a stern warning to these unlicensed operations, indicating that they face a potential shutdown.
Minister Rwodzi urged stakeholders to support the improvement of tourism and hospitality infrastructure by adhering to standardization and grading systems.
She emphasized that maintaining these standards is crucial for the registration and promotion of Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector, especially with the upcoming SADC Summit in August.
Tourism Ministry to Shut Down Illegal Lodges
Rwodzi said: “We are saddened by the services offered by these facilities, which are proliferating across the country, particularly in Harare, where many have turned their apartments into AirBnBs and brothels.
“These establishments are not providing the services they claim to offer and are instead deceiving clients by not delivering value for the money paid. There is a significant mismatch between the charges and the services available.”
She also criticized local hotels for failing to comply with international standardization and grading systems. Some hotels, which claim to be three- or five-star establishments, are, in reality, operating more like brothels.
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“We urge operators and service providers in the tourism and hospitality industry to respect and adhere to the established standards, ensuring that the services provided are worth the value paid by tourists,” Rwodzi added.
