Tourism sector sneezes

AS the country moves with speed to stop the spread of coronavirus, the hospitality industry is already feeling the pinch.

Manicaland’s prime tourist destinations, Leopard Rock Hotel and White Horse Inn, both in Vumba, together with several other outlets, have closed their doors to the public.

For the hotels that are still open, human traffic is very low.

Leopard Rock owner Mr Samir Shasha confirmed the closure of Leopard Rock.

“We effectively closed on Monday morning when our last guests left,” said Mr Shasha. He added that they will reopen the facility when the outbreak is contained.

“Our hotel is usually fully booked over Easter. We are in the process of contacting the people who had booking with us so as to let them know about our closure,”

Mr Shasha also revealed that a wedding that had been booked for April, the Shumba

Golf Tournament, as well as a Zimra conference, have all been cancelled.

White Horse Inn managing director Mr Frank Marembo said: “We have closed and we will continue to monitor the situation. This is in the best interests of our valuable clients and staff. It bodes well with the notion of recognising the sanctity of human life.”

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe Manicaland president Mr Charlton Chimbira, who is also Holiday Inn Mutare manager, said the hotels that were still open were exercising extra caution.

“Precautionary measures such as sanitisation as well as social distancing have been put in place. We are encouraging our guests and staff to take heed and avoid being in crowded areas.”

Golden Peacock Villa Hotel food and beverages manager Mr Willard Madhombiro said the hotel was still open, although business was low.