Business Reporter
Hospitality operators from across Zimbabwe will gather in Mutare this month for the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe annual congress, to discuss being innovative and staying positive in a challenging economic environment. Addressing a media briefing in Harare, HAZ vice president Mr George Manyumwa said the event was open to everyone involved or interested in the hospitality industry, and was a useful platform for the generation of ideas and networking, especially for managers and owners of businesses.
Hospitality congress 2015 will take place at the Golden Peacock Villa Hotel in Mutare from 18 to 20th this month, under the theme “In Search Of Hospitality Innovation”. It will be addressed by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Engineer Walter Mzembi, who will also
launch the travel and tourism sector policy on HIV/AIDS at the event, in the run-up to the international AIDS conference in Harare at the beginning of December. “The congress offers a platform for the people in the industry to come together for social and business interaction and to stimulate action that will provide positive development for the industry, now and in the future,” he said.
“In addition to speeches from the outgoing HAZ president Mr Tamuka Macheka and the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, we are arranging a series of other speakers who will focus on topics related to our theme. “The meetings will incorporate the HAZ AGM, and we will also be handing out the annual Hospitality Awards at the formal dinner during the congress.”
The Hospitality Fair that traditionally held simultaneously with congress will provide a platform for suppliers of goods and services to the industry to be visible to interact with delegates, as well as with local travel and tour operators, who will call in on the fair during the run of congress. HAZ is the trade association for all hospitality operators, including hotels, restaurants, fast food businesses, clubs and related operations in the country.