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Tourism sector players today celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Cresta Lodge and Sango Conference Centre, at the same time Re-launching the facility following refurbishments and upgrades to it.
This development comes at an opportune time when Zimbabwe’s tourism is on a rebound trajectory after immense suffering from the effects of Covid 19 pandemic.
According to the latest UNWTO Tourism Barometer, as outlined in the ZTA tourism report in the first quarter of 2023, international tourist arrivals reached 80% of the pre-pandemic levels, indicating a significant rebound. During this period, approximately 235 million tourists travelled globally, more than double the number from the same period in 2022.
Tourist Arrivals in Zimbabwe during the first quarter of 2023 rose by 108% from 130,536 in 2022 to 271,188. A total of 1.95 million local trips were registered during the first quarter from 1,87 million trips recorded in 2022. Overall, domestic trips rose by 4% during the first quarter. Investments worth US$105.4 million were recorded in the tourism sector, an increase of 167% compared to the same period in 2022. We have also witnessed a growth in airlines accessing the destination with Zambian Airways and the Royal National Eswatini Airways introducing flights during the first quarter of 2023.
Addressing delegates in his keynote address, Hon Mangaliso Ndhlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry said the sector is highly competitive. With tourism rebound, he said it calls for tourism service providers to revisit their packages to remain competitive.
“The establishment and operation of hotels and other hospitality facilities is a key factor in the overall structure of travel and tourism management. The provision of facilities such as accommodation, dining, and conferencing remains critical and needs continuous refurbishment to remain in tune with global standards. Let me reiterate that it is equally important to ensure that the standards of operation and infrastructure meet the expectations of our most valuable clients.
“Our newborn baby today, Cresta Hotels, has a history of three decades of service to visitors coming to Zimbabwe and has created a unique brand which is sought after by many. Cresta Hotels play a pivotal role in the well-being of travel and tourism in Zimbabwe and contributes significantly to the promotion of the MICE business. It is with this in mind that I acknowledge the efforts and achievements not only of Cresta Lodge but also of its sister hotels in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. I can assure you and the sector at large that as a government we will spare no effort in support of the growth of this sector. We will endure painful patches together but more importantly, we will be there by your side as you individually and collectively propel our Tourism and Hospitality sector into unparalleled heights,” Hon Ndhlovu said.
Addressing the same gathering, the Managing Director, Cresta Hotels, Mrs. Chipo Mandela said a tree-planting gesture by the tourism giant was symbolic for future visits and activities as clients would find time to inspect the tree and check on its progress as it grows and flourishes.
Cresta Lodge this year celebrates 30 years of service to its guests, to the city of Harare, to the travel and tourism sector, and to Zimbabwe. It has grown into a respected and valued operator within the hospitality industry, providing a range of services needed, including accommodation, catering, conferencing, and banqueting rooms and a venue for social and networking interaction between people.
“Our guests come from within Harare, across Zimbabwe, throughout Southern Africa, and right across the world. We are proud of this hotel and all that it has achieved, and I am pleased that we have now completed a major refurbishment programme to ensure that the standards of physical infrastructure are not only in keeping with the expectations of guests but also make it one of the most modern and attractive hotels in Harare.
“The refurbishment programme now completed saw major works in all bedrooms and suites, public areas, and in key background operational sites. It was undertaken at a cost of US$1.3 million and was carried out in the past year, helping us prepare Cresta Lodge for the growth and development we expect as we move out of the Covid era into a brighter future all around,” she said.
Cresta Hotels has been undertaking similar refurbishment work, at differing levels, at its other properties in this and recent years. Its properties in Zimbabwe are Cresta Jameson and Cresta Oasis in Harare, Cresta Churchill in Bulawayo, and Cresta Sprayview. Together they provide a range of hospitality products and services that contribute greatly to the ongoing ability of Zimbabwe’s travel and tourism sector to serve the nation economically and as hosts to visitors from all over the world.
Over the last 10 years, Cresta Hotels has invested over USD15 million in the form of refurbishment works across its footprint in Zimbabwe.
There are a number of anniversaries coming up within Cresta Hotels this and next year. Cresta Jameson this year marks its 65th anniversary, while Cresta Sprayview marks its 10th anniversary as a Cresta property. Next year Cresta Churchill in Bulawayo will turn 50, while at the turn of 2024 into 2025 Cresta Oasis will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Mrs Mandela said this means that the brand has significant experience through ongoing refurbishment programs. Its facilities are modern as expected by the travellers of the 21st century. This is where the programmes of refurbishment and ongoing maintenance come in, providing just such a marriage of experience and modernity.
Mr Crispen Chimumvuri, the General Manager of Cresta Lodge said his bhusiness looks forward to playing its part in the revival of travel and tourism in Zimbabwe, especially as it pertains to the city of Harare.
“It is our intention as a team to continue to welcome all our guests, whether they are here to stay, to attend conferences or banqueting events, to enjoy our food and beverage services or to use Cresta Lodge as a place for social or business interaction. Our staff are proud of what has been achieved in the past 30 years and we look forward to building on that firm foundation as we move forward,” he said.
