Published: 2 hours ago

Hotels and lodges in and around Mutare are enjoying a surge in bookings ahead of the 22nd ZANU PF Annual National People's Conference, with the local hospitality industry describing this week as one of the busiest in years.

The conference, themed "Attainment of Vision 2030 through economic empowerment and value addition," will run from October 13 to 18 at Mutare Polytechnic's Pavilion Grounds. It begins with Politburo and Central Committee meetings in Harare before shifting to Manicaland's provincial capital.

More than 4,000 delegates - including senior Government officials, traditional leaders, party members, and foreign guests - are expected to attend. The influx has seen accommodation bookings spill over from Mutare to nearby towns such as Vumba, Nyanga, and Rusape.

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe outgoing president and Manica Skyview Hotel general manager, Mr. Brian Nyakutombwa, said the conference has brought full occupancy across the city and beyond.

"All accommodation providers in and around Mutare have benefitted from this conference as they are fully booked," he said. "I am not only talking about big hotels, but lodges and even small properties are also fully booked for the conference days."

Nyakutombwa noted that the ZANU PF conference falls under the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism category - a key economic driver that boosts business activity across multiple sectors.

"Conferences and events, whether political, religious, or educational, bring people from across the country. If we could have such conferences regularly in Manicaland, it would greatly help our industry," he added.

He said preparations at Manica Skyview Hotel were complete to ensure delegates enjoy a comfortable stay. "We have thoroughly prepared our rooms and facilities, improving comfort levels, catering, and wi-fi services to make the experience memorable," he said.

Eastern Highlands Experience chairman, Mr. William Chatigu, said the conference has created a ripple effect across Manicaland's tourism and hospitality sector.

"I can confirm that all lodges and hotels in Vumba are full. This massive conference is leaving quite a mark in the tourism and hospitality industry, and we are very excited as hoteliers," Chatigu said.

He added that the surge in bookings was creating a "tourism multiplier effect," benefiting not only accommodation providers but also local farmers, suppliers, and transport operators.

"Even roads are being upgraded and infrastructure improved. Beyond the immediate business from the conference, we are also benefiting from the development projects that accompany it," he said.

Chatigu noted that the demand for accommodation has exceeded supply, forcing some delegates to stay as far as Nyanga and Rusape. He called for more investment in hotel infrastructure to accommodate future large-scale events.

With Mutare now in the national spotlight, industry players hope that delegates attending the conference for the first time will return to the Eastern Highlands for tourism or business, helping sustain the province's hospitality boom beyond the ZANU PF conference week.
- Manica Post

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