Under the new dispensation, each institution will be given a time frame to train its staff depending on the number of employees. After undergoing training, the employees will be trade tested by ZTA.
Karikoga Kaseke, ZTA’s chief executive said the swift measure is designed to restore normalcy in an industry ravaged by poor service delivery. He said the Tourism Act clearly stipulates that employees in the industry have to be licenced by ZTA.
“You cannnot fly a plane without a licence from CAAZ (Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe) and in the same token, one can not work in the sector without being trade tested by ZTA,” he said.
Tourism industry employees who have to pass the trade tests include cooks, waiters, front office staff, operation managers and directors.
The latest measure was reportedly necessitated by the raw deal clients are getting from staff at hotels and restaurants. Waiters and waitresses have gained notoriety for harassing clients.
The no nonsense ZTA boss said the industry has failed to lead in service delivery.
“People throw in the dustbins the concept of customer service. If the tourism industry does not lead in service delivery, then which sector should lead?” he questioned.
Kaseke admitted that ZTA had in the past failed to instill discipline in members. “As custodians of the industry, we were sleeping on the wheels,”
he said.
The tourism industry, like any other sectors, has had a brush with the authorities. In July, the sector lost its immunity from price controls after the National Incomes and Pricing Commission accused the industry of taking advantage of price decontrols to increase prices beyond the reach of many.
Radio VOP
Post published in: News