After my stay, I was not surprised to read that even the CEO of Rainbow Tourism Group was not expecting a major influx of tourists into Zimbabwe for the FIFA World Cup Tournament taking place in neighbouring South Africa.
As a Zimbabwean I understand the challenges that the tourism industry, and indeed everybody else in business, is going through in sustaining their businesses and keeping their heads above the water. While we accept that the harsh environment the country is going through has affected everyone, let us hope it has not also eroded our sense of responsibility to those whom we must continue to service and from whom we continue to charge for our somewhat diminished services. While we must ensure that our businesses remain profitable we must also ensure that they remain reputable and that the services we provide are of a certain standard.
RTG’s management statement that the group has had no resources for recapitalisation, i.e. renovations etc, is probably the chorus nowadays among a lot of businesses. These are indeed tough times and I guess you have to accept what you get and when you get it.
To cut a long story short, I would like to urge the RTG group to rethink its pricing structure for some of its properties which have been more afflicted by the situation. How does RTG justify US$105 to US$135 a night in a hotel which is unable to provide basics such as generator electricity, running water for bathing and toilet use?
Many know the reputation of the Kadoma hotel and conference centre. It used to be a great hotel. Now it is not, and the sooner RTG realise this and charge realistic prices, the better. Do not lure and assure good service through information on the internet. Firstly the reception is poorly lit, with one light bulb out of four actually working (just enough light for one to see the ridiculous prices pasted above the reception area, being charged for accommodation). A peek behind the counter reveals broken chairs and a desk which the poor receptionist has to use. (This was the first impression while checking in evening time).
I know that other hotels have invested in generators to deal with sporadic supply of electricity, but not at RTG’s Kadoma Hotel. When there was the inevitable power outage the hotel provided half a candle and four sticks of matches. It is important for RTG to realise that power outages are not unique to Zimbabwe, but are evident throughout Africa and big brand hotels have to rely regularly on alternative electricity generation.
The linen in the hotel rooms was old and tattered and in some instances dirty. Mine was clean, but old and full of holes, while my colleagues had to put up with dirty and smelly bedding. As a patron do not expect to get the usual freebies such as pens or notepads in your room. I approached the receptionist for this and was told that pens would only be available as part of the conference package. Even the receptionist did not have an extra pen.
Initially one’s instinct is to direct one’s anger towards staff at this motel but on further interrogation you realise they have been pushed against the wall and are doing what is humanly possible with very little resources.
For the two nights I stayed at Kadoma Hotel my requests to have running water in the room were responded to by providing me with two buckets of hot and cold water, to use for bathing and for the toilet.
And after all that, the RTG shamelessly charged their standard room-rate. Now can someone tell me which football fan would have been willing to travel to Zimbabwe for that kind of service? LETS GET SERIOUS, by e-mail
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