Vic Falls to host 2013 Hospitality Congress

Staff development and marketing will be the key focus areas of the 2013 Hospitality Congress, scheduled to take place in Victoria Falls in late November.The congress is the annual gathering of members of the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) and is expected to attract up to 180 delegates from across Zimbabwe for three days of discussions, networking and social interaction. The 2013 theme is Putting People First, leading to the focus on people as staff and people as customers.

HAZ vice president, Tamuka Macheka told a media briefing in Harare that the congress would be open to anyone interested or involved in hospitality in Zimbabwe, especially but not exclusively members of HAZ.
“Congress is an opportunity for hospitality operators to strategise, share ideas, communicate and learn, as well as meet with colleagues from across the country,” he said.
Among the speakers will be Juan Visser, from City and Guilds in South Africa, who will update delegates on international traning and staff development issues, while it is also hoped a high-level speaker from outside the country will give a presentation on marketing issues. During the congress sessions there will also be reports from key travel and tourism bodies, the annual report by the HAZ president, Tich Hwingwiri, and the laying down of resolutions to guide the association through the coming year.

Running concurrently with congress will be the annual Hospitality Fair, at which suppliers of products and services for the hospitality industry will have exhibition stands. The congress will end with the Hospitality Awards dinner, at which accolades will be given to people and organisations being recognised for effort and achievement in their business operations or for the hospitality industry.
Congress sessions and the Hospitality Fair will be held at Elephant Hills, while social events will be taking place at venues around Victoria Falls.
“We are hoping for a good turnout of members and others for this year’s event, similar to the excellent support we had last year when we convened the 2012 congress in Gweru,” said Macheka.