Sterling Hotel opens in Bulawayo

By Tafadzwa Mukome

The establishment of Sterling Hotel in Bulawayo is an indication that the tourism sector at large is on a positive trajectory as highlighted by the tourism recovery growth plan.

The Sterling Group of Hotels officially opened its doors to Bulawayo at a glitzy event on Friday becoming the third tourism facility that the Group has to date invested in its US$6 million project.

Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Mangaliso Ndhlovu who commissioned the hotel expressed his gratitude to the Sterling Group for its efforts in investing in the tourism sector.

He said, “I am reliably informed that there are other investors that are seriously exploring other opportunities in Bulawayo and immediate environs, tourism product offerings. These include a combination of local and foreign investors. More so, as a show confidence in destination Zimbabwe, more and more international tourism brands are warming up to having, their presence in Zimbabwe, with Bulawayo being one of the investment destinations being earmarked for development by such brands.”

In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Director of Local Governance, Mrs Fikile Marovatsanga, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Judith Ncube, said the hotel will clear the shortages in accommodation experienced in the city.

“The Sterling Hotel is being unveiled a few weeks before the largest business and trade expo the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). The added rooms will definitely go a long way in offering additional accommodation and space for would be exhibitors to the 2023 edition. This investment came at a time when tourism is showing signs of resurgence following the detrimental effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. The sector which is undoubtedly on the recovery and growth path plays an important role in our economy through its contribution to socio-economic development, export revenue, job and enterprise creation and infrastructure development ” , she said .

Forty six rooms were commissioned and are expected to be added to the city’s room stock as preparations for the 63rd edition of the ZITF gather momentum.