By Nyasha Chuma
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has partnered with Cafe’ Espresso in introducing a pedal pub launched in the capital last Friday.
The peddling bar will see patrons wine and dine in the mobile bar as they tour the capital city.
The pedal pub is expected to add colour to a catalogue of domestic tourism offerings.
The brains behind the project say the attraction which has created fun experiences and unforgettable memories for millions of guests annually in overseas destinations, will help locals indulge in adventure.
In an interview with Zim Morning Post, the director Philani Magadzire said apart from promoting domestic tourism, the initiative will draw foreign tourists.
“Our idea is to make Harare a platform for entertainment before going to resorts,” he said.
“Drinks will be served on board. There will be safety precautions to the peddling bus as the sitting facility has seat belts to ease any worry of the patrons. This is one of the first in Africa and definitely a ground breaking breakthrough in Zimbabwe,” he continued.
The peddling bar will be going to Victoria Falls for the Mapopoma Festival, before proceeding to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
Magadzire said ZTA and Cafe’ Espresso are expecting to take delivery of five more peddling bars.
Meanwhile, ZTA yesterday announced an aggressive nationwide Service Excellence training programme for operators in the region, which kick-starts from Bulawayo.
Led by the national tourism organisation’s Destination Management Division, the programme seeks to equip all tourism front line staffers responsible for client services and interactions. The program is running in line with the country’s medium-term economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
ZTA’s Head Corporate Affairs, Godfrey ‘Chief’ Koti, said the training is an ongoing exercise which is an integral part of the organisation’s operations.
“An exceptional service excellence culture will not come by accident, it will come by design and time investment in learning from industry experts. This is why we have decided to roll out an extensive Hospitality Service Excellence training,” he said.
“The training focuses on service satisfaction, timeous service provision with integrity and infusing passion for excellence within the participants while prioritising seeking to exceed customer expextations at all times,” said Koti.
The training is highlighting on creating awareness on the need for good ambassadorial etiquette for destination Zimbabwe.
“The aim is to develop an integrated approach to service excellence in the tourism sector. We have to rationalise our efforts and develop a way of doing things that will guide a culture of excellence in the sector,” he said.
