In a bid to up improve service levels, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is continuing its service excellence training initiative for tourism operators in the country.

The programme has, to date, trained operators in Beitbridge, Masvingo, Chiredzi, Mutare, Nyanga, Gweru, Kwekwe, Bulawayo, Umfurudzi, Mutoko, Nyamapanda, Kariba and Chinhoyi.

ZTA Head of Corporate Affairs, Godfrey Koti, said the training programme was also a tool to attract new, and retain, repeat business.

"The idea is to have a hospitality industry that is second to none in terms of care for clients and customers and should encourage clients to return to Zimbabwe.”

Areas covered in the training include good ambassadorship for ‘destination Zimbabwe’, managing guests, welcoming guests, handling guests’ complaints, creating memorable experiences for guests, how to increase up-selling skills, cutlery handling, utensil cleaning, food production and service.

Bulawayo-based Elgiboh Guest Lodge MD, Sibongiseni Ngwenya commented: "It was a very good training session indeed. We learnt a lot and we appreciate ZTA's gesture and dedication to improving service culture in the country. We learnt about the need to focus on ways to pro-actively implement a culture of service excellence.”