The ManicaPost
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Reporter
CHIMANIMANI Hotel has succumbed to the ravaging effects of the Covid-19 pandemic by halting all operations last week.
The institution is the only big hotel in Chimanimani District and has over the years survived on offering accommodation and conferencing facilities.
The district is home to the majestic Bridal Veil Falls, Chimanimani Mountains and the national park where visitors would flock to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Chimanimani Hotel general manager, Mr Mandla Mataure, said their closure on January 27, was necessitated by the unsustainable economic environment as well as the deadly effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that made it impossible for the hotel to continue operations.
“At the moment we are responding to the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown that has seen business dwindling, almost becoming non-existent. We have been relying on workshops and conferences mainly from the Non-Government Organisations community, but because of the travelling restrictions, these have stopped coming in as well. Closing the hotel was a business decision to try and manage our expenses,” he said.
With no holiday makers because of the Covid-19 related travel restrictions, both locally and internationally bookings have suffered tremendously over the past year.
Mr Mataure said: “We also considered our staff who might be exposed to the virus and saw it prudent to temporarily shut down. We will continue to monitor the situation and consider reopening if it becomes viable to do so.”
He said they are prepared to offer accommodation to long term self catering rentals (minimum one week) as well as those needing conference facilities under strict conditions.
“We are, however, open to conferences/meetings under these conditions: 100 percent deposit is required upfront, maximum of 30 participants, minimum one week notice, permission is granted by the relevant authorities to allow the hosting of that conference or meeting,” Mr Mataure said.
In 2019, Chimanimani Hotel became a sanctuary for people who were affected by Cyclone Idai which left hundreds dead and thousands homeless.
The hotel opened its doors to more than 500 people who had nowhere safe to go and became a relief centre.
Mr Mataure said although they have closed their doors, they will continue working with the community where they have several projects running.
“We are still active in the community and we will continue running our projects there even while the hotel is closed. The community will always be a part of us and we look forward to reopening Chimanimani Hotel under more favourable conditions soon,” he said.
