By Rapheal Mulenga in Kitwe
The Ministry of Tourism and Arts through the Zambia Tourism Agency has awarded three Hotels with Star grading awards two on the Copperbelt and one in Solwezi.
The Hotels that have been awarded include Garden Court Hotel which now becomes a four star Hotel, Protea Hotel by Marriot in Chingola with three stars and the Solwezi Royal Hotel with three stars respectively.
Speaking when he handed over the grading star award certificates and insignia plaques, Ministry of tourism permanent secretary Amos Malupenga said the grading was done in accordance with the standards and quality services provided by the enterprises.
Mr Malupenga has implored the Zambia Tourism Agency to expedite the implementation of the Statutory Instrument number 14 of 2018 on accommodation and standards.
He said once the SI is fully implemented the agency will accord powers to impose sanctions on all tourism enterprises that fail to comply with the SI saying a good law if not implemented is nothing.
“Some tourism enterprises have been operating as five star Hotels which should not be the case, standards should be observed” he said.
Speaking earlier, Zambia Tourism Agency Chief Executive Officer Felix Chaila said the three Hotels that have been awarded grading certificates and stars are out of the 23 that the agency has assessed after receiving 32 applications for grading.
“Garden Court is the first Hotel on the Copperbelt to be graded a four star Hotel which brings great pleasure” Mr Chaila said.
