The Sunday Mail
Tourism Writer
THE serviced apartment business is fast growing locally, thereby attracting investors in the sector.
Modern travellers prefer using apartments, instead of hotels.
Serviced apartments are fully furnished flats or houses. They have hotel room amenities and can be used for either short-term or long-term stays.
Through a fully-equipped kitchen, more space and privacy, serviced apartments offer a typical home environment.
They are also cost-effective.
For these reasons, travellers are now opting for service apartments.
United Kingdom based Zimbabwean, Tsitsi Makombe Chinyandura, is the founder and chief executive of fast rising Bright Castle Apartments.
She has pledged to popularise the apartment business in Harare.
“We are still making baby steps but we will get there.
“Operations are growing in Harare and we intend to spread them to as far as Victoria Falls,” said Makombe Chinyandura.
Bright Castle is located in Harare’s central business district along Samora Machel Avenue.
The business venture, which started last year, boasts of seven furnished apartments.
The apartments come with comfortable beds, cotton bedding and a stocked kitchen that has the necessary utensils along with a fridge, stove, microwave, kettle and a toaster.
There is also satellite television services and a meeting/training room.
“Travellers’ requirements are constantly changing and individuals require flexibility with regards to their travel accommodation.
“This is what we are offering. We are not in competition, we are complementing the traditional hotel players,” Makombe Chinyandura said.
“We started this venture in response to Government’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy.
“We should take the lead in investing in our country so that we boost foreign investors’ confidence.
“The apartment business is excelling in offering guests a unique experience. Some of our clients include well-to-do professionals.
“To date, we have received bookings from more than 30 nationals,” revealed Makombe Chinyandura.
The growth of apartment tourism is currently being experienced across the globe.
ln the United Kingdom, serviced apartments occupancy is currently above 80 percent.
Hotel rooms are slightly above 75 percent.
