Lodges in Chipata district have increased room rates due to the high demand for accommodation from visitors coming to attend this Saturday’s Nc’wala ceremony in Mtenguleni.

A check by Breeze News has revealed that some lodge owners have increased the room rates by more than 100 Kwacha.

And the Hotel and Catering Association of Zambia HCAZ has condemned the move by some lodge owners to exploit tourists.

HCAZ Eastern Province Chairperson Elvis Mhone says the hiking of accommodation rates is scaring away local and foreign tourists who want to witness the Nc’wala traditional ceremony in Chipata.

Mr. Mhone explained that the increase is creating a wrong impression that Chipata and Zambia in particular is an expensive destination.

Mr Mhone has was warned his members to desist from engaging themselves in such unfair acts of hiking room rates during such important traditional events.
He stated that lodges have a duty to attract more tourists to such events by offering fair and affordable room rates.

And Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo says that he is saddened that some lodge owners in Chipata have increased room rates in readiness for the ceremony.

Breeze FM