26/09/2016
Debut hospitality awards launched
THERE are many reasons why persons and organisations get awarded for their efforts.
One of them is that many firms invest significant amount of moneys, time and resources in training of their employees only to have them leave for other careers or so called better opportunities.
For some businesses, they would change sectors because they are not motivated to go ahead with the business lines.
But the small costs of presenting an award or gift would not compare to the significant amount of money and effort invested that would be lost when a company loses a valuable employee or the business.
Last week Zambia joined many other parts of the world that recognize the efforts of people and organisations that chosen to take part in the hospitality industry by nominating them for the awards to be announced soon.
Speaking at the colourful event that materialized at Lusaka’s Taj Pamodzi Hotel last week, Ministry of Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Stephen Mwansa said the initiative, which was its first kind in Zambia, was a source of pride to many.
“The government has identified tourism as a key sector that contributes to sustainable economic development thereby improving the livelihood of the citizens,” he said.
Mr Mwansa the sector has potential to generate government revenue, foreign exchange earnings, employment and promote rural development.
“The government welcomes any initiative that is meant to encourage people’s participation in the sector,” he said.
Hospitality is expressed on a daily basis between human beings, through; the friendly attitudes, generous nature, and peaceful exchanges making hospitality what it is.
The industry has expanded so much in the recent past and impacted many lives over the years.
Each year, restaurants, hotels lodges and cafes are some of the primary businesses within the hospitality industry.
Facilities like restaurants provide quality food and calm atmosphere for various people from the friendly staff to the unique designs, the places have proved to be sensible to be visited.
Indeed a meal at home is great, but a restaurant makes it even better, where you have a great selection of food, start conversations and enjoy another side of life.
Everyone who is part of the restaurant chain ahs made their contribution, waiters and owners alike as these facilities would not make sense without teamwork.
Hotels on the other hand provide stable and comfortable accommodation for visiting people.
Without these facilities, people would be able to enjoy the hospitality industry. The greatness has already come and success is constantly been recorded.
The nominees are:
The Steak House - Protea Towers, Lilayi Lodge, Horse Shoe, and Royal Dil for Restaurant Of The Year.
Elephant Café, Hussar Grilll, Roan & Sable, and Hot Wok for Best New Restaurant.
Mweembe Junza -Stilletos Academy, Eugene Middleton -Protea Towers
Moya Chaambwa, Darryl Freeeman - Radisson Blu for Chef Of The Year.
Rootz, Zambean, Mugg & Bean, and The Deli for Best Cafe .
David Livingstone, Royal Livingstone, Radisson Blu and Latitude Hotel for Hotel Of The Year Zambia.
Genevieve Tembo – Portico, Kapasa Chanda - Southern Sun
Sean – Sugarbush, Dogukan Pehlivan - Best Western Hotel for Most Iconic Employee.
Marlin, Eviva, Chang Thai, and Mint for Most Consistent Restaurant.
Ila Lodge, Munga Eco Lodge, Anabezi, and Mukambi for Eco Hotel Of The Year.
Royal Chundu, Tongabezi, Sausage Tree, and Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge for Best Safari Lodge Zambia
Royal Zambezi, Shamba Lodge – Kitwe, Michangelo Lodge and The River Club for Best Lodge Zambia.
Orange Tree, Keg & Lion, Chicagos, and O'hagans for Pub & Bar Of The Year Zambia.
Norman Carr- Chinzombo, Mfuwe Lodge, Eight Reedbuck Hotel, and Radisson Blu Hotel for Most Innovative Establishment.
Kazuma, Zambeef, Zambia Breweries, and Fruit & Veg for Best Hospitallity Supplier food and Beverage
Qce Trading, Nemchem, Tricon, A&P International for General Supply
Golden Leaf, The Mistyl, Rosso Italiano, Afrigonia for Best International Restaurant.
The winners will be announced at the end of August.
Till next week, it’s cheerio for now.
