RUBAVU - Hotel owners in Rubavu recently shunned a conference that aimed at promoting tourism through hoteliers as well as the election of a tourism committee.

Of the over 50 invited hoteliers, less than five turned up while others sent delegates, much to the chagrin of the organisers.

"It’s very unfortunate that investors in hotel business don’t understand the importance of this association in promoting their businesses as well promoting
tourism in our district,” Bertin Hamudara, the outgoing president of the association of hotels in Rubavu lamented.

"Rubavu has unique tourism features and we need an organised committee to attract visitors here as players in the hospitality industry.”

A committee elected in 2009 was kicked out after its officials were accused of lack of commitment in their duties and obligations.

A tourist resort, Rubavu has numerous hotels coupled with cross-border activities but lacks a committed association to guide and advocate for the industry.

The Vice Mayor of the district, Ezekiel Buntu, called for the installation of an interim committee to coordinate tourism activities to develop the district.

"Since the government can’t do everything, we are encouraging private-public partnerships to pool efforts together and develop the country,” said Buntu.

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