Hoteliers snub association

Hoteliers have snubbed the Rwanda Hotel and Restaurant Association (RHRA) with only19 out of 247 having paid membership and subscription fees. The association’s chairperson, Dennis Karera, has expressed disappointment with the trend, warning that they (unsubscribed hotels) could lose their status.“It is not worth labelling a hotel five star when it cannot even consider the significance of working through associations,” Karera said without mentioning the unresponsive hotels.He was speaking at a meeting organised to devise mechanisms to help the association achieve its goals where he called on Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to consider scrapping off hotels star rankings, if they are not subscribed with the association.The membership fee per hospitality institution is Rwf100, 000 followed by an annual subscription fee which depends on hotel levels.The highest which is paid by Five Star hotels is Rwf1.5 million. The money goes towards contributing to the sustainability of the association, and facilitate trainings for members. Karera, who also owns Park View Courts hotel in Nyarutarama, pointed out that some members have been reluctant because there are no legal tools for enforcement.He appealed to local authorities to consider rendering their services to hotels only if they prove membership to the association.Hannington Namara, the CEO of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), promised support to ensure that professionalism is attained in the industry.“There is need to streamline our activities if we are to build or attain a vibrant private sector driven economy,” Namara said.Kigali City Mayor, Fidele Ndayisaba, advised that even without a legal framework, commitment can help members take up their responsibilities.“Without commitment, legal measures will only lead to punishments yet this association could be a strong advocacy voice,” Ndayisaba said.

National

Hoteliers snub association