A vibrant hoteliers association will boost tourism

Editor,I was depressed to read your article titled “Poor performance threatens hoteliers association” in The Sunday Times of September, 16.Tourism, today, is the largest foreign exchange earner for the country. This fact, however, should not make the Rwanda Hotel and Restaurant Association (RHRA) or for that matter, any of thestakeholders complacent.In India, Turkey and many other countries, it is mandatory for every hotel and restaurant to become a member of the concerned association.This makes the body strong and effective in presenting any issue before the concerned authorities.A vibrant RHRA will boost tourism further. Having less than 25 members, out of a total of 247 hotels and restaurants countrywide, definitely reflects that there is something radically wrong, which the Association must look into seriously. It could be the fee structure, which might be perceived to be high. It could also be the manner in which activities of the Association are carried out.It is a common saying, “Unity is strength “. If the issues, which are holding back organisations from joining the RHRA are effectively resolved, there is no reason why hotels and restaurants will not unite, gladly come forward and take active part in enhancing the tourism experience in this beautiful land of a thousand hills and a million smiles!Clarence Fernandes

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A vibrant hoteliers association will boost tourism