Unplanned cancellations on hotel bookings and restricted travel due to the outbreak of Covid-19 saw African Sun Limited being forced to close 21 of its hotels and strategic business units leading to losses in revenue.

But despite the effects of Covid-19, occupancy for the first quarter closed at 40% representing a 2-percentage points increase from 38% recorded in the same quarter last year.

During the period under review, room nights sold increased by 4 % from 52,617 reported in the comparable quarter last year to 54,972 this year.

Business mix for the first quarter with regards to room nights was 67% local and 33% export.

Export room nights reduced by 2% due to the early effects of Covid-19 which affected arrivals particularly in its Victoria Falls properties.