The Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies has dismissed reports that 20 Somalis checked out of a hotel in Rhodespark area in Lusaka without settling their bills.
Institute Executive Director Wilson Silungwe says the story is inaccurate as the hotel is aware and in contact with the local organizer of the visit by the Somali nationals.
Mr. Silungwe says that all arrangements for the payments are also clear as the local partner is working with the hotel to settle the bill.
He further clarifies that the Somali nationals were not illegal immigrants but were legally in the country.
The Executive Director says this following a story carried in a News Paper today saying that 20 male Somalis fled from a hotel for fear of returning to their country and did not settle their hotel bill.