Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Global hospitality giant Accor has secured a pivotal foothold in Zimbabwe, announcing the signing of the Novotel Victoria Falls.
This landmark project, situated within the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site – renowned as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – marks Accor’s strategic market entry into the country.
The management agreement was finalised during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa.
It leverages a significant first-mover advantage for Accor in one of Africa’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations, underlining the Group’s commitment to pioneering development in key emerging markets.
Scheduled to welcome guests in 2028, the new-build Novotel Victoria Falls will feature 111 keys. It is being developed in partnership with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust (Eagle REIT), a development-focused REIT specialising in high-quality assets across tourism, hospitality, health, retail, and residential sectors.
The hotel will operate under a management agreement with Accor.
Nestled within the Eagle Heights precinct, the property boasts a prime location overlooking the Masuwe River. It promises to seamlessly blend the site’s extraordinary natural beauty with Novotel’s signature modern and family-friendly hospitality. Guests can anticipate a thoughtfully curated experience, with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, dedicated kids’ club, an all-day dining restaurant, and a destination bar.
The design caters explicitly to modern travellers seeking comfort, meaningful connection, and authentic local discovery.
Victoria Falls, locally known as *Mosi-oa-Tunya* (“The Smoke That Thunders”), is not only a dramatic natural spectacle but also a globally recognised hub for adventure tourism, offering activities from white-water rafting and bungee jumping to scenic helicopter flights.
“This signing represents a bold step forward in our development strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa,” stated Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer for the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division across Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor.
“Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, and we are proud to bring the Novotel brand experience to Zimbabwe for the very first time. As a first mover, we see this project as a gateway to long-term sustainable growth in the country.”
This strategic move signals Accor’s entry into a destination experiencing growth in both regional and domestic tourism, yet currently featuring a limited presence of global hotel brands.
Bevin Ngara, Managing Director of Eagle Asset Managers (the Eagle REIT Fund Managers), commented: “We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring an international standard of hospitality to Victoria Falls. This project reflects our vision of investing in transformative developments that elevate tourism and deliver value to local communities and investors alike.”
The Novotel brand, part of the Accor powerhouse which encompasses over 45 brands, 5,600 hotels, and 850,000 rooms worldwide, champions balanced living for both business travellers and families.
With over 590 hotels operating in 68 countries and more than 180 in the pipeline, the Novotel Victoria Falls will be the first internationally branded Novotel in Zimbabwe. It is set to meet the escalating demand for high-quality yet accessible accommodation in the area, supporting Victoria Falls’ evolution into a compelling year-round destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
