Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Business Reporter
The Rainbow Tourism Group is ready for global competition in conferences, State visits and luxury travel, buoyed by a US$5,2 million upgrade of the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre.
The investment is part of RTG’s broader US$26 million capital expenditure programme, spread over five years, aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into a premier destination for international meetings and elite tourism.
Announcing the completion of the refurbishment programme at the five-star hotel, whose rooms have been reduced to 293 from 304, RTG chief executive officer Mr Tendai Madziwanyika described the revamped property as a bold expression of Zimbabwean hospitality excellence.
“This latest upgrade is part of RTG’s broader US$26 million investment over five years, a bold move to reposition Zimbabwe as a premier destination for international meetings and elite travel experiences,” he said.
“The hotel’s three newly renovated floors now house six opulent suites, created by seamlessly merging four standard rooms into expansive sanctuaries.”
Under the refurbishment programme, three floors were reconfigured to house six luxury suites by merging four standard rooms per suite.
Each includes two en-suite bedrooms, a private dining area, lounge, kitchenette, and guest bathroom — a product aimed squarely at high-level diplomatic, executive and long-stay clientele.
As a result of the refurbishment at Rainbow Towers, an extra 48 guest rooms have been redesigned with a striking, minimalist style.
On the other hand, the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) has undergone its first full-scale modernisation since its inception.
Mr Madziwanyika added that the refashioning of the Rainbow Towers Hotel and HICC has breathed new life into the hotel.
“We are optimistic about our current business performance and the future, positioning Zimbabwe as a premier destination for regional and international meetings and conferences,” he said.
“Indeed, with these sweeping refurbishments now complete, Rainbow Towers Hotel and HICC is more than a venue — it is a statement of Zimbabwean excellence.”
Known as the largest colosseum-style conference centre in Africa, the HICC can accommodate 4 500 delegates in a single sitting — and currently, this architectural powerhouse has the style, technology and polish to match its scale.
“New ergonomic seating, equipped with built-in charging stations and writing pads, brings the venue in line with international conference standards, while new carpeting and enhanced acoustics set a new tone for professional gatherings,” said Mr Madziwanyika.
In August last year, the hotel hosted 10 Heads of State attending the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit.
RTG corporate affairs and quality manager Ms Pride Khumbula said the occasion underscored the facility’s capability to deliver tailored, high-security hospitality experiences for diplomatic delegations — a key market segment her organisation is targeting.
“The investment reflects RTG’s strategic bet on Zimbabwe’s untapped potential as a regional hub for business tourism and high-level international events, particularly amid growing pressure on the hospitality sector to drive foreign exchange earnings.
“With the renovations now complete, RTG is expected to ramp up international marketing and partnership initiatives, leveraging the Rainbow Towers Hotel’s legacy and enhanced offering to secure more high-profile events,” she said.
Online Reporter