Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) has invested US$2 million in the refurbishment of Montclair Resort and Conference Hotel in Nyanga as part of efforts to modernise tourism infrastructure and strengthen the Eastern Highlands’ appeal as a premier destination.
The refurbishment programme, which began on June 1, is expected to be completed by July 31, while the hotel remains operational throughout the exercise.
According to RTG, the project is being implemented in phases to minimise disruption to guests.
The first phase covers 49 rooms in the Northern Block and Western Block A and is scheduled for completion by June 30, while the second phase, covering 56 rooms in the Southern Block and Western Block B, will be completed by the end of July.
RTG Group chief executive Mr Tendai Madziwanyika said the investment demonstrates the company’s confidence in the growth prospects of the Eastern Highlands tourism market.
“The Eastern Highlands is one of Zimbabwe’s most spectacular tourism assets and we believe it has immense potential to become the country’s next major tourism destination alongside Victoria Falls,” he said.
“Through investments such as this refurbishment of Montclair Resort and Conference Hotel, RTG is playing its part in opening up the region, enhancing tourism infrastructure and creating experiences that attract both domestic and international travellers.”
RTG acquired Montclair Resort and Conference Hotel in 2025 and has since undertaken measures to unlock value from the property.
The group increased room capacity from 85 rooms at acquisition to 105 rooms through space optimisation, including the conversion of selected suites into standard rooms and the repurposing of former office space into guest accommodation.
The refurbishment includes upgrades to guest rooms, public areas and the restaurant.
Works being undertaken include replastering and repainting, installation of new ceilings and floor finishes, refurbishment of bathrooms, replacement of plumbing, electrical and heating systems and the installation of new furniture and fittings.
Guests will also benefit from upgraded technology, including IP Smart TVs, international power outlets and USB and USB-C charging ports.
Mr Madziwanyika said the investment was aimed at improving guest experiences while enhancing the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
“This investment is about more than upgrading a hotel. It is about raising standards, driving destination competitiveness and creating memorable experiences for our guests,” he said.
“As RTG, we are committed to continuously investing in our products to ensure that our hotels remain world-class and capable of meeting the evolving expectations of today’s traveller.”
The refurbishment follows the hotel’s recent attainment of ISO 9001:2015 certification from the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), becoming the seventh RTG property to secure the internationally recognised quality management certification.
Mr Madziwanyika said the certification reflects RTG’s commitment to service excellence and continuous improvement.
“For us, ISO is not merely a certification; it is a commitment to consistency, quality and continuous improvement,” he said.
In line with RTG’s environmental, social and governance agenda, the refurbishment incorporates sustainability features such as water-efficient low-flow flushing systems capable of reducing water consumption by up to 30 percent and smart energy key-card activation systems designed to optimise electricity usage.
The hotel is also advancing the group’s farm-to-table programme under the RTG Agro Initiative, producing vegetables and herbs on-site for use in its operations.
RTG said the initiative reduces transportation-related carbon emissions, strengthens supply chain resilience and supports local economic development.
The refurbishment forms part of the group’s broader strategy to modernise its hospitality portfolio, improve service delivery and strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism offering.
