Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga-Senior Business Reporter
LISTED hospitality group, Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG), has embarked on a refurbishment drive that will see it spending nearly US$1 million on three of its hotels in Harare and Victoria Falls.
This will, the group said, transform its guest rooms into modern facilities.
The targeted properties are New Ambassador Hotel, A’ Zambezi River Lodge and Victoria Falls Rainbow.
The renovation programme began on the 6th of last month.
Speaking after a media tour of the New Ambassador Hotel yesterday, RTG corporate affairs and quality manager Ms Pride Khumbula said the New Ambassador Hotel was set to reopen next week on Monday, ready to host delegates during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit at the end of the month.
Renovations at Victoria Falls Rainbow and A’Zambezi River Lodge are scheduled to be completed by February mid-month.
“We have embarked on a major refurbishment of the New Ambassador Hotel at an investment of US$500 000 and RTG is investing US$380 000 in the refurbishment of its Victoria Falls properties, including Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel and A’Zambezi River Lodge.
“These efforts align with RTG’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class hospitality experiences,” she said.
The transformation of the three properties reflects a commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability, echoing the aspirations of the Government to foster an inclusive economy that benefits all citizens.
“The group is also not only enhancing its service offerings but also contributing to the broader goal of attracting tourists and investment, essential pillars of the 2030 Vision,” said Ms Khumbula.
The refurbishment programme includes the reconfiguring and reconstruction of the room layout to maximise space.
The bathrooms have been overhauled with the installation of brand new modern fixtures which include bathroom vanities, walk-in showers, and modern toilets that are low-flow systems to reduce water consumption in line with the group’s sustainability.
At the New Ambassador Hotel, the walls and floors have been stripped and re-tiled to achieve a sleek, modern finish.
“We are pleased to advise that the New Ambassador Hotel will be ready to host the delegations attending the SADC Ministers meeting in February and March,” she said.
Sustainability, Ms Khumbula said, remains a key focus in RTG’s refurbishment projects and thus the New Ambassador Hotel has incorporated water-saving low-flow toilet flushing systems, LED energy-efficient lighting, and other environmentally conscious measures to reduce its carbon footprint.
The hotel will also feature state-of-the-art technology, including smart televisions and internet-based telephone systems. In line with RTG’s commitment to enhancing guest connectivity, the hotel’s WiFi infrastructure is being upgraded with enhanced wireless access points to ensure seamless, high-speed internet performance.
“Additionally, the door access and locking system will transition to an RFID Key Card system, supporting mobile key technology for a streamlined check-in process while improving security and overall guest convenience.”
Conveniently located within Harare’s CBD, the New Ambassador Hotel is within walking distance of major financial, commercial, and government institutions, as well as retail shops, cinemas, and cultural landmarks such as the National Museum and Art Gallery.
Meanwhile, RTG has invested US$26 million in hotel refurbishments over the past five years and in July last year, the group completed a US$5,2 million renovation of the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
The upgrades included the creation of six luxury diplomatic suites, merging four rooms into one Presidential Suite with two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, dining area, kitchenette, and visitor’s bathroom.
In addition to the suites, 48 guest rooms were modernised, and the HICC received brand-new seats with integrated charging ports, including 3-pin, USB, and Type-C options.
In 2020, the Group finished the refurbishment of the Rainbow Towers Hotel in March just before the national lockdown was announced.
This enabled the hotel to welcome and take care of the returning citizens affected the global lockdowns.
