Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
VICTORIA FALLS is poised for a major boost to its tourism and hospitality sector after global hospitality giant Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced plans to open Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in late 2027.
The move marks a significant vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s premier tourist destination.
The 294-room luxury hotel will emerge following an extensive refurbishment of the iconic Kingdom Hotel, acquired at a cost of about US$30 million, and will become Hyatt’s second branded property in Zimbabwe, further strengthening Victoria Falls’ position as one of Africa’s leading travel destinations.
This comes as Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the ICC Cricket World Cup next year and following its successful bid to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) from 2029.
This follows the signing of a management agreement between a Hyatt affiliate and an affiliate of Albwardy Investments LLC.
Mrs Emmah Kativu, president of the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ), welcomed the announcement, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in Victoria Falls as a premier global tourism destination.
“From a Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe perspective, this development signals three important things,” she said.
“Firstly, it confirms that Victoria Falls continues to attract serious international investment, even in a competitive global tourism environment. The entry of a globally recognised brand such as Grand Hyatt enhances destination credibility and strengthens Zimbabwe’s positioning within the regional and international luxury travel market.”
Mrs Kativu said the investment would raise the bar for service standards, skills development, and product quality across the sector.
“International brands bring global best practices in operations, sustainability, and hospitality training. This creates opportunities for knowledge transfer, employment creation, and the upliftment of local suppliers within the tourism value chain,” she said.
Mrs Kativu also highlighted the significance of the investment in light of Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host IATF 2029.
“While Harare currently faces a room shortage, strengthening Victoria Falls’ inventory enhances the country’s overall hosting capability for large-scale continental and global events,” she said.
“In short, this is not just a hotel opening; it is a strategic reinforcement of Zimbabwe’s tourism growth trajectory. As HAZ, we welcome this investment and view it as a catalyst for further expansion, refurbishment, and modernisation across the hospitality sector.”
The property, originally built in 1966 and redeveloped in 1999, is undergoing an extensive renovation and design transformation in line with the Grand Hyatt brand.
A visit to the hotel by this reporter confirmed that refurbishment works are already ongoing, with the renovations having reduced the building to a shell as it prepares for a complete rebirth.
The company said the property will be transformed into a captivating destination within a destination that celebrates both the iconic and intimate moments through thoughtful details and grand experiences.
“The hotel will offer a dynamic mix of culinary, leisure and wellness experiences along with welcoming service that creates an elevated experience for all guests,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
Mr Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president, development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the project.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Albwardy Investments to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls…this property represents a truly exceptional setting,” Mr Bouldoukian said.
“This signing marks a significant milestone in Hyatt’s continued expansion across Africa, reinforcing our commitment to growing our brand presence in the region and providing World of Hyatt members more travel choice in inspiring destinations.”
Mr Ali Albwardy, chairman of Albwardy Investments, said the property holds significant heritage within Zimbabwe.
“We are proud to collaborate with Hyatt on plans to introduce the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls. As one of the destination’s most established hospitality landmarks for more than 60 years, the property holds significant heritage and potential within Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Through its transformation under the Grand Hyatt brand, and with plans to re-open in late 2027, we aim to create an elevated hospitality experience that celebrates the culture, energy and significance of Victoria Falls, further reinforcing our commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector.”
