RTG ploughs US$26m into hotels refurbishments
PUBLICLY traded hospitality concern, Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG), has invested US$26 million in hotel refurbishments over the past five years as the group seeks to maintain quality, innovation and sustainability.
The hotel group is one of the country’s largest tourism companies owning six up market hotel properties that include Rainbow Towers, the New Ambassador, Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre, Bulawayo Rainbow, Victoria Falls Rainbow and A’Zambezi River Lodge.
Speaking after a media tour of the New Ambassador Hotel this week, where US$500 000 has been spent towards a refurbishment programme that began on the 6th of January this year and the facility is set to reopen on Monday next week, RTG group’s corporate affairs and quality manager Pride Khumbula said: “RTG has invested US$26 million in hotel refurbishments over the past five years.
“In July 2024, 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 seating with integrated charging ports, including three-pin, USB, and Type-C connections.
And in March 2020, RTG finished the refurbishment of the Rainbow Towers Hotel just before the national lockdown was announced.
This enabled the hotel to welcome and take care of the returning citizens affected by the global lockdowns.
Meanwhile, the US$500 000 New Ambassador Hotel refurbishment programme, will give the property a new look when it reopens with room layout reconfigured and reconstructed 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 approach.
At the New Ambassador, 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,” said Khumbula.
Sustainability, she 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,” said Khumbula.
To solidify its position as a leader in Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector, RTG has also invested US$380 000 towards the ongoing refurbishment programme of Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel and A’Zambezi River Lodge, also in Victoria Falls.
“These efforts align with RTG’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class hospitality experiences.
“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 tourism and investment, essential pillars of the 2030 Vision,” she said.-ebsinessweekl
