Hotels invest big as Zimbabwe emerges as a top MICE destination
SITHENI NLEYA
Two of Zimbabwe’s premier hotels have unveiled new state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a leading regional and international destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE).
In Harare, the iconic Hyatt Regency Meikles Hotel has completed the second phase of its ambitious US$35m renovation project, adding four more conferencing spaces to its offerings.
This brings the current number of operational event rooms to six, with five additional venues expected to come online in the next phase of construction.
“Right now, we are almost at 80% use of the budget,” said General Manager Tinashe Munjoma during a media briefing at the hotel.
“As you have seen, we have made significant enhancements to provide top-tier facilities for a variety of events.”
The upgraded facilities include the Steward, Edwards, and Connaught rooms—each refurbished with new wall colours, flooring, and ceilings—and the transformation of the former LaFontaine restaurant into a spacious conferencing venue that can accommodate up to 250 guests.
In the country’s prime tourist hub of Victoria Falls, the newly launched Queen Nandi Place—part of the Victoria Falls Safari Collection under the Africa Albida Tourism Hospitality group—was officially opened on April 4.
The high-end, multi-functional events venue is set within the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate and is poised to enhance the town’s status as a year-round MICE destination.
Andy Conn, Group Operations Manager, emphasized the strategic importance of such a facility in mitigating the challenges posed by low-season tourism.
Head of Sales and Marketing Anald Musonza underscored the need for collective effort in marketing Victoria Falls globally:
“To grow the MICE business in Victoria Falls, collaboration is key. Queen Nandi Place is just one piece of the puzzle, and we need the entire community to rally together and actively position Victoria Falls as a world-class events destination.”
The facility can host up to 180 delegates and features a dedicated kitchen for seamless event catering.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Tongai Mnangagwa, who officiated at the Hyatt Regency Meikles event, praised the sector’s momentum:
“I’m glad to say the tourism sector witnessed an increase of 11% in tourism investments—from US$172m in 2023 to US$190.5m in 2024.
With Hyatt having one of the biggest investments in the sector, we have achieved a US$5bn economy.
As we grow further, this will add value to our vision for the tourism economy.”
He added, “In today’s global landscape, MICE tourism plays a pivotal role in attracting visitors, strengthening business networks, and facilitating knowledge exchange.”
With renewed investment and strategic infrastructure development, Zimbabwe is clearly positioning itself as a serious contender in the competitive MICE tourism market.
