RTG completes revamp of Rainbow Towers Hotel
STAFF WRITER
Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG), the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed hospitality giant, has completed a US$5.2m refurbishment of the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre, transforming the iconic Harare property into a contemporary luxury destination.
Set prominently against Harare’s skyline, the five-star Rainbow Towers Hotel — together with the adjacent Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) — has re-emerged with renewed grandeur following a comprehensive top-to-bottom transformation. The upgrade blends timeless sophistication with modern design, setting new benchmarks in Zimbabwe’s hotel sector.
The refurbishment is a cornerstone of RTG’s broader US$26m five-year capital expenditure programme, which seeks to elevate the country’s profile in global tourism and business travel circles.
“The refashioning of the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre has breathed new life into the hotel,” said RTG Chief Executive Tendai Madziwanyika.
“It offers timeless comfort with a modern twist. We are optimistic about our current business performance and the future, positioning Zimbabwe as a premier destination for regional and international meetings and conferences.”
The enhancements to the hotel’s interiors are both ambitious and meticulously executed.
Three floors were fully remodelled to create six new luxury suites, developed by merging four standard rooms into expansive, private spaces tailored for high-end travellers and diplomatic guests.
Each suite includes two en-suite bedrooms, a plush lounge, private dining area, sleek kitchenette, and guest bathroom — offering the exclusivity and privacy required by discerning clientele. Attention to detail reigns throughout, with ambient lighting, rich textures, smart amenities, and sustainable materials combining to deliver a seamless, high-end experience.
In addition, 48 guest rooms were overhauled with a clean, minimalist design language. These rooms now feature stylish bulkheads with soft downlighting, high-quality flooring, and spa-style bathrooms equipped with rain showers, polished finishes, and eco-friendly fittings.
RTG also undertook the first full modernisation of the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) — Africa’s largest colosseum-style conference venue, which seats up to 4,500 delegates. The revamp introduced ergonomic seating with built-in charging ports and writing pads, plush carpeting, and improved acoustics — aligning the venue with international conferencing standards.
The new-look HICC debuted during the high-profile August 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government, where the hotel played host to 10 Heads of State — underscoring its readiness to handle top-tier diplomatic and international events.
RTG’s focus extended beyond aesthetics to operational efficiency and guest convenience. Two new Kone guest elevators were added, bringing the total to four, with key-card access introduced to enhance security. To streamline back-of-house operations, two new service elevators were also installed in Q4 2024, easing kitchen and HICC logistics.
For RTG, the upgrade isn’t just about enhancing accommodation — it’s about curating a bespoke diplomatic and hospitality experience that matches the evolving demands of global business and government travellers.
The Rainbow Towers refurbishment marks a critical milestone not only for the group but also for Zimbabwe’s positioning in Southern Africa’s high-end tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.
