RTG in major assets refurbishment

TINASHE MAKICHI

The Rainbow Tour­ism Group (RTG) has embarked on a major refurbishment exercise for all its hospitality as­sets with an initial US$3m already earmarked for its flagship five-star hotel, Rainbow Towers and Interna­tional Conference Centre. RTG has six hospitality assets in its portfolio, which include Kadoma Rainbow, A’Zambezi, and Bulawayo Rainbow.

The refurbishment of Rainbow Towers entails the face-lifting of 183 guest rooms and suites. 122 guest rooms were refurbished over the past two years.

The project will include installa­tion of two high-tech guest elevators to complement the modernisation programme. The magnitude of the refurbishment will require a tem­porary closure of the hotel’s guest rooms and conference facilities until 31 January 2020.

According to the hospitality group, all food outlets, restaurants and the Harare International Con­ference Centre (HICC) will remain open for business throughout this period.

RTG operations director Tichao­na Hwingwiri noted that the timing for the refurbishment was strategic considering that it was the low sea­son for city hotels.

“During this time occupancies are

 generally low with more focus placed on selling the food and beverage of­ferings,” Hwingwiri said during a tour of the hotel facilities this week.

The new rooms and suites will embody an ultra-modern contempo­rary theme where part of the works will necessitate the reconstruction of the interiors of the guest room, introducing bulk heads with down lights to enhance the overall room lighting and general ambience.

These modifications will capture the essence of modern luxury liv­ing and functionality. At 38 square metres for standard rooms, the Rain­bow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre guest rooms are already the largest in Harare.

“Luxury in the hospitality in­dustry is about space, opulence and quality. The new rooms will definite­ly encapsulate all these elements,” said Pride Khumbula, the RTG cor­porate communications and innova­tions manager.

A palette of earth tone colours which includes greys and beige tones with hues of blue will create a warm, nature-friendly atmosphere that has a calming and soothing effect to ensure that guests can unwind, and have a peaceful and restful time in the privacy of their rooms.

The contemporary theme and colours will extend to the wall paper which will bring texture and contrast to the space, while the introduction of large Afrocentric artwork will personify the Zimbabwean African heritage and people. This will be complemented by luxurious modern furniture pieces in varying depth and texture to match the colour palette.