Hospitality firm, Rainbow Tourism Group’s (RTG) investment into refurbishing its Harare central business district property, New Ambassador Hotel, has reached US$500 000 in a strategic move to further strengthen its hospitality footprint in Zimbabwe.
The renovations were completed in March 2025 and they are part of RTG’s broader infrastructure upgrades of its properties.
In a statement, RTG said the group noted that the US$500 000 was for a comprehensive refurbishment of the New Ambassador Hotel.
“In a strategic move to strengthen its hospitality footprint in Zimbabwe’s capital city, Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) has invested US$500 000 in the comprehensive refurbishment of the New Ambassador Hotel, located in the heart of Harare’s central business district,” the group said.
“The renovations, completed in March 2025, are part of RTG’s broader infrastructure upgrade programme aimed at enhancing guest experience, improving operational efficiency, and aligning with international hospitality trends.”
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The hotel’s 72 guest rooms, including executive and junior suites, have been transformed with modern pieces and optimised layouts for enhanced space and functionality.
Each room features new headboards, bedside tables, stylish lighting and international power outlets, including USB and Type-C charging options.
Bathrooms have been relocated for added spaciousness and feature modern water-saving toilets and walk-in showers.
A paraplegic-accessible room has been added and the hotel’s Wi-Fi infrastructure has been upgraded for seamless, high-speed internet access.
“The New Ambassador Hotel refurbishment forms part of RTG’s wider investment in infrastructure upgrades, which have totalled US$26 million 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),” RTG said.
“The project included the creation of six new luxury diplomatic suites and a Presidential Suite developed by combining four rooms into a premium space with two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, dining area, kitchenette, and a visitor’s bathroom.
“Additionally, 48 guest rooms were modernised, and the HICC was outfitted with new conference seating equipped with integrated charging ports for 3-pin, USB, and Type-C devices.”
RTG also invested US$380 000 into the refurbishment of its Victoria Falls properties in the first quarter of 2025, namely Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel and A’Zambezi River Lodge.
These investments form part of RTG’s mission to provide world-class hospitality experiences in both urban and tourism-driven locations.
RTG chief executive officer Tendai Madziwanyika emphasised the strategic importance of the refurbishment in advancing the group’s business goals and contributing to the revitalisation of Zimbabwe’s hospitality landscape.
“As RTG, we view infrastructure investment as a strategic lever for growth, differentiation, and long-term value creation.
“The refurbishment of the New Ambassador Hotel is part of a deliberate plan to modernise our assets, uplift our city-centre offering, and contribute to urban renewal in Harare’s CBD,” he said.
“We are not just upgrading hotels—we are elevating the guest journey, improving accessibility, embedding sustainability, and supporting Zimbabwe’s tourism and economic development agenda.
“Our investment signals confidence in the future of Zimbabwean hospitality and reflects our belief that exceptional service must be matched by exceptional spaces.”
In an interview with NewsDay Business on the sidelines of a tour of the newly-refurbished New Ambassador Hotel, on Thursday, RTG corporate affairs and quality manager Pride Khumbula said the group planned to also start renovating the Montclair Resort and Conference Hotel soon, its latest acquisition.
She said the group had also completed the refurbishment of the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel and was set to complete the second phase of the refurbishment of A’Zambezi River Lodge during the next low season.
She added that with a focus on sustainability and investment in its properties, RTG is poised to continue its growth and development in the hospitality industry, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.
