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RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) Limited’s opened 3star Beitbridge Hotel ranks as one of its biggest investments in Zimbabwe since 2009

RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) Limited’s recently-opened three-star Beitbridge Hotel ranks as one of its biggest investments in Zimbabwe since the introduction of the multi-currency system in 2009, an official has said.

MTHANDAZO NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT

RTG group corporate and innovations manager Eltah Sanangura told journalists during the tour of the facility on Monday that the three-star hotel was expected to improve the group’s revenue going forward.

RTG is leasing the hotel from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) which constructed it at a cost of $32 million.

The 140-roomed hotel with 75 twin rooms, 55 double rooms, three executive suites, three paraplegic rooms, opened its doors to the public on January 17 and boasts four conference rooms with a total capacity of 700 delegates and a boardroom that can accommodate 15 delegates.

NSSA injected $10 million as capital in the hotel group at 10% interest paid over a five-year period.

Another $4,4 million loan was extended in 2013 to equip Beitbridge Hotel last year, which Sanangura said was the second-largest investment made by RTG in the last five years after successfully refurbishing and upgrading the A’ Zambezi River Lodge in Victoria Falls from a three-star to a four-star resort hotel.

She expressed confidence in the hotel, which she said would be anchored on a healthy mix drawn from the government, individuals and corporate clients.

“This is considered one of the biggest investments to have taken place in Zimbabwe, more so in Beitbridge, over the past few years and certainly since the introduction of the multi-currency regime. The group will, through its various projects on product development, continue to invest in areas that will contribute significantly to the overall development of the tourism and hospitality industry in the country. It is centred on convenience, reliability, simplicity, value for money and freshness,” she said.

The rooms are equipped with modern LED televisions sets, mini bar fridges, tea stations, hairdryers, and ultra-violet key system which allow guests to use their key card to swipe for access to their rooms.

Sanangura revealed that 80% of the hotel’s energy was derived from renewable sources.

The hotel has 40 employees and has a programme to train locals for waiter positions in a bid to equip the Beitbridge community with hospitality skills.

“These skills will be the pool that the hotel will in future employ as casuals as and when the need arises,” Sanangura said, adding that Beitbridge Hotel would cater for transit travellers en route to South Africa and other surrounding areas.

Clients have access to free WiFi connectivity, a beauty parlour and salon, banking halls, a business centre, a 16-metre swimming pool, casino, gym with modern equipment and a fitness instructor and a fully functional laundry facility that offers laundry services not only to its guests, but to the Beitbridge community.

As part of its conference package, the hotel offers delegates game-viewing, fishing, gorge-viewing, site seeing and shopping trips to Musina in neighbouring South Africa.