RTG opens $32 million Beitbridge Hotel

By The Southern Eye | Jan. 30, 2014

RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) Limited has opened to the public the multi-million three-star Beitbridge Hotel leased to it by NSSA

RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) Limited has opened to the public the multi-million three-star Beitbridge Hotel leased to it by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), a development expected to improve the group revenue going forward. OWN CORRESPONDENT

In a statement, RTG corporate communications and innovations manager Eltah Sanangura said the 140-roomed hotel built at a cost of $32 million opened its doors to the public last week although minor improvements to the property were still underway.

“RTG Limited opened its doors to the public for the first time on January 17 2014,” Sanangura said.

“The hospitality group’s projects and facilities team is currently conducting the final snags to the 140-roomed Hotel that RTG will lease from NSSA,” she added.

Sanangura said the soft opening of the Beitbridge Hotel would allow the group to conduct further improvements to the product in preparation for the official launch scheduled for later in the year.

The hotel was constructed to the tune of $32 million and NSSA holds over 50% shareholding directly and indirectly through investment vehicles in the tourism group.

In 2012, 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.