By Jonathan Mbiriyameka
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector is experiencing an unprecedented wave of interest from global hotel brands, with industry giants including Hilton, Hyatt, Accor, and Radisson Blu announcing major investments in the country.
The influx of international hospitality capital signals growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism potential and is set to transform the country’s accommodation landscape over the next five years.
Hilton Makes Historic Entry
Hilton has announced its first foray into Zimbabwe, signing an agreement with property developer Terrace Africa to develop a Hilton Garden Inn property in Harare’s upmarket Highlands district.
The 140-room hotel, scheduled to open in early 2029, will form part of the Highlands Precinct, a mixed-use development bringing together offices, retail outlets, dining establishments, residences, and conferencing facilities.
Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer for Middle East and Africa at Hilton, described the move as a defining moment for the company’s African expansion strategy.
“Entering Zimbabwe marks an important milestone in Hilton’s continued expansion across Africa and reflects our confidence in the country’s long-term hospitality potential,” Khneisser said.
“With Harare serving as a key commercial, diplomatic and regional gateway, we see strong opportunity to bring Hilton Garden Inn to a market where demand from business and leisure travellers continues to grow”.
Brett Abrahamse, Director of Terrace Africa, noted that Harare has not seen a new internationally branded hotel completed in 40 years.
“I know there’s a couple in the ground, but there hasn’t been a new branded hotel finished in Harare that started and finished in 40 years,” he said.
Grand Hyatt Heads to Victoria Falls
Hyatt Hotels has signed an agreement to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls, rebranding the iconic Kingdom Hotel which has been closed since 2023.
The property, acquired by Dubai-based ASB Hospitality for US$30 million, will undergo a major refurbishment and is expected to reopen in late 2027 with 245 guestrooms.
The revamped property will feature three restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center. Its location—the closest hotel to the entrance of Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side—is expected to appeal to leisure travelers.
Other Global Brands Moving In
Accor is developing the Novotel Victoria Falls, the group’s first Zimbabwe hotel, set to open in early 2028 with 111 keys in the Eagle Heights precinct.
Park Inn by Radisson Resort Victoria Falls, another four-star choice, is scheduled to open in early 2029 with 150 guest rooms.
IHG is also preparing to open two hotels in Victoria Falls—the House of Chinhara under its Vignette Collection and Six Senses Victoria Falls, the latter offering tree-level lodges.
A Transformative Moment
The entry of these global brands represents more than new hotel rooms—it brings international standards, distribution networks, technology, skills, market access, and increased investor confidence.
As Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube noted at the Zimbabwe Tourism Investment Forum, “Their investment brings more than international brands; it brings global standards, distribution networks, technology, skills, market access and increased investor confidence.”
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