By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harare — Harare’s skyline icon, the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre (RTHCC), has cemented its status as Zimbabwe’s premier business and conferencing destination following a major refurbishment by the Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG).
With a US$5.2 million upgrade to the hotel and its adjoining Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), RTG has signalled a bold push to position Zimbabwe as a competitive hub for world-class hospitality and high-profile conferencing in Southern Africa.
Newly refurbished diplomatic suite lounge
The refurbishments are part of RTG’s wider US$26 million capital investment over the past five years — an ambitious drive to modernise its portfolio, elevate service quality, and appeal to discerning international and regional markets.
A New Era of Five-Star Excellence
The transformation of the Rainbow Towers is more than cosmetic — it’s a reimagining of luxury in the heart of Harare. As part of the upgrade:
Three executive floors were redesigned to include six premium suites, bringing the total to ten. These suites cater to high-level guests and dignitaries, offering two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, private dining, a kitchenette, and a guest bathroom — all wrapped in elegant finishes and smart design.
An additional 48 guest rooms were modernised with minimalist décor, soft neutral tones, and local artistry, offering comfort for both business and leisure travellers.
Diplomatic suite dining room
The hotel also boasts a secure, serene environment, removed from the hustle of the CBD. Its expansive grounds now feature a dedicated running track and landscaped gardens, promoting wellness and balance for busy travellers.
HICC: Southern Africa’s Colosseum Gets a High-Tech Makeover
The HICC — already the largest colosseum-style venue in sub-Saharan Africa with a 4,500-seat capacity — has undergone a state-of-the-art upgrade that aligns with modern hybrid conferencing demands.
Enhancements include:
Ergonomic seating with integrated charging ports
Advanced digital conferencing tools
High-spec acoustics and lighting systems
These upgrades solidify HICC’s position as the go-to venue for major State functions, international conventions, and regional summits.
Leadership Speaks
“The refashioning of the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre has breathed new life into the hotel,” said RTG Chief Executive Tendai Madziwanyika.
“We’ve seen strong growth in occupancy, and we’re confident this investment will continue to drive Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a top-tier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).”
More Than a Hotel: A One-Stop Hospitality Ecosystem
RTG’s value proposition extends beyond accommodation:
Under its “Fun Under the Rainbow” festive campaign, the group is offering special packages across its properties — ideal for families, friends, and couples looking to relax and reconnect.
Through its tour operations arm, Heritage Expeditions Africa (HEXA), guests can explore Zimbabwe with bespoke itineraries that include luxury transfers, multilingual guides, heritage tours, game drives, quad biking, and boat cruises.
Whether for business or leisure, the Rainbow Towers Hotel & HICC offers a complete, high-end hospitality experience — a beacon of Zimbabwe’s rising stature in the regional tourism and conferencing industry.
About Author
