Staff Writer
Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) will this year invest into a 2 megawatt solar system project at its Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre after it has made significant strides in integrating sustainability into its long-term strategy, with a focus on renewable energy and environmental responsibility.
In the past year, RTG’s Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre solar plant generated 270,984 kWh of clean energy, leading to a 31% reduction in energy costs for the company.
In a statement accompanying the group’s financial results for the year 2025, RTG board chairperson Douglas Hoto said will be grid-tied, allowing surplus energy to be fed into the national grid
“Sustainability remains central to Rainbow Tourism Group’s long term value creation strategy, with ESG principles embedded across operations, capital investments and governance structures. During the year, the Kadoma solar plant generated 270,984 kWh of clean energy, resulting in a 31% reduction in energy costs,” Mr Hoto said.
“Building on this progress, the Group will implement a 2 megawatt solar installation at the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre in 2026.
“The system is projected to produce 2,942,838 kWh annually and, being grid tied, will enable surplus energy to be fed into the national grid, contributing to broader national energy resilience.”
He said that RTG’s commitment to resource efficiency extends across its operations.
“All business units continued to drive resource efficiency initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. The Green Stays programme delivered measurable reductions in energy, water and chemical consumption during the fourth quarter,” he said.
“In addition, refurbishment projects now incorporate systems such as low flow flushing systems that reduce water usage by up to 30% per flush, along with smart key card systems designed to optimise electricity consumption across guest rooms.”
The company’s sustainability efforts are complemented by investments in human capital and community development.
“The Group also prioritised human capital development, with the Employer Assisted Housing Scheme extending benefits to 53% of employees during the year. The programme remains a key component of RTG’s commitment to employee well-being and financial security, with a target to reach 75% employee participation by the end of 2027,” he said.
He also noted that during the year, the Group invested US$75,000 in community development initiatives, representing 3% of profit after tax.
“These contributions supported health institutions and orphanages across Zimbabwe, delivering tangible socio-economic benefits and reinforcing the Group’s commitment to creating shared value within the communities it serves,” Mr. Hoto said.
In the statement he said that the Group recorded robust growth in the FY25, with revenue rising 13% to US$50.3 million, up from US$44.4 million recorded in the FY24, driven by innovative strategies and the sustained strength of the Group’s diversified hospitality portfolio.
Mr. Hoto said that the Group’s total assets increased by 28% to US$82.7 million, compared to US$64.5 million in the prior year.
“The Group’s financial position remains strong, evidenced by a 28% increase in total assets to US$82.7 million, up from US$64.5 million in the prior year,” he said.
“This growth was driven primarily by the strategic acquisition of assets, namely Montclair Hotel and Casino in Nyanga, MSK House in Cape Town, South Africa, and Batoka Safaris, a destination management entity based in Victoria Falls.”
The Group recorded an occupancy rate of 57% during the period under review, a 6% increase from 54% recorded the prior year.
“This increase is despite the temporary displacement of approximately 3,200 room nights due to planned refurbishments across key properties. Average Daily Rate (ADR) strengthened to US$109 from US$102, while Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) increased 13% to US$62, reflecting improved demand across the Group’s portfolio,” he said.
Mr Hoto also noted that foreign currency revenue increased by 28% to US$24.1 million from US$18.9 million recorded in 2024, supported by continued growth in international tourist arrivals in Victoria Falls and an increase in regional conferences.
“Montclair Resort and Conference Hotel was incorporated into operations effective 1 March 2025. Batoka Safaris a tour operating entity was acquired and consolidated into the Groups revenue from 1 June 2025. Both entities contributed 8% of the total Group revenues.”
RTG Chief Executive Tendai Madziwanyika said the Group’s focus on renewable energy is a deliberate and strategic move to reduce the company’s carbon foot print as well as reduce operating costs.
“Our focus on renewable energy has been a deliberate and strategic effort to reduce our environmental footprint and enhance operational efficiency. The successful operation of the Kadoma solar plant, which generated nearly 270,984 kWh of clean energy this year, is a testament to our commitment to integrating sustainable practices into our core operations,” Mr. Madziwanyika said.
“Additionally, our resource efficiency initiatives such as low-flow water systems and smart energy management, are embedded in our refurbishment projects, driven by a focus on operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
“These efforts are part of our broader strategy to make sustainability a practical, operational reality across all our business units,” Mr. Madziwanyika said.
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