RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) is expecting a significant rise in occupancy levels at its New Ambassador Hotel, located in Harare’s Central Business District, following a US$500 000 upgrade that was completed in March.
The upgrade is part of RTG’s wider strategy to attract both local and international travellers seeking affordable, quality accommodation in the capital’s core.
The refurbishment saw a complete overhaul of the hotel’s 72 guest rooms, including executive and junior suites, all redesigned with a focus on space optimisation, modern aesthetics, and enhanced functionality. Each room now features new furniture, including headboards, bedside tables, and stylish lighting fixtures. International charging options have been installed to meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy guests.
The hospitality group is confident that these upgrades will result in a marked improvement in occupancy rates, especially from business travellers, government departments, Non-Governmental Organisations, and regional tourists who value comfort, location, and connectivity.
Speaking after a media tour of the hotel, RTG’s corporate affairs and quality manager, Ms Pride Khumbula, said: “We have made targeted investments to enhance both visual appeal and guest comfort, which we believe will translate into significantly higher hotel room occupancy and improved customer retention.”
The bathrooms were relocated and redesigned to maximise space, now featuring walk-in showers, new vanities, modern tiling, and water-saving toilets.
The hotel also introduced a paraplegic-accessible room to cater to the needs of physically challenged guests.
Beyond aesthetics, the refurbishment includes a strong focus on sustainability, aligning with RTG’s environmental goals.
The hotel now features low-flow toilets that reduce water usage by up to 30 percent per flush and is fully fitted with LED lighting to cut energy consumption.
The project forms part of RTG’s larger US$26 million capital upgrade over the past five years. In July last year, the group completed a US$5,2 million renovation of the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre, adding luxury suites and tech-enhanced conference facilities. Earlier in 2025, RTG also invested US$380 000 in refurbishing its Victoria Falls properties — the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel and A’Zambezi River Lodge.
RTG chief executive, Mr Tendai Madziwanyika, in a statement, said the New Ambassador Hotel upgrade reflects the group’s long-term vision.
“As RTG, we view infrastructure investment as a strategic lever for growth, differentiation, and long-term value creation,” he said.
“The refurbishment of the New Ambassador Hotel is part of a deliberate plan to modernise our assets, uplift our city-centre offering, and contribute to urban renewal in Harare’s CBD.
“We are not just upgrading hotels — we are elevating the guest journey, improving accessibility, embedding sustainability, and supporting Zimbabwe’s tourism and economic development agenda.”
Source: The Herald
