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Enacy Mapakame-Business Reporter

Hospitality groups, African Sun and Meikles have jointly invested US$4,5 million towards refurbishment of the Victoria Falls Hotel.

This comes as the sector is on a recovery path following the challenges experienced after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic which affected global economies.

The tourism and hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic which resulted in operators temporarily closing some of their facilities as economies world over implemented lock down measures to limit the spread of the pandemic.

Recovery has so far been sustained mainly by the domestic market travellers with prospects high for growth from international markets following relaxation of travel restrictions globally.

“Our cash utilisation strategy remains unchanged, focusing mainly on targeted capital expenditure on hotel assets in order to enhance guest experience and to preserve value,” said African Sun chairman Emmanuel Fundira in an update on the group’s refurbishment initiatives.

“Earlier this month, we celebrated the highly anticipated completion of 47 rooms and kitchen refurbishment at the majestic five-star Victoria Falls Hotel, “the Grand Old Lady”.

“The group, together with our partner – Meikles Limited, invested over US$4,5 million towards the refurbishment of this property,” he said.

In anticipation of the growth in international arrivals, hospitality groups have also resorted to refurbish their facilities to improve ambience and position themselves for the anticipated tourism rebound.

African Sun has further committed additional millions of dollars this current financial year, towards sprucing the image of its other hotels.

At Troutbeck Resort alone, an investment of US$1,8 million is expected to be made towards refurbishment works which commenced during the past financial year.

The refurbishment, which commenced in 2021 with a complete roof makeover, is expected to be concluded in 2022 when the hotel’s 100 rooms are refurbished.

According to the group, preparatory work to carry out the refurbishment of eight additional rooms at Great Zimbabwe Hotel and remedial works on the Hungwe Conference Centre are at an advanced stage, with actual works scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2022.

Plans are also currently underway to refurbish rooms at Hwange Safari Lodge with mock-up rooms having been started. The first phase of the project, which targets 60 rooms, is expected to be completed in 2022.

The tourism and hospitality sector has been identified as one of the low hanging fruits expected to significantly contribute towards the economy and turn it into an upper middle class economy by 2030.