The Rainbow Towers Hotel and the Harare International Conference Centre
By Dickson Bandera
The gleaming Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre (RTHCC) has unveiled a remarkable US$5.2 million facelift — a bold statement of Zimbabwe’s renewed ambition to reclaim its place among Africa’s premier destinations for world-class conferences and luxury accommodation.
As part of the transformation, three floors were redesigned to create six premium suites, bringing the total number of executive suites to ten. Each suite is meticulously crafted for high-profile delegations and discerning business travellers, offering two en-suite bedrooms, a plush lounge, a private dining area, a sleek kitchenette, and a guest bathroom.
An additional 48 guest rooms have been reimagined in a minimalist yet elegant aesthetic, featuring soft neutral tones and touches of Zimbabwean artistry to provide a tranquil retreat for both business and leisure guests.
At the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), the upgrades include ergonomic seating with integrated charging ports, cutting-edge digital conferencing technology, and a premium acoustic system designed for hybrid meetings. With a 4,500-seat capacity, the HICC remains Africa’s only colosseum-style conference venue, continuing to host major summits, international conventions, and high-level state events.
Attention to detail defines the new designs— from ambient lighting and rich textures to smart amenities and the use of sustainable materials — all blending to create a seamless, high-end hospitality experience.
Beyond luxury and technology, the hotel now incorporates wellness-inspired amenities such as a running track and manicured gardens, offering guests a peaceful sanctuary amidst the vibrant cityscape
The refurbishment forms part of the Rainbow Tourism Group’s (RTG) US$26 million capital investment programme implemented over the past five years. This ambitious initiative breathes new life into one of Harare’s most iconic landmarks, reaffirming RTG’s commitment to redefining modern hospitality through elegance, innovation, and regional competitiveness.
RTG Chief Executive Tendai Madziwanyika hailed the renovations as a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector.
“The refashioning of the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre has breathed new life into the hotel,” Madziwanyika said. “It offers timeless comfort with a modern twist. We have already seen the positive impact of this investment as occupancy has grown considerably. We are optimistic about the future performance of this hotel, positioning Zimbabwe as a premier destination for regional and international meetings and conferences.”
The extensive upgrades have transformed Rainbow Towers into a beacon of contemporary elegance and sophistication, setting a new benchmark for Zimbabwean hospitality.
As the festive season approaches, RTG has introduced a special promotion, “Fun Under the Rainbow,” inviting families and travellers to experience the newly refurbished facilities through a series of attractive packages across its hotel network.
Enhancing this offering is RTG’s tour operations arm, Heritage Expeditions Africa (HEXA), which provides a full range of travel services — from airport transfers and guided city tours to game drives and adventure excursions across Zimbabwe’s premier destinations.
Listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and ISO 9001:2015 certified, RTG stands among the country’s leading tourism enterprises. Through sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, and sustainability, the Group continues to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a competitive regional tourism hub — one fully prepared to host the world.
