Rainbow Tourism Group Limited (RTG) has announced a strategic partnership with Grand Metropolitan Holdings BV (GMH), a Switzerland-based international hospitality company, to form multiple joint ventures focused on expanding hospitality and technology opportunities across Africa.
“This strategic partnership is growth-oriented and specifically for the creation of new value,” said RTG in a press release.
“The formation of the Zimbabwean joint venture entity will allow us to identify and pursue new hotel opportunities in Zimbabwe, while the Sub-Saharan African joint venture entity will focus on various hotel opportunities across the region.”
The partnership holds significant potential for both companies. RTG, already one of the largest tourism companies in Zimbabwe, aims to leverage GMH’s expertise and experience to become a major player in the African hospitality sector.
GMH which manages over 79 hotels under various business models, sees an opportunity to expand its reach across Africa.
A key aspect of the partnership is the establishment of a hospitality academy in Zimbabwe, in collaboration with a top Swiss hospitality school.
This academy is envisioned to be a hospitality training hub, aimed at expanding the skilled human capital base in the African hospitality industry.
“The formation of the Zimbabwe hospitality academy is a demonstration of Zimbabwe leading in developing solutions for human capital for Africa by Africans,” said RTG.
“The Academy will also be in collaboration with one of the best hospitality schools in Europe.
“It also signifies the carrying to fruition of the mantra by The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, that Zimbabwe is open for business and the principle of engagement and re-engagement with the whole world,” said RTG.
The partnership will also see the creation of a digital platform designed to enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and integrate cutting-edge technology solutions within the hospitality sector.
This platform aspires to become the go-to online booking platform in Africa, establishing an “African Heritage Hospitality Collection” – a loyalty program for African hotels.
The official launch of the Strategic Partnership took place on April 11, 2024, at the Westin Hotel Cape Town, South Africa, coinciding with the World Travel Market Africa showcase.
