Rainbow Tourism Group (Zimbabwe) and Grand Metropolitan Hotels (Switzerland) announce strategic joint venture partnership
Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) and Grand Metropolitan Hotels (GMH) announced a strategic partnership in which the two entities formed various joint venture entities to leverage on various opportunities within the hospitality and tech industries throughout the African continent. This collaboration will leverage the strengths and expertise of both organisations to create a giant African Hospitality Company. The launch took place on the sidelines of WTM Africa in Cape Town South Africa.
Grand Metropolitan Hotels is a Swiss-based hotel management firm overseeing a portfolio of over 80 hotels globally under various business models, including ownership, lease, management, franchise, and affiliation. The company has a proven track record of creating its own brands and expanding through partnerships with international hotel brands and their worldwide distribution networks.
The partnership which is a joint venture, which will leverage Rainbow Tourism Group’s knowledge and experience of the African terrain as well as its commitment to excellence as demonstrated by RTG’s ISO certification, with the proven track record and expertise of Grand Metropolitan Hotels, a leader in hospitality in Europe. Together, the two brands aim to positively redefine the boundaries of the guest experience and set new industry standards in Africa.
“The intricacies of the strategic partnership include the formation of a Zimbabwe Hotel Management joint venture to manage various new hotel opportunities in Zimbabwe and throughout Sub Saharan Africa. We will be activating the Gateway Stream platform to become Africa’s leading online booking solution for the tourism industry”, said Mr. Tendai Madziwanyika the Chief Executive for RTG at the launch of the partnership held in Cape Town South Africa, on the sidelines of the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa.
He further explained that the shared vision of the partnership is to expand both entities’ presence on the African continent by growing rooms capacity in destinations with proven growth potential. The partnership also includes the creation of a local hotel school in partnership with Schweizerische Hotelfachule Lucerne, one of the oldest and largest Swiss Hospitality schools based in Lucerne, Switzerland. The hospitality school will capacitate the continent by the delivery of world class hospitality human capital development. Guests can look forward to an array of enhanced services, amenities, and experiences that will exceed their expectations. “From cutting-edge technology integrations to curated dining concepts, wellness initiatives, and immersive cultural experiences, we are committed to delivering the utmost in guest satisfaction” he said.
Grand Metropolitan Hotels Board Chairman and President, Mr. Martin Smura, echoed the same sentiment, "We are excited to collaborate with Rainbow Tourism Group and bring our expertise as Grand Metropolitan Hotels, in international hospitality management, technology and human capital development to the hospitality industry in Africa. Together, we will create an environment that seamlessly blends our collective strengths, fostering a unique and unforgettable guest journey.
To show its commitment to Africa, Grand Metropolitan Hotel is expanding its collaborative program through the launch of the Africa Hotel Alliance and the African Heritage Hospitality Collection. The Alliance will create an opportunity for premium owner-operated hotels to join the alliance and draw immense benefits which include but not limited to revenue growth, extended reach to key markets, marketing and promotion support. Through the Gateway Stream platform, the joint venture will benefit from the two established GMH programs through collaboration in rooms recruitment and technology sharing. "
“The strategic partnership marks an exciting chapter in the hospitality industry. It is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and delivering extraordinary guest experiences and shareholder value. We look forward to unveiling the fruits of our collaboration to our guests, travel partners and all stakeholders” he said.