By Agencies
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has hailed the strategic partnership between Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) and a Switzerland-based international hospitality company, the Grand Metropolitan Hotels BV (GMH).
The partnership include the formation of a Zimbabwean joint venture entity that will identify and pursue new hotel opportunities in Zimbabwe and the formation of a Sub-Saharan African joint venture entity that will focus on various hotel opportunities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The partnership will also see the creation of a hospitality academy in partnership with a top Swiss Hospitality School which will be a hospitality training hub aimed at expanding the human capital base in the industry and internet market.
In her congratulatory message following the launch of the partnership in Cape Town, South Africa on the sidelines of the World Travel Market Africa showcase, Minister Rwodzi said:
“The partnership with the a well renowned International Brand, Grand Metropolitan Hotels for the School of Hospitality that will definitely change the landscape of tourism and hospitality industry in the country and the rest of Africa. It is a welcome initiative that will complement Education 5.0 to bridge our education qualifications and skills.
“I’m proud to have witnessed the launch of this partnership that will enhance the growth and competitiveness of our industry in line with our government’s priorities and strategies for socio- economic development in the country,” she said.
In a statement, RTG corporate affairs and quality manager, Pride Khumbula said the strategic move is aligned with Zimbabwe’s national mantra that the country is Open for Business in line with the engagement and re-engagement agenda.
“It is important to highlight that the strategic partnership is growth-oriented and specifically for the creation of new value.
“The formation of the Zimbabwe Hospitality Academy is a demonstration of Zimbabwe leading in developing solutions for human capital for Africa by Africans.
“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 philosophy by President Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is open for business and the principle of engagement and re-engagement with the whole world,” she said.
