Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Leonard Ncube, [email protected]
WATERFALLS Hotel, a 60-room facility under construction by leading tourism and hospitality company Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls, is nearing completion, with most of the structural work finished.
The US$8 million project is set to open in July, offering a 4-star experience at competitive 3-star rates. Located along Reynard Road, the hotel will feature a conference facility, spa, offices and two rooms designed to accommodate people with disabilities — an unprecedented move in the local hospitality sector.
The new hotel will add to Victoria Falls’ accommodation capacity, which currently stands at around 3,000 rooms, including Airbnbs and smaller lodges.
A mock room has already been completed, showcasing the hotel’s design and amenities.
Wild Horizons’ corporate affairs and business development director, Mrs Barbara Murasiranwa-Hughes, confirmed that the project remains on schedule.
“Construction is underway, and we are on target to finish and open the hotel in July. A mock room has been completed to showcase the final product, and we will have two rooms for people with disabilities,” she said.
“The property is roofed, and we are now focusing on interior finishing and the front office, which will include a restaurant, conference room and spa. Importantly, all supplies so far are from Zimbabwe, in line with the Buy Zimbabwe policy.”
Wild Horizons has prioritised local sourcing and employment, with Kiggen Construction leading the project and all construction materials procured locally. About 100 jobs have been created, with most workers drawn from Hwange District and the Matabeleland North province.
The project aligns with the Second Republic’s development philosophy and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
It also underlines Wild Horizons’ commitment to Zimbabwe’s economic growth, employment creation and local capacitation, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.
Victoria Falls has experienced a surge in infrastructure development under the Second Republic, attracting substantial investments that reinforce its position as a premier international tourist destination.
Tourism, a key foreign currency earner employing thousands along its value chain, is central to achieving the Government’s Vision 2030. The sector aims to build a US$5 billion tourism economy by 2025, with Victoria Falls playing a pivotal role.
Established in 2004, Wild Horizons has significantly contributed to the country’s tourism industry, with operations extending to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.
The company has invested millions in various projects and garnered numerous awards for conservation and hospitality excellence.
The company has won several conservation and hospitality awards, as well as recognition at various fora such as the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo and others.— @ncubeleon
