Rainbow Tourism Group

Opinion

Simbarashe Mukondo

The iconic Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), once a marvel, now struggles to impress in a technology-driven era. Its grand exterior hides an outdated interior, begging for renovation and modernisation. The HICC fails to meet international standards.

Meanwhile, new players like the luxurious Harare Hippodrome are raising the bar, threatening HICC’s dominance. In this article, I urge HICC to embrace change and investors to consider building multi-purpose, tech-savvy venues that can truly be Harare’s pride.

This is not just about bricks and mortar, but about showcasing Harare’s potential and progress on a global stage.

I grew up in rural Zimbabwe, where exposure was limited. So, stepping into the HICC for the first time was awe-inspiring. It was a beauty! But after experiencing more, I began to wonder, “Is HICC truly beautiful?”

HICC, the supposed jewel of Harare, boasts impressive features: accommodating thousands, comfortable seating, and a convenient connection to the Rainbow Towers Hotel. Smaller meeting rooms solidify its position as a conference hub, hosting the nation’s biggest events.

Yet, something niggles. The beautiful exterior hides an interior in dire need of a refresh. That stage? Frankly, the Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG)’s HICC is aging, and renovations to meet international standards are crucial. We are in a technological era, and they’re missing the boat. Imagine an events website showcasing every event happening, accessible to anyone seeking information. Every event can be awarded a page on the site.

And the check-in? Ditch the queues with digital kiosks. Imagine the data-driven operational improvements! Cell phone charging ports and laptop sockets are no longer luxuries, they are necessities. And a tailor-made attendee app? Pre-confirm attendance, schedule networking, and facilitate event communication – the possibilities are endless!

It’s time for HICC to shed its complacency. Yes, 7Arts and The Venue in Avondale might be small, City Sports Stadium an eyesore, and open-air spaces like Glamis Arena have limitations. But they’re competing with you. Your competitive advantages? The attached hotel, versatility, and secure parking will not be enough soon.

Simbarashe Able Mukondo is the Chief Executive Officer at Varisync Planners, an events planning and marketing entity. He can be contacted on 0782 974 806.

The Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) has indicated that the lockdown put in place by the government as part of its measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic affected its conference business during the first half of 2021.

In his statement accompanying the group’s abridged consolidated financial statement for the half-year ended 30 June 2021, which was released this week, RTG Chairman, Arthur Manase highlighted that lockdown and limited international travel affected the tourism company.

“The group was largely reliant on domestic tourism due to restrictions on international travel. Conference business was affected by the national lockdown measures with little to no activities for the period between January and mid-March 2021. Business volumes improved significantly from mid-March to June 2021 buoyed by accommodation, outside catering as well as Gateway Stream revenue channels such as online shopping, hardware and music,” Manase said.

Looking ahead, the tourism company pinned its hopes for increased business on the resumption of international flights into Zimbabwe and the recent relaxation of the Stage 4 lockdown.

“The resumption of international flights into destination Zimbabwe and the expected opening up of the economy in the remaining months of the year will see a significant growth in business volumes,” said Manase.

Manase indicated that RTG was expecting increased business during the remainder of the year due to increased conferencing and leisure activities.

“Most government conferences, non-governmental organisations activities and domestic leisure travel are expected to take place in the last half of the year. The first half of the year typically contributes 40 percent of annual revenue while the second half contributes 60 percent. In 2021, due to Covid-19 induced lockdowns, the second half of the year will likely contribute 80 percent of revenue,” Manase said.

RTG is one of the key players in Zimbabwe’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry as its hotels and conferencing facilities provide venues and accommodation to the sector.

HICC in need of renovation

Covid-19 infects RTG’s conference business