The entry of the Hyatt Regency brand into Zimbabwe’s tourism industry marks a significant milestone for the country. In a rebranding ceremony officiated by President Mnangagwa on Monday, the Meikles Hotel was unveiled as the Hyatt Regency the Meikles.
Upon his arrival at the hotel, the President toured the newly refurbished facilities and expressed his admiration, describing them as fantastic. The refurbishment followed the acquisition of Meikles Hotel by Albwardy, a company with an international portfolio of hotels. The first phase of refurbishment has already been completed, with a total investment of US$30 million allocated to the project.
President Mnangagwa highlighted the growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, citing a 34% increase in tourist arrivals over the previous year. The entry of the Hyatt brand further attests to the trust and belief in Zimbabwe. It signifies the country’s ongoing journey of modernisation, industrialisation, and development.
The President emphasised that the arrival of the Hyatt Regency will significantly contribute to achieving a US$4 billion tourism economy by 2025 and aligns with the national vision of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030.
The timing of this development is particularly noteworthy as Zimbabwe prepares to host the SADC summit in August. The newly refurbished Hyatt Regency Harare hotel has been deemed suitable for accommodating the attending delegates. This endorsement reinforces the pride of the government and the nation in being associated with the Hyatt brand and its exceptional facilities.
With a 24% increase in tourist arrivals, Zimbabwe remains committed to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and facilities. These continuous efforts reflect the country’s dedication to providing an improved experience for tourists and promoting the growth of the tourism sector.
