African Sun will commit a significant amount of capital this financial year to spruce up its hotels as it repositions for the anticipated tourism rebound.

The group says it will focus on enhancing the guest experience, complete refurbishment projects and consolidate its market share.

“Our focus in recent years has been to improve the quality of our existing hotels for an enhanced guest experience. In anticipation of improved tourism activity, the group will be implementing a robust product improvement plan at some of its hotels during the current year,” said Group CEO, Peter Saungweme, in the group's 2021 annual report.

“An estimated US$10m has been budgeted for refurbishments, soft furnishings and other ancillary developments in our hotels during the current financial year. Key refurbishment highlights include work at the Troutbeck Resort, Hwange Safari Lodge, Great Zimbabwe Hotel, Monomotapa Hotel and the almost completed refurbishment of The Victoria Falls Hotel.” 

At Troutbeck Resort alone, US$1,8m is planned to be spent on the refurbishment of 100 rooms, with work commencing during the past financial year.

Refurbishment of 47 rooms at The Victoria Falls Hotel is also progressing well and work is expected to be completed during the second quarter of this year. 

According to the group, preparatory work to carry out the refurbishment of eight additional rooms at The Great Zimbabwe Hotel, as well as remedial work on the Hungwe Conference Centre, is at an advanced stage, with work scheduled to commence in the second quarter of this year. 

Plans are also currently under way to refurbish rooms at Hwange Safari Lodge. The first phase of the project, which involves 60 rooms, is expected to be completed this year.