The listed hotelier said key projects at Montclair Resort and Conference Centre in Nyanga and A’Zambezi River Lodge in Victoria Falls were expected to strengthen capacity and improve competitiveness.

RTG chairman Douglas Hoto said the refurbishment of Montclair Resort, acquired last year, would be completed by the end of July and expand room capacity from 85 to 110 rooms.

“The refurbishment will increase the hotel’s rooms stock to 110 rooms,” Hoto said.

“This initiative has added 25 revenue-generating rooms that did not exist at acquisition, thereby unlocking significant incremental shareholder value from the existing asset base.”

The group said preparatory work was also progressing on the redevelopment of MSK House in Cape Town into an internationally branded upper four-star hotel, with construction expected to begin during the second half of 2027. Until redevelopment starts, the property will continue generating rental income.

At A’Zambezi River Lodge, refurbishment works temporarily affected operations during the reporting period, but the Victoria Falls properties still increased occupancy to 65% from 54% a year earlier. RTG expects increased group travel and destination marketing initiatives to support stronger trading in the second half.

The group said city hotels also benefited from refurbishment investments, with New Ambassador Hotel recording a 13 percentage-point increase in occupancy to 63%, while revenue surged 178% following its upgrade completed last year.

RTG said it funded US$1.7 million worth of refurbishments during the first six months of the year entirely from internally generated cash, while reducing borrowings from US$12.2 million at the end of December to US$11.5 million by June.

The hospitality group said the expansion programme, together with enhanced regional marketing targeting corporate and international travellers, would support growth in the second half as international arrivals into Victoria Falls continue to improve and conferencing demand remains firm.