THEplus 4-star Palm River Lodge being built on the banks of the Zambezi River will not only have a unique architectural style, add to bedding statistics in Victoria Falls, but will also be offering a panoramic view of the renowned river.
Palm River Lodge will gobble about US$15 million and will have its inside reflecting a modern, natural and stylish elegance, with 73 generously-sized deluxe guest rooms, a luxurious Presidential suite, two honeymoon suites and two private villas.
The lodge which is owned by the Ilala Lodge Hotel Group is expected to open its doors to customers in May 2020 and the company’s chief executive officer Jim Brown said this marks the expansion of the group.
“In addition to boosting tourism and employment within Victoria Falls, the US$15million investment marks a distinguished expansion for the Ilala Lodge Group.
“Given the continued growth of Victoria Falls as one of the premier destinations in Africa, we feel that there is room in the market to offer another high-quality, luxury hotel for the discerning traveller,” he said.
According to Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive Dr Karikoga Kaseke, the country is on the verge of a tourism boom but is lacking in terms of rooms which makes the coming in of Palm River Lodge with its Queenslander architectural style a welcome development.
Since the coming in of the new dispensation in November 2017, the country has already started to witness an increase in terms of arrivals and also ZTA has embarked on a massive destination marketing drive.
Speaking at the Palm River Lodge official ground breaking ceremony on the 15th of January this in Victoria Falls, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Richard Moyo said the project with create a lot of business opportunities in the country.
“Such expansion allows for the increased accommodation of various tourist activities which translates into an increase of our tourist arrival space.
“This project will also create a number of jobs, opportunities for our people in the resort town of Victoria Falls and other supporting industries like the transport sector, arts and music industry,” he said.
Tourism is one of the key pillars in economic revival efforts together with manufacturing, agriculture and mining.
Experts have also said tourism is one of the country’s lowest hanging fruits with quick results if effectively supported.
The Palm River Lodge will cover about 8000 square metres of floor space and will have two unique dining experiences, including indoor a la carte fine-dining and outdoor dining on the banks of the Zambezi and guest may also delight in luxury river cruises on board the Ra-ikane River Cruise, owned by the Ilala Lodge Hotel Group which also own Ilala Lodge Hotel.
