A Room With a View: Radisson Blu Open Resort on the Zambezi
World-renowned hotel business, Radisson Hotel Group, has brought its brand of luxury tourism to Africa. Their newly announced resort in Zambia will serve as the flagship for the company’s long-term expansion on the continent.
The opening of their first African safari destination marks a key step towards the company’s goal of opening 150 hotels in Africa this decade. They wish to have opened or have under construction at least 150 African hotels by 2025.
Just one mile south of Livingstone, the Radisson Blue Mosi-oa-Tunya is well connected to transport links whilst only being two and a half miles from the glorious sights of Victoria Falls – of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The glorious Victoria Falls is just a few miles away
The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Zambia’s greatest attractions. Remarkably, the falls are the world’s largest sheet of falling water and are almost double the height of the famous Niagara falls and half a kilometre wider. With the resort located on the Zambezi river, tourists can see the awe-inspiring falls and enjoy beautiful vistas whilst being surrounded by unique ecological diversity.
Tourists can now visit the hotel and its wonderful surroundings with ease. Zambia is a safe, beautiful, and increasingly prosperous destination for foreign tourists. Visitors from the EU, UK, USA, and China no longer have to worry about troublesome visa fees either since President Hichilema’s government removed such barriers to entry in November of last year.
The environment is a fundamental part of Zambia’s beauty, diversity and history. Environmentally conscious travellers can rest assured they are making a responsible choice staying at Radisson’s new resort. The resort has signed the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge, as part of Radisson’s global “Responsible Business” program and it has earnt EDGE green building certification. The certification reflects an impressive 20% increase in energy efficiency, water reduction and use of sustainable materials when compared to similar local properties.
The incredible views available at Mosi-oa-Tinya
The Mosi-oa-Tinya resort has 200 top-class rooms, suites and villas including some with panoramic views across the Zambezi river. The resort also offers a range of facilities including a gym, a bar, and a swimming pool. If you get hungry they boast six restaurants some inspired by local African cuisine while others set to serve a more European taste. If you’re thirsty there are a number of bars including the Mopani Bar and Lounge. And if you need to catch up on some work Radisson also offers boardrooms and meeting rooms. You can also host an event for up to 250 people in their impressive ballroom.
There are a number of activities throughout the national park including helicopter rides over the falls, rafting, canoeing and game drives. You may also catch a glimpse of the rare White Rhino or the more common elephants, giraffes, hippos and bird species that surround the hotel.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is a haven of African wildlife that has seen an impressive regeneration in recent decades following crucial reductions in the levels of illegal poaching.
The World Bank recently announced they would be investing $100 million to boost tourism in Zambia. For a country of such natural beauty, it remains an underutilised path to prosperity. Indeed, tourism minister Rodney Sikumba has described himself as “extending an olive branch” to potential investors as he seeks to continue his program of communications and infrastructural improvements in order to create as smooth and relaxing a tourist experience as possible. President Hichilema, too, has called for greater regional integration of east and southern African tourist routes in order to better showcase the beauty and cultural diversity of the region.
The entrance of Radisson Blu to Zambia represents a significant step. With over 75 years of hospitality experience, 1,100 hotels, and billions of dollars of revenue Radisson will bring world-class hospitality to the Zambezi.
Shaun Wheeler, General Manager of Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, Zambia, expressed his excitement at the company’s expansion in Zambia. “I am thrilled to lead the team as we open this magnificent property which allows us to offer visitors memorable moments and exciting experiences such as discovering one of the Seven Wonders of the world (The Victoria Falls), which is a short distance from the hotel”.
Having already established a hotel in Zambia, the company are doubling down on their faith in the country’s prospects and attractiveness to foreign tourists. Mr. Wheeler continued “Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, Zambia represents a unique destination for our guests to discover and explore,” says Tim Cordon, Chief Commercial Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group. “The expansion of our presence in Zambia demonstrates our belief in the country’s potential. This hotel is our second property in Zambia, following the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, with a third hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka, Longacres, due to open in 2023.”
With visa fees out the way and world-class providers like Radisson placing their faith in the country, is it time you invested in the future of Zambia?
Thinking of investing in Zambia’s tourism industry? Sign up for our investor briefing or get in touch at info@zambiaisback.com
Thinking of visiting? Why not explore zambiatourism.com for more information.