• Zimbabwe’s largest hotelier group, has placed the Caribbea Bay Resort on the market
  • The move is part of an ongoing initiative to divest from non-profitable hotels and focus on more lucrative investments
  • The decision comes after a challenging first quarter of 2025

Harare-African Sun Limited, Zimbabwe’s largest hotelier group by room and market share has placed the Caribbea Bay Resort on the market as part of a strategic effort to modernise its portfolio and enhance operational efficiency, according to its latest circular.

The move aligns with the company’s ongoing initiative to divest non-performing assets.

While the group is divesting in ‘non-profitable hotels’, it has started vesting interests in the booming property sector, a move taken soon after cessation of the 248-roomed Kingdom Hotel.

Caribbea Bay Resort, known for its Mediterranean coast-inspired ambiance, features 83 rooms, including six luxurious suites, and has been a staple of African Sun’s portfolio.

The latest move comes amid a challenging first quarter of 2025, a challenging environment that can be traced back to 2023  when the company posted its first loss of US$360 000 from a profit of US$7 million in 2022, in which much of the loss emanated from cessation of Kingdom Hotel.

Since then, the company has struggled to regain its footing, continuing to experience losses without a clear path to recovery.

In Q1 of 2025,  hotel occupancy rates fell by 17% to 39%, resulting in a consequent 9% revenue decline to US$10.12 million.

The sale also follows the disposal of Great Zimbabwe Hotel, including its Laclede property, for US$4.2 million in April 2025.

AfriSun also listed the iconic Monomotapa Hotel for sale, with a target completion date by the end of June 2025.

The company currently owns seven hotels and leases three others, maintaining a strong presence in Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector.

Proceeds from these divestitures will fund the refurbishment and upgrading of African Sun’s remaining properties, a critical step to attract both domestic and international tourists.

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