The country’s second largest hospitality Group Rainbow Tourism Group today launched the tourism industry’s first integrated mobile and website App – Gateway Stream App at a glamorous up market breakfast function at the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre. The Gateway Stream App, a tourism industry first in Zimbabwe, allows users to browse, book and pay for their product or service in a few quick steps. Each transaction earns the user redeemable points at any service provider listed on the App.
Speaking at the launch the company’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Tendai Madziwanyika said the vision behind the App was to give users access to tourism products and services at the touch of a button. “The Gateway Stream App enables a user to book and pay for hotel accommodation, book a table for a meal, order prepared food for delivery and buy gifts for loved ones, both from RTG and its partners on the Gateway Stream App.”
What makes the App unique is the fact that the hotel Group has taken on board partners, who under normal circumstance would be deemed competition. Madziwanyika said they adopted a co-opetition approach to business as can be demonstrated by their RTG Virtual platform which was launched in 2014. RTG Virtual is a partnership platform between RTG and selected hotels, lodges and tourism activity companies in Zimbabwe, in areas where RTG has no hotels. In the case of Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls RTG Virtual has partnered with hotels and lodges that offer a different product offering to RTG. Before the launch of the RTG Gateway a guest had to book a stay or an event at an RTG Virtual partner through the RTG reservations office. These partner services can now be accessed on the App.
Following the AirBnB model the Gateway Stream App has the RTG Homes option whereby a guest can select a home from a selection of homes across the country. RTG Homes offer guests the choice of staying in a residential home at highly competitive rates, thereby providing a home away from home experience. “As an ISO certified company we are cognisant of the importance of standards so we visit the RTG Virtual Partners and the Home Stay partners to ensure acceptable standards” he said. Going into the future, these homes will be rated based on customer feedback.
The Gateway Stream App has more than 50 restaurants, 115 RTG Virtual Partner Hotels/lodges, 40 RTG Homes private homes, and 30 products for sale under the gifting and occasions section. Recruitment is currently ongoing and listings are set to grow.
Products and services available on the Gateway Stream App are as follows;
• EATS; Users can access 50 restaurants (RTG and non-RTG) offering a variety of tantalising cuisine from Traditional, Chinese, Indian, to South American. 80% of the restaurants are located in Harare, with the balance found in Kadoma, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. The App gives the user an option to choose to book a table, order and collect from the restaurant or a delivery to their location within the specified radius. At present, delivery is only possible from restaurants that are resident in RTG hotels.
• Gifts; The gifts tab offers an array of products to choose from for an array of special occassions. With over 30 listed products, users can purchase accommodation and holiday packages, meals, chocolates, flowers, jewellery and spa treatments. There are over 30 products which are set to grow as more partners list their products.
• Hotels; This tab has RTG hotels and RTG Virtual Partner Hotels and lodges. Currently 115 properties are listed on the App, with a geographical spread that covers the entire country. Launched in 2014, RTG Virtual is a partnership platform between RTG and selected hotels, lodges and tourism activity companies in Zimbabwe.
• Homes; Following the AirBnB model, this tab allows users to book a stay in a privately owned residence at very competitive prices. 40 homes are currently listed on the App. Recruitment of partners is ongoing with this number set to grow by year end.
• Liquor online; A selection of high end spirits and wines is on offer, which include Johnnie Walker, Famous Grouse, Glenfiddich whiskeys, and a variety of imported wines including Nederburg. Once payment has been made the user can collect their purchase from the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre.
• Online Auctions; Launched in 2015, this platform allows customers to bid, win and pay for accommodation, conferencing and banqueting packages online at affordable prices.
• Events & Venues; In partnership with event organisers and promoters, users can view the trending events in the city, book and pay for their tickets on the App.
• Airport transfers; Users can book and pay for their airport transfers via the Gateway Stream App.
Payments are processed through the Paynow platform, using any of Visa, Mastercard, Zimswitch, Ecocash and Telecash.
The Gateway Stream App is downloadable for free and is now readily available on Google Play and Apple Store.
Contact: Pride Khumbula; Pride.Khumbula@rtg.co.zw; 0772 145 208
