May
14
International Update from Protea Hotels and African Pride Hotels
Marriott International completes acquisition of Protea Hospitality Group
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today became the largest hotel company in Africa, according to published information, and nearly doubled its presence in its Middle East and Africa region to more than 160 hotels and 23,000 rooms as it completed its acquisition of the 116-hotel Protea Hospitality Group (PHG), based in South Africa.
Marriott’s new Protea portfolio consists of 10,148 rooms in seven African countries including South Africa. The company now manages, franchises and leases hotels across the Protea Hotels brand (103 hotels), comprising a full and diverse range of outstanding hotels and resorts; the award-winning lifestyle boutique Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! (2 hotels); and the superior deluxe African Pride Hotels collection (11 hotels). In addition to its industry-leading 79 hotels in South Africa, Marriott’s Protea portfolio also has 37 hotels in Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Arne Sorenson, Marriott International’s president and chief executive officer, said, “Today marks a new beginning. We can now officially say ‘molweni!’ {Xhosa}, ‘sawubona!’ {Zulu} and ‘hello!’ to South Africa and ‘welcome!’ to our approximately 15,000 new associates at both managed and franchised hotels across Protea’s portfolio. We look forward to integrating the superb Protea team into the Marriott International family, and together, to work toward new opportunities for growth and advancement throughout South Africa and the continent.”
Arabella Golf Course rated among top 5 courses in South Africa
The Arabella Golf Course in Kleinmond has been named once again as one of South Africa’s Top 5 courses and number 1 in the Western Cape in Golf Digest’s biennial and much anticipated list of the country’s best golf courses. Huge congratulations to the Arabella TEAM on this achievement.
African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa welcomes new GM
Andrew Conn has been appointed General Manager of African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa in the Magaliesburg, succeeding Nelson Rodrigues. Andrew has a wealth of experience, having run many 5-star operations during his 30 years as an hotelier and is a welcome addition to the African Pride Hotels TEAM.
Protea Fire & Ice! Cape Town Renovations
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town will be renovating and expanding their bar and restaurant over the winter months. This is set to take place from 01 June to 30 August 2014 and these facilities will be relocated to the conference areas for the duration of the renovation.
Protea Hotel Kynsna Quays Renovations
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays, renowned as the perfect holiday destination and nestled in the heart of the Garden Route, will soon be starting with improvements on their pool and 28 more bathrooms. These are scheduled from 14 July to 26 September 2014.