Protea Hotels Continues To Expand Its Impact in Africa

The past year has marked a golden time for South Africa, with record numbers of tourists descending upon her shores to enjoy warm hospitality, wondrous locations and World Cup fever. Protea Hotels has remained at the forefront of the country’s hospitality offering throughout, having opened numerous new establishments in key areas, and played host to 27 of 32 World Cup national teams.

The hotel group has added a number of key properties to its stable over the past year, and performed renovations on many of its existing flagship hotels. Danny Bryer, Sales, Marketing and Revenue Director of the Protea Hospitality Group, believes that these developments play a critical role in maintaining their position as the leading hospitality group on the continent, in spite of a recession that has seen other hotel groups struggle. “The market has certainly been impacted by the recession and has received a fair amount of criticism in the press. However, I believe there is room for more development, specifically in the secondary cities where government and corporate travellers require accommodation; for instance Mafikeng, East London, Pietermaritzburg and Nelspruit. The hospitality market is definitely far from dead, and it is Protea’s goal to make key strategic investments in order to accommodate the needs of both local and international travellers.”

Protea’s most notable new development over the past year has been the eye-catching Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch, which opened to critical acclaim in early 2010. This contemporary hotel will spice up any visit to Johannesburg and is aimed at the traveller who enjoys being amidst the energetic urban vibe of the cool city life. The hotel is incredibly popular with the “forever young” set and offers affordability and value for money mixed with a sense of unique style, unlike anything seen before in the Johannesburg market. The striking architecture, interior design and vibrancy of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch are complimented by equally stylish service. All 197 rooms boast the superior comfort and facilities demanded by the modern guest. From cocktails to cappuccinos and the very best in cuisine - this hotel delivers.  Conference facilities for up to 150 people equipped to the highest technological specifications ensure that this is also the perfect destination for business.

Protea Hotels also expanded their reach within the capital city, with their new Protea Hotel Hatfield, which opened its doors in Pretoria in June 2010. “This property is another great example of the new generation Protea Hotels,” commented Bryer; “120 contemporary designed rooms, free wi-fi and access to retail stores and restaurants with the benefit of undercover parking are just some of the features that make this an ideal destination for business and leisure travellers alike.”  The hotel provides an ideal venue for conferences, training or strategic sessions and can accommodate up to 60 delegates. The hotel is also conveniently situated for attending seminars and the like at the University of Pretoria, the CSIR Conference Centre and the High Performance Centre.

The hotel group also undertook large-scale renovations to some of its most popular establishments, including the Protea Hotel President on Cape Town’s Platinum Mile, and the Protea Hotel Marine along the beach front in Port Elizabeth.  The legendary Hilton Hotel in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands also recently joined the group and is now known as the Protea Hotel Hilton. Bryer believes that these developments are key to Protea’s success. “It is vital to build brand strength and awareness by offering superior guest experiences. We always ensure that the guests’ needs are addressed, and our facilities are constantly improving and adapting to these needs. The one thing you cannot lose focus of is the guest – in terms of outstanding service, value and exceeding expectations. That’s precisely what has kept Protea Hotels thriving despite the challenging economic circumstances.”

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