The centrepiece of an integrated mixed-use facility offers the largest hotel rooms in Ghana

Dubai, UAE, March 4, 2008; Kempinski Hotels has been awarded the management contract for a new five star luxury hotel in the racecourse site in the centre of Accra, Ghana. The first property for the group in Ghana, Kempinski Hotel Accra is expected to open in 2010.

The project plans for the provision of 267 rooms including 17 luxury suites, 2 presidential suites. At minimum 40 square metres for the standard room size, the hotel will have the largest rooms in the city. Due to the nature of hotel demand in Accra, the hotel is being designed and is expected to be operated to cater primarily to the business segment.

The hotel will house a variety of leisure facilities including four restaurants offering a range of international cuisines, two bars, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, fitness centre, tennis and squash courts and shopping facilities.

Corporate guests will be equally catered to with over 1500 sqm of conference and banqueting area including modern meeting rooms boasting state of the art conference and banqueting facilities, audio visual facilities a fully equipped business centre and a business lounge.

Zakhem International Construction Limited have been selected by the Government of Ghana as the developer of the hotel which is located on prime commercial real estate on the old Accra racecourse in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Accra International Conference Center, ministry buildings, the State House, the National Theatre, the Accra Sports Stadium, and various commercial office towers.

Kempinski Hotel Accra is set to be the centrepiece of a Public-private partnership project with integrated mixed-use hospitality facility, "Gold Coast City", which covers an area of some 35 acres and would include residential apartments, retail space, an exhibition centre, offices and government buildings.

Ulrich T. Eckhardt, President of Middle East & Africa for Kempinski Hotels, said "The property in Accra is a splendid opportunity due to its fantastic location and the general demand for quality hotels, while supply is on the increase due to the political and economic stability which Ghana now enjoys."

"This new addition to our portfolio confirms our determination to grow in this region in general and within Africa in particular. We have high hopes for Africa and a strong will to continue pursuing our plans in this amazing continent." Eckhardt concluded.

Construction will commence in March 2008 with total project cost estimated at USD 49.4 million mostly financed through the African Development Bank and Amalgamated Bank of South Africa.

-Ends-

Editor's Notes:
Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels was founded in Germany in 1897. Kempinski's impressive portfolio of distinctive properties includes historical landmarks, unique hide-away resorts and vibrant city hotels throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. Rich in tradition, each Kempinski hotel celebrates the local culture and customs of its destination whilst maintaining the impeccable personalised service for which Kempinski is renowned. Put simply, they are the first choice for the discerning luxury traveller.

Kempinski is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance. Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance is the world largest alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its members, while offering enhanced recognition and service to customers across all brands. GHA currently comprises Anantara, Cham, Dusit, Kempinski, Landis, Leela, Marco Polo, Omni and Pan Pacific, encompassing 160 upscale and luxury hotels with over 46,000 rooms in 41 different countries.

To book or for further information visit: www.kempinski.com/press · www.globalhotelalliance.com

For more information contact:
Doaa Amin,
Regional Director of PR Area Middle East and Africa 
Tel: + 971 4 341 00 00 
Fax: +971 4 341 45 00
e-mail:doaa.amin@kempinski.com; www.kempinski-dubai.com

Sarah Harris
TRACCS Public Relations
Tel: +971 4 367 2530
e-mail: sarah.harris@traccs.net

© Press Release 2008