Luxury hotel operator takes a walk on the 'wild' side
Dubai, UAE - Luxury hotel operator Kempinski, has announced an exciting new foray into high-end lodges in Africa. In a new direction for the group, the lodges signify Kempinski's diversification into boutique accommodation concepts, which is a growing trend in the international hospitality industry.
Jrg Siegenthaler, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing of Kempinski Hotels, explained "The move into boutique lodges and hotels is un-chartered territory for Kempinski, but one we feel more than prepared for based on the vast experience accumulated over 110 years of providing distinctive accommodation throughout the world. Africa has long been considered a top destination for both adventure and leisure travellers, as a continent of fascinating cultures, diverse landscapes and amazing wildlife. After recent tourism regulation reforms, Africa is experiencing a boom and is now the fastest growing region in the world in terms of tourism spending,"
Recognising the immense potential of Africa and responding to a global demand for distinctive luxury accommodation, Kempinski plans to operate four properties in Namibia and two in Tanzania, close to some of Africa's most famous national parks.
In Namibia, Kempinski has joined forces with IFA Hotels & Resorts Limited and Ohlthaver & List to create four unique gateways to the many attractions of this vibrant African country. The initial properties falling under the joint venture include The Strand Hotel, King's Den Lodge, Mokuti Lodge and a fourth hotel to be developed in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
Situated on the eastern edge of the Etosha National Park, renowned to be one of the most spectacular game viewing areas in Africa, Mokuti Lodge has ninety guest rooms, eight luxury chalets and eight family bungalows in addition to leisure facilities, meeting rooms and its own private airstrip. The lodge will be completely refurbished and the chalets extended to reflect both Kempinski's definitive luxury standards and the local surroundings. With the combination of location and access and facilities Mokuti Lodge will be an attractive venue for the incentive market.
Up north in Chobe, the King's Den Lodge will be Kempinski's exotic portal to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Situated on the Chobe River, which forms the border to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, the lodge is easily accessible from all four countries as well as from South Africa. Kempinski will transform the Lodge into an upscale resort, adding to the existing ten, quaint riverside chalets and refurbishing the Zambezi Queen houseboat, which is moored at the riverbank.
With its prime location as a launching point for Nambian tours, Swakopmund will be home to a new 100 room Kempinski hotel known as 'The Strand'. Overlooking Swakopmund Bay, the elegant hotel will be a luxurious and convenient base from which to explore Namibia's famous tourist attractions, such as the Namib Desert, the Cape Cross seal reserve and many other points of interest in the vicinity.
In the capital of Namibia, Windhoek, Kempinski will manage a newly built contemporary 150-room hotel right in the heart of the city, adjacent to the historical Windhoek Brewery. The hotel will be designed to reflect traditional elements from the city's rich heritage and will act as a hub for Kempinski operations in Namibia.
In neighbouring Tanzania, two stunning new luxury lodges, owned by a private investor and managed by Kempinski, will be developed within the famed Serengeti National Park as well as the Ngoro Ngoro Crater, giving guest's privileged access to these natural wonders. Already in Tanzania, Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski's exclusive resort on 'Spice Island' which opened on January 2006, continues to enjoy popularity with high-end clientele. Aside from 110 terraced rooms and suites, the resort features seven luxurious private beachside villas, each with infinity edge pools and unspoiled views of the Indian Ocean coastline.
Ulrich Eckhardt, Senior Vice President Middle East and Africa of Kempinski Hotels, said "Once operational, we are confident that these new properties will boost travel and tourism in Namibia and neighbouring countries in Africa, enhancing their traditional exotic appeal with Kempinski's promise of a luxurious and comfortable experience."
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About Kempinski
In 2007, Kempinski Hotels is celebrating 110 years of history, exclusivity and distinctive luxury. During this time, Kempinski hotels have hosted international celebrities, witnessed meetings between the world's leaders and been a part of creating history around the globe. Experience Kempinski's unique heritage at one of the group's prestigious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia.
About Global Hotel Alliance
Global Hotel Alliance currently comprises 7 luxury brands encompassing 153 upscale and luxury hotels with over 46,000 rooms in 39 different countries. Each brand is a key player in their main region of operation: Kempinski in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Omni in North America, Pan Pacific in the Pacific Rim, The Leela Group in India, Dusit in Thailand, Landis in Taiwan and China, and Marco Polo in China and Hong Kong. GHA will continue to grow to include selected hotel brands in those regions not currently covered by the alliance.
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
Website: www.kempinski-dubai.com
Sarah Harris
TRACCS Public Relations
Tel: +971 4 367 2530
E-mail: sarah.harris@traccs.net
© Press Release 2007
