Natural Attractions in Kenya and Tanzania

Natural Attractions in Kenya and Tanzania

ANOTHER FIRST FOR PRIDE INN HOTEL GROUP AS THEIR PARADISE BEACH RESORT GETS 5 STARS
(Posted 03rd September 2019)


Information received from Mombasa indicates that the Paradise Beach Resort of the PrideInn Hotel Group was just awarded the coveted 5 star rating by the Tourism Regulatory Authority following an extensive inspection of the property.

ATCNews had last year reported about the hotel being selected to host the Skal International Congress while more recently a related article referred to the group’s appointment of their first female General Manager.

The Paradise Beach Resort reportedly scored 100 % on all essential items as is required by the EAC wide grading procedure.

This makes for the first 5 star property within Mombasa County though the counties of Kwale and Kilifi have had officially ranked 5 star properties since the last evaluation cycle.

Congratulations to General Manager Ann Peggy and her entire team and to Hasnain Noorani, Group CEO of PrideInn’s.

https://atcnews.org/2019/06/23/ann-peggy-appointed-general-manager-of-prideinn-paradise-resort/
 
Zanzibar eyes hotel investors to boost local tourism
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9 2019

People walk through the alleyways at the Darajani Market, in Stone Town, on the island of Zanzibar, on December 28, 2017.

People walk through the alleyways at the Darajani Market, in Stone Town, on the island of Zanzibar, on December 28, 2017. Zanzibar is courting international investors to the Island’s fast growing tourism industry as it seeks to raise the number of leisure and business visitors. PHOTO | AFP
In Summary
  • Over the past two years, global chains have set up businesses on the island, making it among the leading hotel investment destinations in East Africa.

By APOLINARI TAIRO
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Zanzibar is courting international investors to the Island’s fast growing tourism industry as it seeks to raise the number of leisure and business visitors.

Over the past two years, global chains have set up businesses on the island, making it among the leading hotel investment destinations in East Africa. Madinat El Bahr Hotel and RIU Hotels and Resorts for example, opened their businesses in mid this year, while Hotel Verde set up late last year. RIU Hotels and Resorts is a Spanish chain operating mostly in Europe and Latin America. Zanzibar is its first investment in East Africa. The $56 million RIU Palace Zanzibar on Nunwgi Beach has 149 rooms.

The $38 million worth Madinat El Bahr Hotel on the other hand is owned by a Tanzanian Rustamali Merali. Hotel Verde which operates under the Verde Chain management of South Africa is owned by the Zanzibar tycoon Said Salim Bakhresa.

Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohammed Shein said this past week that the island, with its pristine beaches and rich Indian Ocean resources now stands a better chance to compete for tourism benefits with the rest of East Africa.

He said that his government is looking to attract more investors in hotel and tourism as the island seeks to become more competitive. More recently, the government is working with the Comoros to encourage business on the East Coast of the Indian Ocean.

More than 520,800 tourists visited the island last year, making, tourism the leading economic sector for Zanzibar. The Island is now receiving over $312 million from tourism every year.

Last year, Zanzibar launched an annual tourism show to market the island. The Zanzibar Tourism Show will be taking place in September each year. Organisers hope to attract more than 650,000 visitors next year.

Zanzibar Minister for Information, Tourism and Heritage Mahmoud Thabit Kombo told The EastAfrican this past week that the Island’s tourism marketing plan 2015- 2020, launched in July will bring together tourist companies operating in Zanzibar to market tourist products under a single roof.

“We launched Destination Marketing Brand to pull more tourists to Zanzibar,” said Mr Kombo.

Under the marketing plan, Zanzibar also hopes to increase average tourists length of stay from eight days to 10, and the average daily spend to $570 from of $307.

The East African
 
Tanzania Attracts USD 56 Mn Worth Of Spanish Investment In New Deal

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By Carolyne Tanui July 6, 2019

A Spanish hotel chain, RIU Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio in Tanzania after acquiring a new hotel in Tanzania at an investment worth USD 56 Mn.

The hotel will be an addition to the already existing Riu Palace Zanzibar which was purchased from the Emerald Hotel Chain.

It will be located on the main island of the Zanzibar at Nungwi beach area and will be marketed as part of the RIU palace brand, the already existing hotel.

The hotel chain is also planning a third hotelon the Zanzibar island and it has completed the acquisition of five hectares of land meant for its construction.

This move reflects the chain’s rapid expansion in the African market, It recently purchased a 25-hectare site in the Pointe Sarène area on the west coast to build at least two new hotels.

The company has highly invested in the Indian Ocean with various resorts in Mauritius and Sri Lanka. In total, it has 93 hotels in 19 countries while in Africa, it has five hotels in Cape Verde, two in Tanzania, in addition to the five in Morocco.

According to a report by Global Property Guide, Tanzania is experiencing large scale investment and development in real estate projects for residential, industrial and commercial purposes.

In March 2018, Zanzibar offshore property market was opened to foreigners allowing non-Tanzanian residents to invest in property.

Individuals are also allowed to buy property within the luxury community on 99-year leases with the option to extend ownership by 49 years.

Featured Image Courtesy :www.thezhotel.com

 
It has been voted Africa's leading beach destination for the fifth time running since 2015.
The beach is about 17 kilometres (11 mi) long, from the Kongo river to the north and Galu beach to the south (the southern point of reference is an old Baobab tree). Diani is one of the most prominent tourism resort areas of Kenya. The indigenous people of the area are Digo, one of the nine ethnic communities known as the Mijikenda. Today the area includes Kenyans of various ethnicities who have migrated to Diani, drawn by the promise of a tourism related economy.With a population of over 100,000 inhabitants, the Diani/Ukunda urban area is one of the largest at the Kenyan coast and forms part of the larger Mombasa metropolitan region. A small airstrip - Ukunda Airport - is located between the beach area and the Mombasa-Lunga Lunga road. The water remains shallow near shore, with some underwater sandbars near the surface which allow wading with a clear view of the sandy bottom. Inland from the beach, there is extensive vegetation including numerous palm trees which cover the coastal areas, unlike the dry acacia trees of the mountainous Kenyan Highlands. The Mwachema River flows into the sea at Diani Beach.
The general area is known for its coral reefs, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and for the closely located Shimba Hills National Reserve, a wildlife reserve which looks out over the Indian Ocean. Diani Beach has restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and several shopping centres.
Diani Beach is also a popular kitesurfing, sky diving, jet skiing, and snorkelling location.
The 16th century Kongo Mosque is located at the Northern tip of Diani Beach, where the Kongo river flows into the ocean. It is the last remaining ancient swahili structure in Diani.
 
Sept 15, 2019
Marina de Portimão , Portugal

19 - 20 CLIPPER RACE AROUND THE WORLD

The 2019-20 edition of the race will be the twelfth in the Clipper Race series.

Starting in the summer of 2019, around 700 crew members are expected to take part racing across five oceans to six continents. Nassor Al Maharuky from Malindi Zanzibar Tanzania is a member of team in Clipper named Zhuhai https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/team/zhuhai/team-hub that is participating in this around the world race.

https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/news


Source: KTV TZ online


Race 1: London to Portimão Clipper 2019-20 Race
The Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race got off to a great start with a fantastic first race down to Portimão. Just over six days of intense racing saw the fleet cover over 1,200nm and encountered a massive variation in sea and wind conditions. All eleven teams experienced everything, from strong tidal conditions in the Thames Estuary and English channel, very light winds during the early and latter parts of the race, to strong upwind conditions for the first three days which saps energy and takes even the hardiest sailors massive efforts to keep racing hard. The notorious Bay of Biscay, brought the downwind surfing conditions that everyone was waiting for. Strong winds from behind with a following sea are what the racing sailors dream about and the fleet absolutely screamed down the west coast of Portugal, surfing waves and hitting speeds of up to 30 knots. Punta del Este claimed victory into Host Port, Marina de Portimão with Dare To Lead taking secord and Qingdao finishing third.



Source: Clipper round the world yacht race
 
News
Gran Melia makes African debut in Tanzania
18 Sep 2019 by Jenni Reid

Gran Melia Arusha


Luxury Spanish hotel brand Gran Melia Hotels and Resorts has opened its first African property in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Gran Melia Arusha opened on September 1 and features 171 rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the hotel garden and Mount Meru.

Gran Melia is part of Melia Hotels International, which already operates the Melia Zanzibar and Melia Serengeti in Tanzania, as well as the Gran Melia Iguazu in Argentina, Melia London Kensington in the UK, and Melia Desert Palm in Dubai.

The new Arusha property is a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport and a 20-minute drive from Arusha Airport.

Gran Melia Arusha


It features a 600-capacity conference centre and meeting facilities as well as a spa, gym, hair salon, boutique and heated outdoor pool.

Indian restaurant Yellow Chilli, all-day restaurant Saba Saba, a coffee shop and rooftop bar.

The hotel will target leisure as well as business travellers, and will arrange excursions to landmarks including Tarangire National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Guests will have the option of paying extra to access ‘Redlevel service’, which gets them a private check-in, lounge access and butler service.

Melia also operates hotel brand Innside, which is in the midst of a European expansion.

 
 
Govt orders two new, special Airbus planes
ippmedia.com/en/news/govt-orders-two-new-special-airbus-planes

September 20, 2019
20Sep 2019
The Guardian Reporter
Dar es Salaam
News
The Guardian
Govt orders two new, special Airbus planes

THE Tanzania Government Flight Agency and Airbus yesterday signed a purchase agreement for two new Airbus 220-300s fitted with additional ultra-modern features.
govt-orders-two-new-special-airbus-planes

The implementation of the pact will increase Air Tanzania Company’s (ATCL) fleet of operating aircraft from the current six to eight, apart from two other planes expected to arrive in the country within two months.

“We are signing today to mark an official legal agreement with Airbus for the purchase of two more planes, but they will be modified to give more comfort to our customers,” said ATCL Director General Ladislaus Matindi, who witnessed the signing.

The new planes will feature a screen different from current ones which have individual small screens for each seat.

TGFA chief executive officer Dr Benjamin Ndimila, who signed the agreement on behalf of the government, said ATCL was making history under the leadership of President John Magufuli.

Airbus Vice President for Sales for Africa, Hadi Akoum, said he was happy to see the headway made by ATCL and noted that the partnership had just started.

The manufacturing of the planes usually takes one and half years but this may take longer because of the features that are to be included and the fact that Airbus has received more than 200 orders owing to high demand.

Three years ago, Tanzania developed a programme to revitalise the national carrier, including the purchase of six new aircraft from 2016 to 2018, payment of debts and provision of start-up capital, improvement and modernisation of business.

The acquisition of the additional aircraft constitutes part of government plans to grow Air Tanzania’s operations across Africa and other international destinations.

Air Tanzania was established as Air Tanzania Corporation (ATC) in September 1977 after the collapse of the regional East African Airways. It was privatised and operated as a limited company, while retaining the acronym even after the government repossessed its shares and restored its original name.
 
Aleph Hospitality signs management agreement for two hotels in Zanzibar, marking its entrance to Tanzania
Company announces expansion during the African Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa, which it is sponsoring for the second year
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Aleph Hospitality signs management agreement for two hotels in Zanzibar, marking its entrance to Tanzania
Hakuna Majiwe, in Zanzibar
Aleph Hospitality

Dynamic independent hotel management company Aleph Hospitality has entered the Tanzanian market with the signing of a management agreement to operate two boutique resorts, the Moja Tuu and Hakuna Majiwe, in Zanzibar.

The new management contracts, scheduled to take effect in October, mark Aleph Hospitality's continued expansion in Africa, with its portfolio now stretching across five countries on the continent.

Speaking at the African Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, commented: "Our entry into the Tanzanian market solidifies the company's already-rapid African expansion, coming just days after the signing of an agreement for the first Marriott International property in Kisumu, Kenya.

"In addition to this growth of our branded hotel portfolio, we are thrilled to be adding two more independent hotels to our fold and providing our in-depth knowledge of international best practices and operating standards to unlock the true potential of these unique beachfront properties. We have proven highly successful at turning around existing operations and look forward to driving maximum returns for the hotels' owner."

Amit B. Ladwa, owner of both Tanzanian hotels, commented: "We have long sought an independent management partner who can bring world-class operational expertise and extensive regional knowledge to our assets. Aleph Hospitality is highly experienced, flexible and agile, and we are looking forward to seeing our hotels thrive with our new partner on board".

Located in Kiwengwa, on the north east coast of Zanzibar and a 60-minute drive from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Moja Tuu is a 35-key upper upscale beach resort, including 10 luxury beachfront villas, each with private infinity pool.

Ideally positioned for international leisure travellers, including honeymooners and groups of family and friends, the secluded resort, surrounded by tropical forest, features three restaurants, private beach and swimming pool.

On the south east coast of Zanzibar, the midscale Hakuna Majiwe in Paje offers a spectacular white sand beach and an authentic, disconnected barefoot experience. The 21-room hideaway, including 16 beach rooms and five garden rooms, features an all-day dining restaurant and swimming pool, and is located 75-minutes away from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport by car.

"With some of the most stunning coastline in the world, a rich cultural heritage and exceptional diving, we see tremendous potential for the growth of tourism in Zanzibar, " said Haddad. "Supported by our world-class systems and operating model, Moja Tuu and Hakuna Majiwe will be perfectly placed to capitalise on increasing demand."

Aleph Hospitality, which has earmarked a pipeline of 35 hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2025, manages hotels directly for owners, either on a franchise basis for branded properties or as a white label operator for independently-branded hotels.

More information is available at the resorts' websites: www.mojatuuzanzibar.com and www.hakunamajiwe.com.

 
CityBlue Hotels Grows Regional Footprint


By Karanja Nzisa



From humble beginnings in Rwanda in 2013, CityBlue Hotels’ (https://www.CityBlueHotels.com/) regional footprint has grown steadily to include, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and now, Tanzania where the group is set to open its doors for the first time with 65 sophisticated bedrooms in March 2020 bringing the group’s total room inventory to 288.


Urban by CityBlue, Dar es Salaam is the third addition to the hotel chain’s Urban sub-brand, which is the business boutique division. The unit is in one of Dar es Salaam’s more coveted addresses on the Msasani Peninsula, boasting notable neighbours. Guests will be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the peninsula and the city’s Central Business District from their thoughtfully designed rooms or the rooftop restaurant and pool deck.

This foray into the Tanzanian market was made possible by a long anticipated partnership between the hospitality management brand and H&S Developers, a leading real estate company which says of the collaborative project, “We are thrilled by this undertaking which we believe will bring a strong synergy between both parties, with opportunities to expand across Tanzania”.

Speaking from Addis Ababa, where CityBlue Hotels’ is a gold sponsor at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, CityBlue Chief Operating Officer (and former Vice President of Development of sub-Saharan Africa for Accor Hotels) Zahra Peera said of the venture, “This a momentous day for CityBlue. As of 2020, we will be operating in all major East African cities with a network of incredible partners such as H&S. We look forward to developing a strong network across Tanzania in the years ahead with a focus on Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza and Zanzibar”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.
Media Contact:
Karanja Nzisa
M: +254700049189
E: karanja.nzisa@citybluehotels.com
W: https://www.CityBlueHotels.com/





CityBlue Hotels
 
CityBlue Hotels Grows Regional Footprint


By Karanja Nzisa



From humble beginnings in Rwanda in 2013, CityBlue Hotels’ (https://www.CityBlueHotels.com/) regional footprint has grown steadily to include, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and now, Tanzania where the group is set to open its doors for the first time with 65 sophisticated bedrooms in March 2020 bringing the group’s total room inventory to 288.


Urban by CityBlue, Dar es Salaam is the third addition to the hotel chain’s Urban sub-brand, which is the business boutique division. The unit is in one of Dar es Salaam’s more coveted addresses on the Msasani Peninsula, boasting notable neighbours. Guests will be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the peninsula and the city’s Central Business District from their thoughtfully designed rooms or the rooftop restaurant and pool deck.

This foray into the Tanzanian market was made possible by a long anticipated partnership between the hospitality management brand and H&S Developers, a leading real estate company which says of the collaborative project, “We are thrilled by this undertaking which we believe will bring a strong synergy between both parties, with opportunities to expand across Tanzania”.

Speaking from Addis Ababa, where CityBlue Hotels’ is a gold sponsor at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, CityBlue Chief Operating Officer (and former Vice President of Development of sub-Saharan Africa for Accor Hotels) Zahra Peera said of the venture, “This a momentous day for CityBlue. As of 2020, we will be operating in all major East African cities with a network of incredible partners such as H&S. We look forward to developing a strong network across Tanzania in the years ahead with a focus on Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza and Zanzibar”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.
Media Contact:
Karanja Nzisa
M: +254700049189
E: karanja.nzisa@citybluehotels.com
W: https://www.CityBlueHotels.com/





CityBlue Hotels


 
Radisson Hotel Group boosts its African development, signing 11 new hotels
Tatiana Rokou / 25 Sep 2019 08:25 405
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This brings the Group’s African portfolio to almost 100 hotels and over 17,000 rooms in operation and under development across 32 African countries.

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Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank.

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA - Radisson Hotel Group announces the signing of 11 new hotels in Africa within the first nine months of 2019, accelerating its expansion across the continent. This brings the Group’s African portfolio to almost 100 hotels and over 17,000 rooms in operation and under development across 32 African countries and firmly on track to reach 130+ hotels and 23,000 rooms by 2022.

Andrew McLachlan, Senior Vice President, Development, Sub Sahara Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “It has been a really robust year for Radisson Hotel Group, especially in Africa, a continent we strongly believe in. This year we have signed a new hotel deal every 25 days, each aligned with our focused development strategy which includes the introduction of new brands and scaled growth in key cities where we can develop and operate multiple hotels within the same city. This will result in many operating synergies and cost benefits to each hotel located in the same city. We are currently focusing on 23 of the 60 larger cities in Africa and have a proven track record when one compares the size of our portfolio in Africa for the 19 years we have been active on the continent. We are proud that our flagship brand, Radisson Blu, has for a second year in a row secured the top spot as Africa’s fastest growing hotel brand, according to the W Hospitality Pipeline Report.

Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “With our new operational model, we broke records in 2018 with an increase in GOP margins in every market, despite some rate decline. This year we continue to do so with various milestones achieved, such as the group revenue increasing by 14%, a 30% increase in Radisson Rewards Meetings revenue, over 50 awards won and 90% of Radisson hotels in Africa securing Safehotels certification. We’ve set a global first in hotel safety and security with Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center Niamey securing the highest level of Safehotels certification, Executive, just three days after the hotel opened in June 2019. We have placed continued investment in resources within Africa, growing the support team of our hotels and owners.”

Commenting on the Group’s East African development plans, McLachlan said, “Aligned with our five-year development plan, we are seeking scale in proactive key cities, such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Kampala. There are great opportunities in Ethiopia because of the population and ease of airlift access, with Africa’s leading airline, Ethiopian Airlines. Addis Ababa has the potential to host each of our five active hotel brands in Africa. These opportunities are not only for new build hotels, but also for locally branded conversions. East Africa presents unique bush and beach opportunities. We are exploring eco-tourism projects, leveraging the National Parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. In terms of beach prospects, we are investigating opportunities in Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and Diani.”

To date this year, Radisson Hotel Group has opened two hotels in Africa; Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Niamey – the first and only 5-Star international brand hotel in the country as well as the group’s debut into Algeria with the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Algiers Hydra. Radisson Hotel Group is scheduled to open two more hotels before year end, with the opening of its third hotel in Kenya, Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Nairobi Arboretum in October and Radisson Blu Hotel Casablanca scheduled to open in November, marking the group’s first entry in the city.

In addition to the portfolio of six hotels signed in Egypt earlier this year, the remaining new hotel deals include:
Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank, South Africa

Building on the success of Radisson RED hotel brand, the group just announced the signing of its second Radisson RED hotel in South Africa. Scheduled to open in February 2021, the Radisson RED Hotel Johannesburg, Rosebank will arrive and shake up the hospitality industry in South Africa’s largest city.

The hotel will be located in Oxford Parks, a vibrant mixed-use precinct comprising premium offices, apartments and supporting retail and restaurants, all situated within an exceptionally high-quality, privately managed and walkable public environment.

The new-build, 222-room Radisson RED Hotel Johannesburg, Rosebank will comprise standard studios and suites in bold designs. The hotel will feature the famous Radisson RED food and beverage concepts and social scenes, such as the ‘all day dining’ Oui Bar & Ktchn. Following the footsteps of its sister hotel in Cape Town, voted the best rooftop bar in the city, Radisson RED Johannesburg, Rosebank will also boast a trendy rooftop bar and terrace. The rooftop will also include a swimming pool and fitness room, giving guests various options to unwind, all while basking in the vibrant Johannesburg skyline views.

Radisson Hotel La Baie d’Alger Algiers, Algeria
Radisson Hotel La Baie d’Alger in Algiers is the Group’s second hotel in Algeria and first Radisson-branded hotel in the country.

The new-build hotel is scheduled to open in 2022, ideally located in the El Hamma district. This means it will be within easy reach of famous leisure attractions such as the Botanical Garden of El Hamma, the Martyr’s Memorial and the Bardo National Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography. It is also close to the Port of Algiers, Algeria’s historic main port for maritime trade exchanges.

The 184-room hotel – consisting of standard rooms, junior suites and suites – will deliver the true Radisson experience by allowing guests to feel completely at ease within soothing spaces. Guests will be able to indulge in local and international cuisine in the modern all-day dining restaurant, while enjoying light snacks and refreshing beverages in the lobby lounge. The hotel’s 308sqm of meetings and events space will comprise five state-of-the-art meeting rooms and one conference venue. The leisure facilities will also include a fully equipped gym and spa.

Portfolio of three hotels in Madagascar:
The Radisson Blu Hotel Antananarivo Waterfront and the Radisson Hotel Antananarivo Waterfront will be ideally positioned in a central location at the crossroads of the city center in the main business and commercial district. With three entrance gates, the hotels will have unrivalled access to Antananarivo International Airport, less than 30 minutes away. Located in the Waterfront, a quiet compound which is secured (24-hour manned CCTV system) and surrounded by a large lake and multiple outlets including restaurants, a mall and cinema.

The third property, Radisson Serviced Apartments Antananarivo City Center, is located in a vibrant area within the city center, surrounded by bars, restaurants as well as major banks, ministries and the ancient Presidential Palace.
This information was shared from Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) taking place 23-25 September 2019 – Sheraton Addis, Ethiopia.



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Tatiana Rokou
News Editor
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

 
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