29 May 2016

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism has appealed for an acceleration of service standards for investors who continue to invest in Botswana and called on stakeholders to do more.

Speaking at the official re-opening of Masa Square Hotel on May 25, Mr Tshekedi Khama said the P40 million invested back into the formally know Lansmore Hotel, now Masa Square Hotel is a welcome investment into the hospitality sector.

Having come under new ownership and management in recent months, the hotel introduced a number of exciting developments that were officially launched by Minister Khama.

“Amongst some of the exciting new developments accompanying the rebranded Masa property are a fully renovated foyer and reception, the introduction of Don Carlos restaurant and Carlitos café, both of which boast exciting new menu options,” he said.

He further said the hotel now also welcomes guests onto a fully renovated terrace area, with a café style wooden deck and covered seating spilling out onto the Masa piazza.

“Last but not least, the brand launched Masa Suites, 30 fully furnished modern short-stay suites designed for comfort and convenience for business or leisure travellers opting for a self-catering style executive stay,” said Mr Khama.

“This comes as yet another milestone in the brand’s strategy to redefine the local hospitality industry,” he added.

For his part, Masa Square Hotel general manager, Mr Greg Soutter said this is indeed an extremely exciting time for everyone in the Masa family, as work and plans that have been on-going for months now came to fruition.

“We are incredibly excited by the big changes one now finds at Masa Square Hotel, coupled with the reputed charm and excellence that guests and patrons have always come to know from Masa.

There’s truly a well-diversified offering for everyone, and this is simply yet another step in our journey towards being a hospitality brand that rivals all others,” he said.

He indicated that Masa Square Hotel forms one of the hospitality properties under Natural Mystik and it is managed by aha Hotels & Lodges, whose hospitality management portfolio also includes Chobe Marina Lodge.

Mr Neil Bald, Managing Director of aha Hotels & Lodges said Masa Square Hotel is a truly elegant, unique hotel and they are incredibly pleased with the results of the renovation and rebrand.

“This is the calibre of hospitality that our guests deserve and we strive to ensure we always remain ahead,” he said.

He further said aha Hotels & Lodges is the property management company of Tourvest and it is the second largest tourism hotel and lodge management company in Southern Africa that represents and operates a portfolio of properties in South Africa, as well as outside South Africa in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Zambia.

Chairman of Masa Square Hotel, Mr Guido Giachetti said it has been 46 years that their group has invested in the country.

“In 46 years we have had the opportunity to grow from a pure construction company to a group that has contributed to the development of the country in different sectors of the economy,” he said.

Mr Giachetti said he believes that the synergies between contracting, property developments, the hospitality sector and their philanthropic projects have made the group a significant contributor to the quality of life in Botswana. ENDS