10 Dec 2017

Newly appointed Cresta Marakanelo managing director, Mr Mokwena Morulane says the company has set aside about P53 million for the refurbishment of their property as they look to become more bullish in the hospitality industry going into 2018.

Outlining the businesses’ growth plans for next year at a stakeholder engagement meeting recently, Mr Morulane said for their flagship property, which is Mowana Resort in Kasane, the company would pump P31 million in terms of refurbishment.

He also indicated that Cresta Marakanelo was looking into expanding in Ghanzi with an 80-roomed hotel currently in the pipeline.

“Refurbishments of our property around the country will also continue, so that we keep our establishments in top form structurally and aesthetically, ensuring that we continue to give our customers an unparalleled experience at our resorts,” he said.

 Mr Morulane said they are also looking to continue pursuing their growth strategy both in Botswana and in the region.

“We are recognised in the market as the largest hotel operator both in the number of rooms (1 000) and in the geographical spread of our hotels, which includes Botswana and Zambia,” he said.

Cresta Marakanelo has 12 hotels, with 11 in Botswana and one in Zambia.

He noted that there was no other hotel operator that had such dominant presence in larger cities as well as key tourist areas in Botswana.

Giving an overview of 2017, Mr Morulane said the year had been of metamorphosis for the business and such would continue in 2018, with significant strides being taken towards infrastructure development as well as a focus on growing their footprint and improving customer value proposition in the region.

“We have opened an 83-roomed Cresta Maun in June and the response from the market place is encouraging,” he said.

He further said the recent additions to the board had also been a pleasant development.

“The departure of our former board chair has seen a new board chair in Mr Moatlhodi Lekaukau assuming the role. Mr Elias Dewah, who retired, was replaced by Ms Tshepidi Moremong and we believe that the new board members will bring aboard additional specialist skills and expertise and ensure that our board continues to perform its role of guiding the business strategy to success,” continued Mr Morulane.

He explained that Cresta Marakanelo had made digital evolution central to their growth, therefore product enhancement by introduction of state-of-the art conferencing equipment and other technological gadgets, high speed Wi-Fi was well underway.

“Service improvement in the form of quick turnaround times and response to enquiries, and the prompt, apt resolution of complaints is also at the top of our list of priorities, executed traditionally and aided by our technology partners,” he said.

Mr Morulane reiterated their commitment to human capital by investing significantly in their staff training and development in order to elevate all the key delivery touch-points of their business. ENDS