One of the leading hospitality companies in southern Africa, Tsogo Sun Hotels, has announced that it will take over Mount Grace in Magaliesburg, the Edward in Durban and the Protea Hotel Hazyview in Mpumalanga.
This follows the announcement by Marriott that they have closed these three hotels and are removing them from the Marriott system as a result of the impact of Covid-19.
“We have also noted the distress this has caused within the travel and tourism industry and the communities where these hotels are situated, as expressed on various social media platforms,” said the group in a press statement.
The group added that they remained committed to these properties and have full faith in their viability post the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commenting on the move, CEO of Tsogo Sun Hotels, Marcel Von Aulock, said these were three great hotels with the Mount Grace in Magaliesburg developed by the Brand family and the Edward a landmark on the Durban Beach front.
“Lastly Hazyview is on the key tourist route through Mpumalanga on the doorstep of the Kruger National Park,” added Von Aulock.
“We have the Sabi River Sun right up the road and are currently redoing the chalets and the golf course at that property. The addition of this hotel in the area will allow us to broaden the offering we have for the local and foreign markets which will return to Kruger when things normalise.”
Tsogo Sun Hotels via its subsidiary Hospitality Property Fund owns a controlling stake in the three hotels. And in the short term, Tsogo Sun is working with Marriott and has mobilised resources to ensure the properties are handed over, secured and maintained while they remain closed.
In the same vein, the group revealed that, with the recent announcement by President Ramaphosa of a relaxation of lock down regulations, several of their hotels have opened but are operating on limited capacity and will remain so until demand patterns and flight activities in both the domestic and ultimately the international markets begin to normalise.
“However, we continue to plan for a phased reactivation of properties, with the full portfolio expected to be open within twelve to eighteen months and will now include these three iconic properties in our planning. “
