Hospitality News South Africa

Carlson Rezidor expands into Mozambique

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is set to expand its African portfolio with eight new openings scheduled between 2012 and 2013, including the new Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Tete and the Radisson Blu Hotel Maputo in Mozambique.

"We are very excited about the soon-to-be-launched Mozambique properties. The destination presents an exotic and truly African experience, as well boasting one of the most breathtaking environments on Earth and we believe that both the new hotels embrace the country's unique ambiance," said Carlson Rezidor regional director sub-Saharan Africa, Han Oldenburger.

To be launched in June 2012, the Park Inn by Radisson Tete Hotel will present business and leisure travellers with the first hotel of its kind in the area, offering a fresh contemporary design and luxury facilities previously not available.

Strong demand for new accommodation

With the recent strong growth in business, agriculture and mining in the area, there is strong demand for new accommodation in Tete. In this respect the Park Inn by Radisson Tete Hotel has been developed to provide support and recreational facilities to cater for the captive market in the residential complex and the lack of other facilities in the area.

Supported by the health, gym and spa facilities, the entertainment areas around the lush tropical swimming pool, which forms the heart of the hotel complex, will also allow the new hotel in Tete to host a range of different indoor and outdoor functions, making it a weekend leisure option as well as business travel-focused hotel. Additional facilities will include an RBG Bar and Grill, and on-site meeting facilities.

Located between the Tete International Airport and Moatise's city centre, the hotel's location will also eliminate the need to cross the highly congested Samora Machel Bridge, as well as offer easy access to the nearby business hubs and tourist destinations in north-central Mozambique.

Indian Ocean view

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Radisson Blu Hotel Maputo, meanwhile, will be located within easy reach of the bustling city centre and Maputo International Airport next to the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre.

The ultra-modern hotel will offer guests a choice of 152 luxurious rooms featuring amenities such as free high-speed Internet access and state-of-the-art plasma screens. Other features will include the Filini Bar and Restaurant, which will serve Italian cuisine and fine wines, a well-equipped fitness room, outdoor swimming pool and sun deck, and conference facilities and business centre.

"Tourism in most African countries is a major driver for the economy and Carlson Rezidor has identified the need and potential for a global hotel brand to be present in a number of key locations, further contributing to the growth of tourism and infrastructure development. It's an exciting time and we hope that these new properties will attract more international visitors and investors to the continent," Oldenburger added.

Other African additions to the Carlson Rezidor portfolio will include the Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka (Zambia), Okoume Palace Libreville Hotel (Gabon), Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Abeokuta (Nigeria), Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali (Rwanda), Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Freetown (Sierra Leone) and the Radisson Blu Safari Resort Kruger Park (South Africa).

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