Hotel Verde Zanzibar opens doors to guests, promotes responsible tourism
Following the success and worldwide recognition of Hotel Verde – Africa’s greenest hotel in Cape Town International Airport – the project was contracted to South African-based Verde Hotels. Bakhresa, chairman of the Bakhresa Group, appointed the group to manage the construction and development through to opening, including the management and marketing of this new sustainably responsible hotel.
Encouraging green, sustainable tourism
Verde Hotels was able to enter the building phase at a timeous point to implement the many green and sustainable strategies required in the promotion of responsible tourism. Some of these implementations include a renewable energy generation, reticulated grey and black water recycling systems, waste management, a heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system and regenerative drive elevators.
During construction, the hotel followed the Green Building Council’s criteria and will now manage and operate as a certified sustainable establishment, offering a carbon-efficient stay.
The hotel is situated 2km from the popular Stone Town and is within walking distance to the beach. The hotel offers guests luxury standard rooms and penthouse suites, a spa, a gym (fully equipped with energy-generating gym equipment), three restaurants; conference facilities, entertainment, a gaming room, kids’ club, jet-skis and water sports. Future plans include the completion of a marina and a fully-kitted waterpark, which is already under construction.
Commenting on the opening of the hotel, Calvin Boia who is part of the Verde Hotels executive team managing the opening says: “This is an extremely exciting time not only for us at Verde Hotels but also for Zanzibar tourism – the destination is gaining huge recognition as a sought-after holiday and conference hot-spot and the hotel will add even more value. We have combined five-star luxury with sustainable strategies and offer a range of fantastic facilities and activities. We are looking forward to seeing families, conference groups and all our guests enjoy the fruits of our carefully thought-out hotel.”
