Afrirent Holdings has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International for a Protea Hotel by Marriott in East London in the Eastern Cape. On behalf of the hotel owner, SKG Properties, Afrirent Holdings will operate the 140-room Protea Hotel by Marriott East London Beacon Bay which is estimated to drive an investment of R200-million.
When the hotel opens in 2023, Afrirent Holdings 100% black female-owned subsidiary, Indalo Hotels & Leisure, will serve as the operator of the property. The project is one of the first greenfield ventures for Afrirent Holdings in the tourism and hospitality space and marks a significant milestone in the investment company’s diversification strategy.
Senzo Tsabedze, CEO of Afrirent Holdings commented, “Our ultimate ambition is to establish Indalo Hotels & Leisure as a major third-party hotel operator in the local tourism sector. This project will pave the way for the company for additional planned investments in other major tourism centres across South Africa.
“We are also very excited to launch a project of this scale because of the ability to create a significant number of job opportunities through the various phases of the hotel’s development. It will help to uplift the troubled sector that has been severely impacted by Covid-19. We look to employ local people and up-skill workers wherever possible to deepen the economic benefits for the surrounding communities where we operate,” added Tsabedze.
The company anticipates the project will deliver a boost in job creation in the country with permanent and temporary employment opportunities expected to extend through from the development and construction phase, to the operation of the hotel.
Protea Hotel by Marriott East London Beacon Bay will feature 140 rooms with two food and beverage outlets, more than 500 square meters of event and meeting space and recreational facilities, including a fitness centre and swimming pool. The project will mark the first Protea Hotel by Marriott branded property in East London and will be located in the burgeoning Beacon Bay tourist hotspot in the popular seaside town.
‘“We look forward to working with Afrirent Holdings and SKG Properties to bring the Protea Hotel by Marriott brand to East London,” said Talya French, Director, Lodging Development, Africa, Marriott International. “This signing further strengthens our portfolio in South Africa, which remains as a key growth market in our overall development strategy for Africa.”
About Protea Hotels by Marriott
Protea Hotels by Marriott is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and boasts the highest hospitality brand awareness in the Continent with nearly 80 hotels across nine countries including South Africa. For the progressive yet pragmatic traveler seeking a high-quality travel experience, Protea Hotels offer modern design and amenities with warm, personal service so every guest feels important and cared for. Each hotel is uniquely designed, providing guests a taste of local flavor in a truly authentic way.
About Afrirent & Indalo Hotels and Leisure Management
Indalo Hotels and Leisure Management is Afrirent’s latest venture, in line with their horizontal integration strategy into industries aligned to our transport and fleet management focus.
Indalo Hotels & Leisure’s focus is squarely on high-end international adventure tourism and travellers and will ultimately include vehicle rental (through Afrirent Car Rental), accommodation and dining management and leisure activities
