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Samia pushes for mega hotels

Issa Yusuf in Zanzibar2 weeks ago 6,733

Tasks TIC, ZIPA to attract more investors
TO cope with the ever increasing influx of foreign tourists’ in the country, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed relevant authorities to step up massive investments promotion drive, especially in mega luxury hotels.

According to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Monthly Economic Review released in June 2023 which covers key macroeconomic indicators, Tanzania tourism arrivals surpassed 1.6 million in year ending May 2023, reaching historic heights.

Tanzania’s travel receipts almost doubled to 2,560.7 million US dollars in 2022 from 1,310.3 million US dollars in 2021, consistent with the rise in the number of tourist arrivals. Tanzania received 1,454,920 tourists in 2022, compared to 922,692 in 2021, and 616,491 in 2020.

In 2020, revenues were down to 1 billion US dollars as the sector was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on international travel, from a peak of 2.6 billion US dollars in revenues and 1.5 million arrivals in 2019.

Opening a 5-star accommodation facility — Kwanza Resort by SUNRISE in Kizimkazi yesterday, President Samia did not hide her delight for the newly established hotel, saying the country needs more of such facilities to cope with the number of tourist arrivals.

“To address the increasing influx of tourists from abroad, it is imperative for ZIPA (Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority) and TIC (Tanzania Investment Centre) to play a key role in attracting investors to set up more mega luxury hotels in the country,” said Dr Samia.

President Samia said attracting such kind of investments was also crucial for the country to create more employment opportunities for youth.

She said that the ‘Royal Tour’ documentary has brought positive results of increasing the number of tourists and investors eyeing to invest in the country.

In April 2022, President Samia unveiled “The Royal Tour” documentary while promoting FDIs during her official visit to the US. Filmed throughout Tanzania in 2021, it features Emmy Award-winning journalist Peter Greenberg travelling to Tanzania with President Samia.

In the documentary, President Samia is the ultimate guide for a week, exhibiting Tanzania’s history, culture, environment, food and music as well as telling the stories of Tanzania’s hidden jewels.

President Samia also revealed that British Actor Idris Elba will come into the country in the near future to open a film studio, a move she said will spellbound tourism sector.

“When I was in Arusha recently, I shot a film with Chinese Actor, Jin Dong, titled ‘Nyumbani Milele’ which will be televised in China,” she said, adding that the objective is to attract more tourists from China and other parts of the world.

President Samia presented the Chinese actor with a certificate as Tanzania’s Tourism and Cultural Ambassador to his country.

“China has about ten million people who move out on tourism missions annually, if we manage to attract at least three million from them, it will be a big deal,” she said.

On Tuesday’s evening event was part of various activities lined up to celebrate this year’s ‘Kizimkazi Festival.’

She thanked the Zanzibar government for ongoing improvement of investment and business environment which attracts foreign investors, adding that the Unguja South incorporating Kizimkazi village is changing fast in terms of development and that changes are sometimes unbelievable, “It isn’t possible until it is done!”

In attaining real development, Dr Samia emphasised engaging the private sector. “We cannot move faster in development without the involvement of the private sector,” she said.

Dr Samia explained that she was so thrilled by the development of ZIPA, which has turned to a one-stop-centre, approving or clearing investment applications within 24hrs instead of three to six months in the past.

Earlier, Executive Director of ZIPA, Mr Asharif Ali Sharif said his office is working closely with TIC to increase the number of investments in the country.

He poured praises on President Samia, saying that her efforts in promoting peace and stability and business environment is attracting many investors, including plans for Formula One Race and NBA sports planning to invest in Zanzibar. He said Silicon high technology is already operating in Zanzibar.

The Zanzibar Minister for Labour, Economy and Investment, Mr Mudrick Ramadhan Soraga said that there has been a lot of changes in room for investments in the country and plans are underway to table ‘Investment Act 2023’ in the House of Representatives, which will create more opportunities for investors, including room for the Diaspora to come and invest in the country starting with only 2,000 US dollars.

The Kwanza Hotel CEO, Hussein Hassanein said he was attracted to invest in Zanzibar because of the hospitality of the residents and good environment.

He thanked President Samia and Zanzibar’s President Dr Hussein Mwinyi for good cooperation which enabled him to construct the 151 rooms’ facility, which has employed 300 staffs, 99 per cent being Tanzanians.

Before opening the hotel, Dr Samia inaugurated a water supply station at Kizimkazi developed by Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (DAWASA) in collaboration with Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA).

Dr Samia also opened Kizimkazi refurbished school with 11 rooms, computer lab, and administration offices, funded under Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF).

 
Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection
Ngorongoro Lodge, New Hotel From Meliá Hotels International Opens in Tanzania
Now Open60 RoomsHotel website
The Meliá Collection
Melia
18 July 2023

Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection — Photo by Melia
Meliá Hotels International, the leading hotel company in Spain, announced today the opening of Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection. Located in northern Tanzania in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the newly renovated hotel is the brand's fourth property in Africa and belongs to The Meliá Collection, a group of unique and exclusive hotels with their own distinctive personality.

With the utmost respect for the environment, Ngorongoro Lodge was carefully designed in honor of its unique location. The hotel sits within the protected Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking 26,247 square feet natural oasis and iconic 1,969 feet deep crater. More than 25,000 wild animals live along the crater and is known for its various hominid species.

Aligned with Meliá Hotels International's values in sustainability, the hotel's complete renovation has paid special attention to protecting the natural ecosystem of Ngorongoro and preserving the culture of the Maasai tribe. A Nilotic ethnic group, the Maasai reside across Kenya and northern Tanzania. With a modern infrared system, the hotel manages energy consumption in the heat transmission of the systems themselves, making each of them 90% self-sufficient. Additionally, 95% of all products used across the property are acquired in neighboring villages and the hotel will produce its own water through a bottling plant.

The hotel features 60 guestrooms, including six suites, 17 junior suites and one villa, all with breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. Inspired by the Maasai culture, guestrooms and public spaces feature earthy furnishings and a neutral color palette that allow the expansive, light-filled living spaces and stunning views to take the spotlight. Rooms are defined with accents of traditional patterns and artwork from neighboring villages. All guest rooms include local bathroom amenities and unique hand-made features such as traditional Sanaa wall art - an ode to the brand's commitment to sustainability and charity.

What makes a stay at Ngorongoro Lodge unforgettable are the experiences available for guests. For those looking to immerse themselves in the nature and beauty of Tanzania, the Lodge provides a variety of unique tours, exhibitions, shows, and excursions like no other. Guests can discover Ngorongoro Crater with a full-day Game Drive and observe Tanzania's most extraordinary wildlife such as wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. Guests will be transported around the crater in their own safari vehicle with an experienced guide and a full picnic lunch.

For guests looking to learn more about local Tanzanian culture, the Maasai will open their homes to Ngorongoro Lodge. Guests are welcomed into the boma, the traditional Maasai house, where they are able to see and participate in their cultural activities including traditional dances, house making, creating handcrafted ornaments, and cooking a variety of dishes. For thrill-seeking nature lovers, the Balloon Safari offers a birds-eye view of the famous Ndutu Region with its enchanting scenery. Guests can float in a hot air balloon, touring the skies above the Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Victoria. The adventures are endless at Ngorongoro Lodge, including one-of-a-kind experiences intended to educate and inspire.

In addition to the many experiences and excursions offered at Ngorongoro Lodge, Meliá Hotels International also provides an exclusive travel itinerary for guests looking to explore the beauty and nature across Tanzania. The luxury itinerary spans 6 days and 5 nights starting at Gran Meliá Arusha located in between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks where guests can take in the stunning views of Mount Meru. Explorers will then move on to Ngorongoro Lodge for a two-night stay where they will part take in a traditional Game Drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater. From there, travelers will continue over to Meliá Serengeti Lodge, a 5-star property surrounded by wildlife and an infinite sky of endless land. Itinerary packages start at $4,000 (flights not included), but if they want to amplify the itinerary, it will end with some rest and relaxation on the one and only Zanzibar Island at Meliá Zanzíbar where guests can enjoy white sand beaches and the crystal-clear waters of an unforgettable African holiday. For more information, please reach out to reservations.tanzania@melia.com.

Ngorongoro Lodge's food and beverage offerings are inspired by its unique surroundings, where guests can experience intimate dining throughout The Crater grill, lounge, and bar. Inspired by traditional African cuisine with Asian influences, The Crater Grill prepares the best selection of local fish and poultry with an extraordinary fusion of Tanzanian aromas and ingredients. Guests can return from their day and watch the sunset at The Crater Lounge and enjoy a glass of the best East African wines, long drinks, and local fruit cocktails. Throughout the day diners can enjoy the taste of Tanzanian coffee and local teas at The Crater Bar or indulge in a cocktail made from local African liquors such as Gin.

For wellness offerings, the amenities at The Spa provide guests with unparalleled moments of relaxation and complete rejuvenation. With a wide range of treatments and luxurious massage techniques, guests will find soothing aromas and emotive musical sounds to ease themselves into complete zen. Spa-goers will also receive an authentic local experience as the selection of natural beauty products commonly used throughout treatments are produced in Tanzania by Inaya Zanzibar, inspired by the remarkable properties of Africa's rich and diverse nature. Ngorongoro Lodge's Spa delivers total wellness of mind, body and soul amongst the most breathtaking of settings.

Hotel website

The Meliá Collection
Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection
B144
Arusha Region, 1184
Tanzania
+255 748 520 520
Hotel Website

 

View: https://twitter.com/AgenttravelES/status/1730542261677744617


View: https://twitter.com/AfricaHotelNews/status/1730903061009412322


Elewana Collection Unveils Explorer Brand: Serengeti Lodge To Debut In March 2024​

ByAfrica Hotel ReportDecember 2, 2023
ELEWANA COLLECTION INTRODUCES EXPLORER BRAND WITH SERENGETI LODGE, OFFERING AFFORDABLE LUXURY AND IMMERSIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCES. COMMITTED TO CONSERVATION, THE LAUNCH MARKS A MILESTONE IN MID-MARKET HOSPITALITY.

In a groundbreaking move, Elewana Collection introduces its new upscale safari lodge brand, Explorer. Scheduled to open its first lodge, Serengeti Explorer, in March 2024, this venture aims to bridge the gap between budget and luxury, offering a unique safari experience.

Serengeti Explorer: Distinctive Safari Experience & Immersive Activities​

Explorer by Elewana promises a distinctive safari experience in Northern Tanzania, focusing on mid-market guests. The Serengeti Explorer, perched on Nyaboro Hills, also ensures panoramic views of the iconic plains, providing a central yet private hub for witnessing the Great Migration.
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The lodge boasts 68 well-appointed explorer rooms and six suites, catering to couples, families, and special groups. Dining options range from a chef’s table in a wine cellar to a Boma restaurant under the Serengeti sky. A farm-to-table culture is also celebrated across the main restaurant, poolside bistro, and deli.
Additionally, Serengeti Explorer offers game drives. Families can enjoy a children’s bushcraft center, and an outdoor cinema screens African classics and recent releases. Walking safaris, an art gallery showcasing local talent, and a stargazing deck with an astronomy guide further enrich the experience.

Commitment To Conservation And Community​

Karim Wissanji, Elewana’s Group Chairman & CEO, emphasizes Explorer’s commitment to conservation and community engagement. Moreover, the lodge’s construction on the former Serengeti Sopa Lodge site ensures minimal environmental disruption, upholding Elewana’s dedication to responsible luxury safari experiences.
With rack rates ranging from US$330 to US$940, Serengeti Explorer caters to mid-market safari enthusiasts without compromising on luxury. This launch marks a milestone for Elewana, offering responsible, authentic, and immersive safari adventures in World Heritage-designated natural landscapes.

About Minor Hotels​

Minor Hotels, the parent company, operates globally with over 540 hotels. Through strategic acquisitions and brand expansion, Minor Hotels envisions a more interconnected world, passionately exploring new possibilities in hospitality.

 

Philippe Moens of 2802 Architects shares updates on the new design of Serengeti Explorer​

Philippe Serengeti Explorer

We recently caught up with Philippe Moens of 2802 Architects to learn more about the inspiration for the design and architecture of the soon-to-open Serengeti Explorer property.

Please could you give us an overview on the architectural style of the new Serengeti Explorer property?
The spectacular view was the focal point and I tried to capture nature at its very best. With Serengeti Explorer positioned on a hillside, it was important that we maximise the location and incredible views that guests have from the property. I wanted to design a building that has a very strong identity and was simultaneously very minimalistic. For example, there are lots of geometrical shaped columns that repeat throughout the project to support a lightweight roof that is cantilevering all around to filter the sun light. The thin roof contrasts quite well with the heavy angular columns. I find that the two together create a unique style that somehow looks African and contextual to the site.

Can you share more about the room design?
It was important to have a connection between the rooms and the views that they offer. For example, we wanted to integrate the balcony as much as possible to be part of the room, so it becomes an extension of the bedroom. The windows of the bedroom fully open onto the balcony, and they are also screened from neighbours ensuring maximum privacy and use.

The guestrooms’ internal furnishings are unique and almost everything (I would say 99%!) has been custom designed specifically for the rooms and spaces. The idea was to create a contemporary version of a “safari look and feel” without falling into designs that are a bit “cliché.” We wanted to offer a cosy and “homey” feel in the middle of Serengeti.

We also chose to use noble materials that have patina and lots of character such as wood, “handmade style” tiles, uneven colour plastering and other effects.

What is the design of the common areas?
Similar to the guestrooms, the various common areas are fully open to the elements, creating a feeling of enclosure, whilst also being outdoors. Most of the structure is surrounded by large outdoor decks, making the transition between indoor spaces and the spectacular views unobstructive.

The common area is composed of multiple “blocks” including the reception, bar, and restaurant, which gave me the opportunity to break a large building into a smaller scale. All the blocks together almost give the feeling of a small village where guests can walk through and around.

What can guests expect upon arriving at the property?
The sense of arrival was very important. I tried to make it spectacular and inviting. The porte-cochere is quite high with a “floating roof” which fades into the landscape of the hill. The reception area includes a dark water feature that acts as a mirror to reflect the façade and to make it seem even bigger, without going too high. As you step out of the car, through the reception hall, you immediately discover that the lodge is strategically placed amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

Is there an area that you find particularly special at Serengeti Explorer?
The lower level is even closer to the bush so whether you are working out in the gym, swimming, or having a drink by the pool bar, the infinity pool and decks disappear into the landscape which creates a natural barrier with you and the wildlife. It’s a very immersive experience.

 

View: https://twitter.com/BrayanCrawford/status/1744024166976688326


Swiss-Belhotel International debuts in Zanzibar​

02 Jul 2018 - by eTNW


International signed a management agreement with Zanzibar Crown Hotel and Resort Limited to operate the beachfront Swiss-Belresort Zanzibar, opening next year. This marks the group’s debut in Tanzania and with it, East Africa which is currently witnessing a large demand for quality hotels.


Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “We are very excited to expand our footprint in Africa with a historic and vibrant destination like Zanzibar. It is an extremely significant development for us, being our first in East Africa which is the continent’s most lucrative market for hotels. Zanzibar is a leading holiday destination.

The number of tourists visiting the island has been consistently growing at 8-10% a year for the past decade, resulting in exceptional performance by hotels, which places us in a very buoyant market. With its stunning coastal location, Swiss-Belresort Zanzibar is being tailored to provide its guests outstanding
comfort and value, with an enriching experience.”

Swiss-Belresort Zanzibar boasts 125 rooms with views of the Indian Ocean. The hotel will have a wide range of facilities and entertainment activities to serve the varied needs of its guests. On site will be an all-day-dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a banquet hall, a beach lounge, kids pool and kids club, swimming pool, spa and health club and a variety of watersports.

Swiss-Belresort Zanzibar is being developed at an investment of US$25m (R344m) on the prime Indian
Ocean coastline, just 3km from Abedi Amani Karume International Airport, and 7km from the Wonders Palace, Stone Town and Forodhani Gardens.


 

TUI VENTURES INTO LUXURY WITH THE UNVEILING OF 'THE MORA' HOTEL BRAND​

11/24/23, 7:44 AM By Canarian Weekly Travel Photo Credit: Tourinews
In a bold move towards luxury, TUI Group has officially revealed its new upscale hotel brand, and it's set to make a grand entrance onto the scene in the spring of 2024. Brace yourselves for 'The Mora,' which will make its debut with the opening of the exquisite 5-star Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Since late 2022, TUI Group has been hinting at the addition of a luxury brand to its portfolio of hotel brands. Now, not only has the name been unveiled, but the first establishment is set to redefine opulence.


'The Mora' promises to bring a touch of Latin elegance, meaning 'pause,' offering "relaxed and contemporary luxury with flexible and highly personalized service," as described in a statement by the tourism giant. The goal is clear – to attract high-income clients who prefer investing in experiences over possessions.

The breathtaking resort, acquired in August 2024 through a hotel investment fund in collaboration with German asset manager Hansainvest, sets the stage for a new era of sophistication. The Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa is just the beginning, and the anticipation is palpable as TUI sets its sights on other potential destinations for 'The Mora.' Greece, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, and the Canary Islands are all under consideration.

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TUI's Hotel Portfolio

With the addition of 'The Mora,' TUI Group now boasts a diverse hotel portfolio of 12 brands. From the luxurious and contemporary to the family-friendly and all-inclusive, their offerings cater to a wide range of preferences.

The current lineup includes Royalton (Sunwing), TUI Blue, Robinson, TUI Magic Life, RIU, Suneo, Atlantica, Grupotel, Iberotel, Akra Hotels (with Barut), and AQI (in collaboration with TT Hotels).


After a remarkable year of expansion in 2023, which saw the addition of 41 new hotels through investment partnerships and management agreements, TUI's hotel portfolio now spans over 40 countries, totalling 424 establishments. The ambitious goal? To reach 600 in the medium term, solidifying TUI's position as a global leader in the tourism and hospitality industry. The journey has just begun, and the world eagerly awaits the unfolding of 'The Mora' and the continued expansion of TUI's luxury offerings.


 
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