Leading African chain expands its operations in the UAE beyond Dubai, looking to compete for both business and leisure traveller custom
Tsogo Sun, a South African hospitality and entertainment group with over 90 hotels and 14 casinos, has entered Abu Dhabi’s hospitality market with the launch of the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, a 353-room property located in the Tourist Club area of the capital.
“With the launch of this, the first Southern Sun property in Abu Dhabi, the group is ready to re-enter the UAE hospitality market, building on the success of its previous projects in Dubai,” said Richard Weilers, Chief Operating Officer for Tsogo Sun Hotels. With the launch of this, the first Southern Sun property in Abu Dhabi, the group is ready to re-enter the UAE hospitality market.
“The full-service hotel embraces a vibrant theme, with a unique combination of traditional and contemporary design elements. With spacious accommodation options and welcoming hospitality, the property is an ideal choice for vacationers and business executives alike.”
Tsogo Sun has appointed the senior management team to oversee the operations, led by double-decade industry veteran Pierre Delfau as general manager, moving on from the same role at the former Southern Sun properties, Al Manzil and Qamardeen hotels in Downtown Dubai.
The Southern Sun Hotels group was founded in 1969 by South African hotelier Sol Kerzner, and merged with Tsogo Sun Gaming and Tsogo Sun Holdings in April 2012. Kerzner also recently stepped down as chairman of Kerzner International Holdings after its $450m purchase by the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Related article Continental gas capability “disappointingly low”
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A JSE-listed investment holding company, Tsogo Sun’s key shareholders are Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (41.3%), SABMiller, the London-listed brewing company (39.7%), other assorted financial institutions, and the general public (19%).
With the launch of this, the first Southern Sun property in Abu Dhabi, the group is ready to re-enter the UAE hospitality market.