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Gaongalelwe Dinale

Poachers have broken into Botswana’s prime tourism concession, killing more than 40 elephants.

Michael Chase, Founder of Elephants without Borders (EWB), said in a report that the elephants were killed in a famous wilderness area, managed by one of the world’s largest eco-tourism travel companies.

He called for help from tourism companies in prime tourism concessions to help protect the elephants. “The region has a strong military presence with two airfields. The Botswana government can’t be expected to stop this poaching alone; it is incumbent upon all tourism companies – who have a responsibility to conserve these areas – to start putting their money where their mouth is and invest in protecting what they profit from, Botswana’s natural heritage,” said Chase.

He believes tourism companies should stop building more lodges in a World Heritage Site, and start doing something to help stop this ‘poaching madness’.

EWB, in collaboration with the Botswana government, through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), is carrying out the Botswana elephant census 2018, led by Chase. Elephant poaching has been on the increase in Botswana this year. However, Botswana has decided to dis-arm the DWNP of the military weapons and equipment that were used in anti-poaching patrols.

EWB is a charitable organisation dedicated to conserving wildlife and natural resources, through innovative research, education, and information sharing with all people. – Tourism Update

Indian hospitality group sets plans for Kenya in 2020

Major Indian hospitality group, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts – owned by EIH Limited – has announced plans for a ‘super premium’ resort near the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The resort will be situated on a 5,000-acre property overlooking the Mara Valley and is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2020.

Oberoi Group Chairman, Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, made the announcement on the sidelines of the company’s AGM in Calcutta last week. The hotel, to be called Oberoi Wildlife Resort, will have 25 luxury tents, two restaurants and a bar. Oberoi explained: “A local company with some foreign shareholding will build the property. We shall manage it.”

According to Oberoi, the property is aligned with the group’s decision to step away from hotel ownership: “We had taken a decision that we should also try managing hotels. We wish to be asset-light.”

The group currently owns and manages 22 properties across India, Indonesia, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Mauritius, with construction under way on a property in Morocco. – Tourism Update

Garden Court Kitwe Opens in Zambia

Johannesburg – Tsogo Sun has announced the official opening of its newest offshore hotel property, Garden Court Kitwe, located just outside the central city of Kitwe in Zambia. This addition to the Tsogo Sun Hotels portfolio will bring the number of properties outside of South Africa for the group to twelve and is the third hotel for the group in Zambia.

Offering outstanding service and modern hospitality, Garden Court Kitwe is situated in Zambia’s copper region and is just an hour’s drive from Ndola International Airport. The hotel offers 130 en-suite rooms, all equipped with in-room tea and coffee making facilities, an electronic safe and air-conditioning.

Guests will be able to enjoy the comforts they have come to expect from Tsogo Sun hotels, including complimentary WiFi, a self-service workstation, well-equipped gym and swimming pool. An 18-hour room service will be available to guests.

Nearby to the hotel, guests will find the Mukuba Mall, while the property adjoins the ECL Business Park. It is an ideal base for conducting both business and corporate functions with a host of professional services.

A total of six conference venues and event spaces are available with the largest seating 240 delegates. A stylish lobby area with charging facilities for phones and laptops add to the convenience for conference delegates. The hotel’s banqueting team is available to assist with planning any event, be it a board meeting, conference, exhibition or cocktails. The conference rooms offer privacy and have a full range of amenities, ensuring that every requirement is met.

The Copper Club Restaurant, Bar & Terrace offers delicious traditional and continental cuisine in a relaxing and inviting environment. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served and diners can look forward to specialty dishes from the à la carte menu as well as wood-fired pizzas.

General Manager of Garden Court Kitwe, Christopher Nsenje, says of the new development: “We are excited to open this new, modern hotel in Zambia’s Copper Belt. We are looking forward to providing the expert levels of service and welcoming both new and regular travellers to Kitwe and Ndola.” – Tourism Tattler



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