VENUE NEWS

Taj Cape Town welcomes a brand new look

Taj Cape Town is proud to reveal an exquisite new look, marrying its proud heritage with a fresh new contemporary vibe.

There’s no doubt that the tourism industry is experiencing a rebirth: during the first six months of the year, domestic tourism has increased by more than 100 per cent on the same period last year, with 15.2 million trips taken by locals. This compares favourably even to pre-pandemic times: according to a speech given by Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, 8.6 million trips were taken during 2019.

International travel is experiencing a similar recovery, with Cape Town International Airport’s international arrivals recording a recovery rate of 87 per cent in July, compared to the same period during 2019 — the highest this has been during the past five months, according to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

And it’s not just leisure travellers who are packing their bags: according to a study conducted by Research Dive, the global meetings, incentives, conferencing and events industry is set to grow by 5.9 per cent between 2021 and 2028 — a figure that’s driven by the 88 per cent of companies that are planning events for the year.

Mark Wernich, cluster general manager Africa for Taj Hotels, said that Taj Cape Town is eagerly waiting to welcome these travellers and companies. “While Taj Cape Town has become an obvious choice for those seeking a luxury inner city escape, the hotel has always been popular with local, international and business travellers alike, as well as businesses that recognise the value of a trip to beautiful Cape Town as an incentive, or as a venue for workshops and meetings.

“We have always been very proud of this hotel — it is nothing short of iconic,” he continued. Mr Wernich refers not only to the hotel’s opulent décor or the sophisticated hospitality for which Taj Hotels is known the world over, but also the landmark site on which Taj Cape Town is located, within the premises of the old South African Reserve Bank.

The heritage of this special building, so much a part of Cape Town’s history, has been carefully entwined with the heritage of the Taj Hotel brand, which is known for classic elegance and the hint of exoticism which is a nod to its Indian origins. The result, according to Mr Wernich, is a distinctively different, unquestionably luxurious interior — with a modern and dynamic thread running through it, thanks to the revival.

While the hotel may look rather different, certain aspects haven’t changed — such as the irreplicable ‘Tajness’ which is the cornerstone of Taj Cape Town’s famed hospitality. “We like to think that our service evokes a special feeling, and that this extends to all areas of the guest experience. You will be immersed in this experience from the moment you walk through our doors – it’s in everything from the way we treat our guests, to the tourism moments we help to create with input from local tour operators and providers who know this area best.” It all adds up to vivid memories of the Cape, with the Taj at the centre, Mr Wernich said.