NETWORKS

Relationship-building in the hospitality sector is key for growth. Meetings hears from some of the owners of ANEW properties on how this has bolstered their business.

Relationship-building is vital in any industry, but particularly within the hospitality space.

ANEW Hotels & Resorts’ relationship with its owners is built on shared values and a solid foundation of trust. Here, the owners of some of ANEW’s most successful properties share their insights into what sets the group apart.

Patrick Eliot, owner of ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe, believes that synergy is the most important factor when forming partnerships. “The enormous benefits that flow from networking and having partners who keep up to date with every aspect of the hospitality industry are the recipe for success for any owner. No man is an island, and the synergy that flows from working with a good management company is important. ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe has built a successful partnership with the ANEW Group, which is mutually beneficial to our growth.”

Mano Paxinos, director and shareholder of ANEW Hotel Hilton, adds that joining forces with a young and dynamic team was vital for the growth of his hotel. “It provides for good stewardship, the early identification of changing trends, and facilitates early adoption – leading to market leadership. ANEW was the best fit for us, as it is a young and energetic team with a collaborative approach. They have an attitude that one size does not fit all, resulting in very pragmatic execution. It is this nuance, nimbleness and access to the executive team that influenced our choice.”

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND STRONG FAMILY VALUES Avi Nathan, the owner of ANEW Resort Hunters Rest, adds that having the same values makes for a highly successful

BUILDING

CONNECTIONS

partnership. “We observe the same blend of hospitality and customer service. ANEW has proved to be reliable, up-front, and honest in all its dealings. We have no problems communicating with all its staff, who are professional and responsive. It’s a pleasure dealing with ANEW as the company observes a high quality of ethics and customer care.”

He continues, “Under ANEW, we are very happy with the way the business is run, as the professionalism and attention to detail make ANEW Resort Hunters Rest a very attractive resort, which my wife and I look forward to visiting. It feels like our home away from home.”

“ANEW brings its management expertise at a fair cost, and the company was born out of humble beginnings with strong family values. ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe was similarly born from humble beginnings. Under the current ownership, we are incorporating and adopting the ANEW values of honour, integrity, teamwork, excellence and courage,” says Patrick. CHALLENGING YEAR “ANEW has maintained strict Covid protocols and managed to keep occupancy levels high. This helped us navigate the ups and downs of the past 20 months more seamlessly,” notes Avi.

Patrick continues, “During the Covid pandemic, ANEW assisted our hotel in implementing and maintaining strict protocols, which assisted guests and other third parties to enjoy our hospitality in a safe environment. Its young and energetic team members remain committed to attention to detail and consistency, and are constantly improving the standard of our hotel with strict control over finance, marketing and operations.”

Mano ends off with advice for hotel owners looking for partners in the industry: “Carefully understand the shortcomings of your existing management partner and your expectations. Sometimes, the tangible takes you down a road to sacrifice the intangible, which is something that money can’t buy.”