Tourism

Casino competition is fierce.

Acasino resort on the banks of the Vaal River has changed hands. A hotel group has decided to list its hotel and casino assets separately. Meanwhile, the Time Square Casino is part of a massive investment by Sun International that is going to take some time to pay off.

With over 2 000 slot machines and 60 casino tables, the Time Square Casino is part of the Menlyn Maine precinct in Pretoria East and connected to the larger complex that includes a hotel and an events arena that reportedly cost more than R4-billion. Maslow hotels at Menlyn and in Sandton are part of the Sun International brand.

Sun International also has a smaller casino in Brakpan, Carnival City, while Tsogo Sun runs Montecasino and Gold Reef City in Johannesburg and Silver Star Casino in Krugersdorp.

Tsogo Sun Holdings split its casino and hotel operations in 2019 in order to unlock value in the two sectors. With a market cap of R25-billion, Tsogo is the country’s biggest hotel group. It has 36 hotels and three casinos in Gauteng. The hotels range across several brands covering four market segments, and they include a handful of stand-alone hotels such as the Palazzo (at Montecasino) and 54 on Bath (a boutique hotel in Rosebank). SunSquare, Southern Sun Hotels, Southern Sun Resorts, Garden Court and StayEasy are among the group’s brands.

SECTOR HIGHLIGHTS

Tsogo Hotels is listing on the JSE as a separate entity.

Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts has added the Emerald Resort & Casino to its portfolio of properties. Peermont purchased the Vanderbijlpark property from US company Caesars Entertainment Corporation, which brings to 11 the number of casino resorts it runs on the sub-ontinent.

Located on the Vaal River, Emerald Resort has a water park, a game park, a spa and several restaurants. Peermont’s suite of four hotels in the Emperor’s Palace complex next to OR Tambo International Airport, also houses

a large casino where players have access to 1 724 slot machines and 67 tables.

Location is vital in all decision-making related to property developments. In Gauteng today, location relative to the Gautrain has become important. So much so that the 216-room Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel even has the word in its name. The Sandton hotel was a winner 2017 in the World Luxury Hotel Awards in the categories, Luxury Business Hotel and Luxury Hotel and Conference Centre. The nearby Radisson Blu Hotel, Sandton, won the Luxury City Hotel Award.

The Legacy Group was one of the first to introduce apartments to the hotel development mix in South Africa when it added the Davinci Hotel on Nelson Mandela Square to its portfolio just before South Africa hosted the soccer World Cup in 2010. The Legacy collection includes the Michelangelo Hotel and Michelangelo Towers. The Davinci was designed with 166 hotel rooms, 54 apartments in the upper reaches, with a further four luxurious penthouses above that.

The number of hotel rooms in Sandton alone increased by 40% in response to expected demand from the international tournament. Reduced occupancies in the period after the World Cup tournament has led to some consolidation in the sector with large brands buying up smaller groups but independent hotels such as the Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre continue to attract guests.

Another significant move in the hotel sector is the decision by Marriott International to develop Marriott branded hotels in Johannesburg and Cape Town. In partnership with the Amdec group, the group spent about R1-billion on the Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch (150 rooms) and Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch (200 flats).

Buying into Protea Hotels has given Marriott access not only to the South African market, but to many other African countries. Between Tshwane and Johannesburg (and in the Magaliesberg mountains), Protea by Marriott has 17 hotels across three brands: Fire and Ice, Protea; Protea Hotels and African Pride Hotels, the premier brand.

Culture and history

Heritage tourism is a strong component of the tourism offering in Gauteng. The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage

ONLINE RESOURCES

Cradle of Humankind: www.maropeng.co.za Gauteng Tourism Authority: www.gauteng.net Johannesburg Tourism Company: www.joburgtourism.com Site and attracts thousands of visitors every year to the interactive visitor’s centre at Maropeng. The Sterkfontein Caves have recently revealed astonishing finds, showing the origins of humanity through artefacts such as the 2.1-million-year-old skull known as Mrs Ples.

The Origins Centre at the University of Witwatersrand provides more fascinating insights into the origins of mankind through art and science. The Centre hosts superb representations of Khoi and San rock art.

History relating to the struggle against apartheid centres on attractions such as the moving exhibitions housed at the Apartheid Museum and the history of the battle for human rights and democracy embodied in Constitution Hill.

Kliptown in Soweto is the site of the signing of the Freedom Charter. Another site where South Africa’s history is on display is at Freedom Park, a sprawling complex of museums, open spaces and memorials on a hillside overlooking Pretoria in Tshwane.

Cultural and history tourism are further catered for by more than 60 other museums and art galleries in the province. These include the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (Transvaal Museum), Museum Africa in Johannesburg’s cultural Newtown precinct, the South African Military History Museum and the National Cultural History Museum.

INDABA HOTEL, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTRE YOUR AFRICAN DESTINATION IN JOHANNESBURG

Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton in the upmarket residential suburb of Fourways, lies the 258 bedroom Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre. It is a compelling blend of business-like convenience and efficiency, with a relaxed and warm country atmosphere.

Coupled with easy and convenient access to all main highways, OR Tambo International Airport and a mere 15km from Lanseria International Airport, the hotel features an impressive selection of some 24 multi-purpose conference venues that can accommodate up to 2 000 delegates in total with banqueting facilities for up to 500 guests.

With two restaurants on property, there is no need to leave the comfort of the hotel to enjoy world class cuisine. Our 300 seater Chief’s Boma Restaurant caters for all tasted with over 120 African inspired dished ranging from North African Moroccan cuisine to Koeksisters and Melktert from the cape – and with a “Shisa Nyama” grill boasting a variety of game meats sizzled to your specification, everyone is sure to find their favourite.

Well known for the lavish full South African Breakfast Buffet, the Epsom Terrace Restaurant also boasts an evening Bistro Menu which will delight even the most demanding gourmet’s exacting standards. A traditional Carvery Lunch with live music can be enjoyed every Sunday with limited outdoor seating available for those who prefer dining al fresco – after all, Jo’burg really has the best weather in South Africa.

Take a wander through the 17 hectares of lush bushveld gardens and you will find the Mowana Spa - a wellness sanctuary which will revive your senses, rejuvenate your body and soothe your soul. The Mowana Spa, which takes its name from the majestic Baobab Tree of African Lore and Legend, offers wellness journeys based on the recognized healing energy of Tribal Massaging.

Signature Pamper Journeys include the decadent Mowana Full Day African Rejuvenation Spa pamper which is an indulgent spa experience including breakfast, lunch, complimentary beverages and six revitalizing treatments; the romantic Mowana African Skies Night Spa pamper with includes dinner, complimentary beverages and 3 relaxing treatments; and the indulgent Mowana African Escape Spa & Stay Pamper Journey for the ultimate decadent relaxation.

Our commitment to service excellence and staff empowerment through training and mentoring will ensure that your needs are met and your expectations exceeded as you enjoy a Day of Pampering at Mowana Spa.

The Indaba Hotel and Mowana Spa are also PROUDLY GREEN ensuring responsible tourism and minimising carbon foot print through extensive recycling of waste products, water-wise gardening, greening conference initiatives, better material choices, minimising power usage and buying local - after all, a better place to live is a better place to visit.

The Indaba Hotel is sure to meet all your business and leisure requirements. We look forward to welcoming you to our oasis in the City.

15 MINUTES FROM SANDTON ... A MILLION MILES AWAY