BON Hotels has announced its recent addition of Destiny Lodge Nelspruit by BON Hotels into their portfolio. The 35-roomed 4-star hotel, situated in Nelspruit, will form part of the BON Hotels group from 15 March 2018. This concludes their second South African transaction in a matter of months, the group’s second property located in the Kruger region, and BON’s sixth acquisition in 2018.
Speaking at the announcement in Cape Town this week, Guy Stehlik, CEO of BON Hotels, confirmed the addition of Destiny Lodge into the BON fold as evidence of their positive outlook for 2018. BON Hotels adheres to a strict directive of only taking on properties where they can ‘add value’ and, according to Stehlik, the lodge is an ideal fit for the brand. “Being five minutes from the KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport), within close proximity to the Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate, and being on the outskirts of Nelspruit, the location of this property caters to showcase the beautiful Lowveld across all market segments,” he explained. Stehlik said that his group’s initial focus would be on the local and international Tour Operator market, the FIT (Free Independent Travellers), domestic and leisure market.
The government tourism segment – local and international conferencing – will form part of the group’s immediate and future strategy as the property commences with a refurbishment of the current offering. The improvements include a more than doubling of the room capacity by adding 35 new rooms and a comprehensive refurbishment of the entire property.
In addition to the immediate upgrades, plans are confirmed for the erection of a first-rate international convention centre. Construction of the convention centre will commence mid-2018 and will have a capacity of hosting up to 1 500 delegates, a first of that magnitude in the region. Stehlik said that the convention centre will “play an important role in attracting government business and international conventions to the area; there is nothing like this in Mpumalanga and we are very excited to promote this exceptional African experience and destination to a larger audience.”
