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FOR THE SKY THE DOORS ARE OPEN OF THE LONGAWAITED RADISSON BLU HOTEL DURBAN UMHLANGA AND SOON, THE WIDER OCEANS PRECINCT. ITS IMPACT AS A BEACON FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS FAR REACHING, FROM THE DRAMATIC BOOST FOR TOURISM IN THE PROVINCE, TO DIVERSE AND ON-GOING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER
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he opening of the prestigious, certainly glamorous, shiny new Radisson Blu Hotel Durban uMhlanga on Lagoon Drive – is a landmark moment for uMhlanga and the North Coast belt. But for KZN, the 206-roomed five-star hotel and its greater precinct goes way beyond glamour. Vivian Reddy is chairman and co-developer of Oceans uMhlanga, under which falls ownership of Radisson Blu Hotel Durban uMhlanga. Radisson Blu Hotel Durban uMhlanga is
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at the heart of a 250 000 bulk square metre development, the largest in South Africa. At R4,5-billion and counting, the investment is substantial, the complexities often unimaginable. “It’s going to change the face of uMhlanga Rocks,” says Vivian. “It’ll be the focal point of entertainment here.” Radisson Blu Hotel Durban uMhlanga is the globally acclaimed Radisson Hotel Group’s entry into its fourth South African city, Durban. This brings the Group’s portfolio in South Africa – one of its key African markets – to 14 hotels in operation
and two under development. It’s set to be a significant player and catalyst for growth in KwaZulu-Natal. Seasoned South African hotelier – and new general manager there – Marius Earle believes the hotel could not have come at a better time: “The hospitality industry has endured some tough times, and opening a new hotel has brought with it new jobs, renewed hope, world-class guest experiences and a turn-around in the tourism sector. I could not be prouder to lead this amazing hotel.” Neville Matjie is CEO of Trade and
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