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Dubai Comes to Cape Town

2010-02-09

(Image: The Coral International Cape Town - Picture Dubai.)

The demand for accommodation in South Africa far exceeds the supply, making the country the most attractive place in the world for hotels, especially with the approach of the World Cup games.

Coral Hotels and Resorts on Saturday opened its first hotel in Cape Town, marking the entry of the UAE's home-grown hotel chain into South Africa.

The move comes well ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be held this summer.

The hotel's opening ceremony was attended by South African Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel; Shaikh Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman of Hospitality Management Holdings and chairman of Coral Hotels and Resorts; Shaikh Abdullah Bin Saqr Al Nahyan, a leading UAE businessman, and Esmail Obaid Al Ali, UAE Ambassador to South Africa. The city's prominent businessmen also attended.

Owned by Cii Hotel & Resorts Cape Town (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Cii Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Coral International Cape Town is a luxury hotel offering an upscale experience. Serving as the centrepiece of the city on the border of Bo-Kaap, 20 minutes drive from Cape Town International Airport, the hotel makes a beautiful architectural statement.

The property had been under construction since the first quarter of 2007 and has been built at a cost of $40 million (Dh146 million).

Addressing the gathering, Group CEO for Cii Holdings, Hamza Farooqui, said: "We are very excited to open Coral International Cape Town in time for the FIFA World Cup 2010.

It is a historic moment for all of us as all eyes turn to South Africa. The coming months will see an enormous surge in tourism as the nation gears up to host the biggest event of its kind ever held in Africa and we are ready for the challenge."

The demand for accommodation far exceeds supply in South Africa and hence swamped with business, it is currently the most attractive place in the world for hotels. The country is spending 40 billion rand (Dh18 billion) on projects related to the World Cup including new hotels, safari lodges and stadiums.

A record 450,000 international visitors are expected during the month-long tournament which kicks off in June.

With Table Mountain just in front of it the view from some rooms in the hotel is spectacular.

Coral Hotels & Resorts is the first Gulf hotel brand to make the journey to South Africa and is looking to expand its presence in the country.