Cresta Hotels bullish on regional prospects

TINASHE MAKICHI

Hospitality group, Cresta Hotels, says it is optimistic about its regional ventures prospects despite the threat posed by a ‘possible’ third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cresta Hotels is one of southern Africa’s largest hotel groups and operates hotels in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia.

Last week, the group launched its Cape Town-based Cresta Grande.

The regional operations are expected to see the hospitality group playing a pivotal role in the advancement of travel, tourism and hospitality in the Southern African region.

The adverse effects of Covid-19 forced most hospitality players in the world to close shop in the past 12 months. After a few months of successful containment, a new outbreak of the Covid-19 is threatening to undermine the tourism sector again this year.

But, Cresta is confident the existing operations will give important footholds in key destinations in the region such as Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta.

Cresta Hotels MD Chipo Mandela said the group remained committed to providing the Southern African region with “worthy and reliable hospitality venues that are respected leaders in our areas of service, including accommodation, catering, conferencing, banqueting and events, as well as social hubs for a great many people in and around these hotels”.

“Cresta is a ready and willing partner in the process of developing and rebuilding travel and tourism in our region, and we look forward to being part of the South African travel and tourism sector in the same way we are in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia,” Mandela said.  

“As we look to the remainder of 2021 and beyond, our hopes are high and our confidence is undimmed. We are here for the long stay and our resources are being applied to this end.”

She said the recently launched Cresta Grande adds a great deal to the group’s existing portfolio of offerings.

The hotel has a reputation for providing guest rooms that give good views across the city centre and of Table Mountain or Lion’s Head. 

It has 242 bedrooms, the Red Elephant Bar and Lounge and an outdoor terrace.

Manja’s Cafe and bar is open 24 hours a day for light meals that can be enjoyed next to the hotel’s outdoor pool, which looks out across the city.

Cresta operates four hotels in Zimbabwe—Cresta Jameson, Cresta Lodge and Cresta Oasis in Harare, Cresta Churchill in Bulawayo and Cresta Sprayview in Victoria Falls.

It has expanded operations to Zambia and Botswana after being awarded a management contract for Marakanelo Hotels group by the Botswana Development Corporation. 

Cresta is one of Southern Africa’s leading hotel groups, operating a portfolio of business and leisure travel hotels in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia, and South Africa with more than 1 500 rooms in 17 properties across the four countries in which it operates in.