Tsogo Sun [JSE:TSH] will soon be unveiling its latest investment in Durban, the completely redeveloped Suncoast, a cash injection worth R1.6bn.
The hotel group is one of the largest corporate investors in the upgrade of Durban's "Golden Mile". The aim of the investment is to create a globally competitive beachfront for Durban continues unabated in a public and private sector collaboration that will result in untold benefits in job creation, tourism and growth in GDP for the region.
Commenting at the opening of Suncoast’s Salon Privé, Glenn Joseph, chief operating officer of Tsogo Sun Gaming, says, the redevelopment of Suncoast represents the single largest investment by Tsogo Sun into a property in the history of the group.
"This investment reflects the confidence we have in Durban and will help to position the beachfront as a place to experience the very best in world-class entertainment,” said Joseph.
The project includes an additional 8 000m² of space, designed to deliver on the needs of a diverse audience including casino patrons, movie-lovers, families and theatre-goers.
Tsogo Sun’s interests on the Golden Mile extend from Garden Court South Beach on the southern end to Suncoast on the northern end, with five hotels and Suncoast spanning 3.3km and representing a total investment of over R370m into the refurbishment of the properties in the last five years.
Originally constructed at a cost of R1.4bn in 2002, Suncoast has an annual footfall of around 6.5 million entertainment-seekers.
“The reinvention of one of Durban’s most-loved entertainment destinations brings more than just a plethora of new restaurants, entertainment facilities, a multi-purpose event venue and family entertainment options to the Durban beachfront – it provides an important addition to the city’s offering as a world-class tourist destination," says Joseph.
"Durban has the Indian Ocean as a natural asset, and Suncoast brings a globally competitive entertainment experience to the city.”
Tsogo Sun has a portfolio of over 100 hotels and 13 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, the rest of Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi.
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