Four iconic beachfront hotels in Durban get £43 million revamp
Southern Sun Hotel Group has been named the preferred bidder to lease and redevelop Durban's iconic Elangeni and Maharani hotels for the next 50 years. The tourism sector has welcomed this announcement, which follows a public bidding process as the current lease expires next year.
The group plans to invest nearly ZAR1 billion in upgrading four beachfront hotels, including Garden Court South Beach and The Edward. The Elangeni Towers will receive ZAR354.2 million for modernisation, while the Maharani Towers will see a ZAR226 million investment to incorporate five-star elements.
The redevelopment aims to enhance sustainability through solar panel installation and a water reuse system. It will retain 454 existing jobs and create an additional 200 during the 36-month refurbishment phase.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba praised Southern Sun's expertise, stating the development aligns with the municipality's vision to protect and enhance the beachfront as a key tourism asset.
Tourism bodies have welcomed the decision, emphasising the importance of experienced management for these premier hotels. Southern Sun's CEO, Marcel von Aulock, expressed commitment to unlocking Durban's full potential as a premier leisure, conference, and sporting destination.
Source: IOL