Tanzania hospitality sector set to expand

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – The government has said the domestic hospitality sub-sector is in an expansion phase.

Speaking to the East African Business Week recently at the occasion of the official opening of the Ramada Resort in Dar es Salaam, Pereira Silima, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Home Affairs advised hotel investors to also make use of the locally produced horticulture products to boost farmers’ incomes as well as the country’s economic growth.

“I regret that currently Tanzania is faced with challenges of seeking for locally produced horticulture goods. Whereas some of the investors in the hospitality industry import them from outside the country.

“This would also help to create direct and indirect employment to players of this subsector,” he said.

He called upon all investors in the industry to seize this opportunity, especially in terms of creating employment to local Tanzanians, who have the skills to work in the hospitality and tourism sectors which are the driving force of the Tanzanian economy.

Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company based on number of hotels and one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide recently announced the opening of the 139-room Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Dan Ruff, Wyndham Hotel Group’s President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean said the opening of Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam is of significant strategic importance for them given the increasing demand for quality, internationally-branded accommodation in Eastern Africa, as well as commitment to getting closer to their guests and customers through the expansion of our managed property division, it is a key milestone in our regional growth.

“With exceptional facilities and a stunning beachfront location, Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam sets a new standard within Tanzania’s midscale segment and we look forward to extending a warm Ramada welcome to our first guests,” Ruff said.

The Dar es Salaam Resort complements Wyndham Hotel Group’s existing portfolio of franchised properties in Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria and Tunisia.

The new hotel not only marks the company’s expansion into Eastern Africa, but is the first property within the greater continent to be operated via the company’s growing management division.

Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam offers 139 rooms and suites including 117 superior rooms with a choice of ocean or garden views, 21 executive suites, and one presidential suite.

All rooms have an interactive flat screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and walk-in shower or bathtub whereby Tinga-tinga artwork adds local flavour and a sense of East African spirit.

Murtaza Fazal owner of the Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam commented, “I am delighted to have signed a long-term management agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company. “I am also proud to be the first investor in Eastern Africa to introduce the well-known Ramada brand to the market,” he said when the hotel opened to the public several weeks ago.

By Timothy Kitundu
Source: www.busiweek.com