Kempinski Hotels new assignment announced by Dubai World Africa, to manage a luxury beach resort in the island nation of Comoros, in the eastern cost of Africa.
The Dubai state-owned company, which has interests ranging from real estate to ports, will invest US$70 million in the development of a 5-star international luxury hotel, and in addition, 22.5ha of neighboring prime beachfront will be developed, with 100 new upscale residential villas and townhouses.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World noted that the development of the beach resort marks the first stage of a strategic partnership between Dubai World Africa and the Government of the Comoros. “We believe our partnership and the contribution of Kempinski Hotels will make a significant contribution to the tourism offering in Comoros,” he said.
Dubai World Comoros Limited, in which the Union of Comoros Government is a shareholder together with Dubai World Africa, was established specifically for the acquisition of this landmark property.
“This collaborative partnership will contribute to ensuring the Comoros grows in its status as a leading tourist destination,” expressed Dubai World Africa Director of Hospitality Operations Luis Pinheiro. “We have a long term commitment to Comoros and the broader region, and this investment demonstrates confidence in the Comoros economy and its future.” Dubai World will also develop a tourism masterplan for the country, in conjunction with the Government.
The outstanding offering at the new Kempinski-operated hotel will be accentuated by a spa, banqueting and conference facilities, numerous restaurants, recreational facilities and retail outlets. Each of the hotel’s 150 rooms and suites will all be in excess of 45m2.
The project will undertake the redevelopment of the Comoros’ leading hotel, Le Galawa Beach. This hotel, beach resort and spa is situated on Grande Comore (Ngazidja) near the country’s capital Moroni, located on the Northern portion of Grande Comores on a pristine site which includes three exquisite white sandy beaches.
The current structure will be demolished and a brand new, elegant 5-star international hotel will rise up in its place.
“The highest quality of the overall development, concept, design and marketing position of the hotel will meet standards of an international 5-star luxury hotel,” says Ulrich Eckhardt, President, Middle East and Africa of Kempinski Hotels.
“Kempinski has entered the global resort market in response to growing consumer demand and we are proud of our association with the magnificent new Comores beach resort,” says Eckhardt. He explained that Kempinski currently comprises many dedicated resorts, each of which offers an exceptional range of leisure facilities, luxury spa in breathtaking locations.
In addition to foreign contractors, local entrepreneurs will participate in the project ensuring that the local economy benefits from the development of the new beach resort right from the very start of its construction. The project is to be divided in two phases; the first phase entails the completion of a 114-room hotel and 13 luxury bungalows. The first phase will begin imminently with the demolition of the former hotel structure and completion is scheduled for early 2010.
Comores archipelago is located in the Mozambique channel and comprises four distinct islands which are Grande Comore, Moheli, Anjuan, and Mayotte with a total population of some 57,6000 habitants. The four islands are diverse and tourists visit the Comores for its beautiful beaches, reefs, hiking on the largest active volcano in the world and its colourful local history full of tradition and art. Dubai World Africa has rapidly and firmly established itself as a contender in Africa’s elite property stakes. It has successfully invested in prime African properties which include the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, both in Cape Town, South Africa, Muyuni Beach Resort in Zanzibar, Bilene Hotel luxury beach resort, golf estate and eco development in Mozambique and Kempinski Palace in Djibouti, amongst others.
