African Sun splash $10 Million Loan on hotel refurbishment

Hospitality group Africa Sun Limited is re-launching its Holiday Inns hotels in Bulawayo and Harare after extensive renovations at the tune of $10 million in a move geared at bringing back the group to profitability, the company said.

 The funds were availed by Afrexim Bank as a loan package secured in 2011.

Also the group has rebranded Mutare Holiday Inn and Beitbridge Holiday Inn to African Sun Amber Hotel and Beitbridge Express Hotel respectively.

The group said "The re-launch of Holiday Inn Harare and Bulawayo as well as the rebranding of the Mutate and Beitbridge hotels complement the successful restructuring as well as disposal of bleeding operations executed in the prior financial year in order to bring back the group to profitability"

"Africa Sun Limited is re-launching its Holiday Inn hotels in Harare and Bulawayo . This involves the introduction of the new look InterContinetal Hotels Group (IHG) franchise hallmarks and signage as well as product refurbishment of the hotels. The hallmarks and signage phase was completed in January 2012" reads part of the statement released on Thursday.

According to the hotel group, the second phase of the process will involve product refurbishment starting with city hotels including Crowne Plaza Monomotapa in Harare.

This would be followed by the product refurbishment of the resort hotels beginning with Victoria Falls properties.

"The scope of the product refurbishment covers soft furnishings, new operational equipment, linen, renewal of furniture, painting and changing all carpets" it said adding that the process would dominate the first six months of the year.

The investment, according to the group is in line with the Africa Sun's growth strategy where the new brands will unlock shareholder value and increase profitability for the operations as per the specific market needs" the group said.