New lodge a "sign of confidence" in Botswana

THE R38m (22 million Botswana pula) Chobe Marina Lodge in Kasane, Botswana is an "excellent addition" to the range of accommodation found in the Chobe region and the investment is perceived as a sign of confidence in Botswana and its tourism potential. This was the opinion expressed by the Botswana President, Festus Mogae, when he officially opened the 66-room Three Cities lodge on Saturday. The launch was attended by a number of high-profile travel trade guests, government and media from South Africa and Botswana. Mogae lauded the owner of the lodge, the Swiss property development group, RealEstate for its first venture into tourism and for its further commitment to expanding and upgrading the Kasane Airport buildings to, among others, handle larger international aircraft. He said further that Three Cities' involvement would add value to not only the marketing of the lodge but the entire Chobe region, which incorporates the world-renowned Chobe National Park. The President reiterated his government's commitment to tourism which he says is the country's "engine of growth". According to him, the private sector is a key element in growing the country's economy, in line with Botswana's tourism policy which underlines elements of self-sustainability and high yield. In his opening address, Alan Vels, group managing director of the Three Cities Group - which secured the management contract for the lodge - said that the four-star lodge was designed to be a "unique and flexible" product in the way it was sold to the trade. Vels said the lodge would offer the following: * Affordable hotel accommodation at a luxury standard * Self-catering facilities in two and three bedroom units for families * Conference facilities for up to 120 delegates * Incentive and team building activities The lodge is a five-minute drive from Chobe National Park and is situated on the Chobe River. Game drives, river cruises, a nearby 9-hole golf course, game fishing and birdwatching are some of the activities on offer. (Adéle Mackenzie)