Premier upgrades conference portfolio

PREMIER Hotels & Resorts is investing in new and upgraded conferencing and events facilities across Richards Bay, Mpumalanga and Bloemfontein. It’s all part of the expansion of its accommodation and business events portfolio. The investments link into Premier’s ‘Sorted’ marketing campaign, which is built around the message ‘Everything you need. Taken care of’. The concept covers business travel, conferences, team retreats and leisure stays, with an emphasis on simplifying the planning and guest experience. “Sorted is more than a marketing campaign; it represents how we want our guests and clients to experience Premier Hotels & Resorts,” says Wayne Neath, Commercial Director of Premier Hotels & Resorts. The developments *Premier Hotel The Winkler will add a new conference centre to its offering in October. The facility, in Mpumalanga’s Lowveld, is being developed for corporate groups, conferences, association meetings, government meetings and conferences, wedding parties and incentive events. The expansion will allow groups to combine meetings and events with accommodation at the property. “We are creating another strong destination for organisations seeking a professional event environment combined with the character and natural beauty of Mpumalanga,” says Neath. *Premier Hotel The Richards in Richards Bay, KZN, is undergoing renovations to its existing facilities alongside the development of the new 600-seat banqueting centre. “The development at The Richards is an investment not only in the hotel, but also in Richards Bay as a growing commercial and events destination,” says Neath. The venue will increase the property’s capacity to host conferences, gala dinners, corporate functions, weddings and other large- scale events, providing the convenience of having accommodation and events facilities at the same location. *Premier Splendid Inn Bloemfontein’s new adjacent conference centre is still under construction. It will expand the property’s offering to the corporate, government, associations and events markets. The facility will cater for business meetings, conferences, training sessions and functions and also offer hotel accommodation alongside the events venue. Neath says combining the two offerings – conference facilities and accommodation – will provide organisers and delegates with a more streamlined experience. “Our objective is to make planning simpler and execution more dependable for our clients,” he says. “Whether it is a business trip, a major conference, a special celebration or a well- earned getaway, we want our guests to know that with Premier Hotels & Resorts, it is Sorted.”