SI gains another casino license

MEROPA Leisure & Entertainment - which is jointly owned by Sun International (45%) and Domba Investments (55%) - has beaten Tsogo Sun and Thobela Investments in a race to win the Pietersburg casino license in the Northern Province.
This was announced yesterday by Meropa's jubilant director, Stuart Shaw, who told Travel Now that the company would begin to plan the construction of the R208m Meropa Resort as soon as "we get over the excitement".
"Sun International does have a reputation for fast-tracking developments and we're hoping to have the resort up and running by early next year."
Developments include the construction of a three-star 100-room Meropa Lodge hotel, with conferencing and entertainment facilities provided for up to 400 guests.
Shaw says the resort will hold several international sporting events, including a major boxing tournament.
"Tourism is key to the province and our aim is to attract new niche market visitors and revenue to the Northern Province."
He is confident that the awarding of the license will see more than R1,5 billion injected into the province over the next ten years.

(Adéle Mackenzie)