Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), launched at Indaba last year, is forging ahead with plans to expand its portfolio despite challenging local conditions and the global recession.
The group, best known for its flagship Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, is seeking to run tourism properties in locations across the subcontinent.
“We have taken a strategic decision to grow our presence regionally and discussions are currently under way with developers on several hotels of significant size in Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa. These regional developments are on the basis of marketing and management contracts and or lease agreements,” said Ross Kennedy, group chief executive.
The group’s biggest project, Santonga Park at Victoria Falls, is taking shape, with infrastructure such as water and power in place and landscape rehabilitation having commenced.
According to Kennedy, it is looking to open at least Phase 1 of Santonga during 2010.
At the Wild Horizon’s Sanctuary Lodge, near Victoria Falls, work to finish basic infrastructure begins in June. Once complete, the property will have luxury tented suites and is set to open by the end of this year.
At Chundu Island Retreat, work commenced during the third quarter of 2008 and stores, staff accommodation and access are now complete.
The group will also launch Bumi Hills Safari Lodge to the trade at Indaba.
