PROTEA Hotels has announced the construction of a new R44m four-star hotel in Kimberley, adjacent to the new Big Hole development. Construction will begin in September and is expected to be completed before its opening in July 2007. The hotel will have 94 bedrooms, conference and meeting rooms for 80 people and parking for over 100 cars. The development of the hotel is part of a larger project that will see the old mine museum upgraded to a world-class tourist attraction, including the Big Hole Visitors Centre. It is estimated that with the upgrade, the current 90 000 visitors per year will increase to 200 000. Shamin Chibba (shaminc@nowmedia.co.za)
