The sophisticated Royal Palm Hotel located on the prominent Palm Boulevard of Umhlanga promises sheer luxury and elegance. Situated a mere five minutes from all that Umhlanga has to offer, including the prominent business districts, pristine beaches and the prestigious Gateway Theatre of Shopping – it is the ideal property for both business and leisure travel.

Recently appointed General Manager – Shamini Pather – is excited about her new position and the hotel’s potential. “It’s a beautiful hotel,” gushes Shamini with genuine sincerity, “I want to get the name out there!”

The Royal Palm Hotel was one of the first multifaceted hotel developments to be established in South Africa. The development includes hotel accommodation, a restaurant, conference facilities, corporate offices, retail space and secure underground parking.

The 94 apartment hotel offers accommodation to suit all needs in any of its spacious suites, apartments or penthouses. Textured wallpaper, hot chocolate, signature chairs and a private balcony complete with outside furniture are just a few of the luxurious features that give this hotel its unique personality. Shamini is of the opinion that The Royal Palm’s rooms are the best she’s seen in the hospitality industry.

Shamini has over 10 years experience in the hospitality and leisure industry with the Three Cities Group, having studied Hotel Management right after completing high school. “I was influenced by my brother who is five years my senior and absolutely loved his work in the hospitality industry,” explains Shamini.
She initially started off her career as a receptionist at a Three Cities property and thereafter rose through the ranks steadily as a Guest Relations Officer and then as the Guest Relations Manager. Positions as a Room Divisions Manager and Resident Manager soon followed. Finally, Shamini fulfilled her dream when she was appointed General Manager of The Riverside Hotel and Spa.

Although her positions have not been linear, she has always remained with the Three Cities Group. “I am so thankful to Three Cities for believing me,” says Shamini, “the company invested time and money in my development and it’s a wonderful position to be in.”

“Hospitality is a difficult industry’, says Shamini, “and it is so easily affected by global economic trends.” Shamini is immensely proud of the fact that she makes up an exclusive minority of female general managers. “Women are taking over in this industry”, she enthuses, “so unlike before, when we were expected to stay home to look after the family. We bring the much-needed feminine touch to the hotel industry.”

Shamini favours the open-door policy when it comes to management. She believes in listening to her staff and their suggestions. “I am very straight-forward, decisions need to be a team effort so I try to get the staff’s buy-in as much as possible.” She goes onto elaborate, “In my opinion, the most difficult aspect of being a GM is caring for the staff. People management and staff motivation are of the utmost importance. With a little bit of innovation and forethought, everyone in this industry, from the porters to the upper echelons of management, all have significant contributions to make and no one should ever be overlooked.”

She has the following advice for those wanting to study hospitality and follow in her footsteps one day, “Do some research. You need to have a clear understanding of what you are getting yourself into! Balance is important and always be prepared for the unexpected.”

Touched by Jason Bell’s commitment, Philip Adamson, GM of The Three Cities Royal Hotel, challenged the hotel staff, Connor’s family and South African Rugby Legends to cycle from Cape Town to Durban in what has been christened – The Coast2Coast Charity Cycle.

The Coast2Coast will begin at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on August 2nd and will stop off at rugby stadiums in Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein before finishing at King’s Park Stadium in Durban on August 13th - the morning of the South African and Australian Tri-Nations match.

11 participants, including Connor’s family and friends, some Royal Hotel staff members and supportive SA Rugby Legends will cycle the 2100km journey in an effort to raise R1 million for the trust. Three Cities CEO, Mike Lambert, will be joining the cycling group from Pietermartizburg to Durban as they finish off the final leg of the cycle.

“Our aim is to raise R1 million for the Connor Bell Sports Trust, while creating awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. “ Philip Adamson (GM – The Royal Hotel)

The cyclists will depart from Cape Town on August 2nd and make the 220km journey to Swellendam. The next day the group will push forward 216km’s to George and thereafter a challenging 255km’s (the longest stretch of the race) to Jeffrey’s Bay. Day Four will have the cyclists heading 200km’s, firstly to Port Elizabeth and then inland and upwards to Grahamstown. They will leave the picturesque university town the following day for the 177km passage to Craddock.

Day Six will prove to be a test of endurance as the cyclists climb the 193km Karoo escarpment to Colesberg, the ‘halfway mark’ of the gruelling excursion. Flat roads will be a welcome relief on Day Seven as the cyclists wrap up 226km’s to Bloemfontein.

The group will resume their quest and head 250km’s south to Bethlehem. Hopefully, the weather will not produce any drastically cold temperatures or snowy conditions as it done so recently?

The majestic Drakensberg mountain range will provide the group with some fantastic scenery on Day Eight as the group forges forth, 153km’s over mountainous terrain, to the spectacular Three Cities Alpine Heath Resort. It is here that the cyclists will enjoy a much-needed day’s rest.

All the Coast2Coast participants will no doubt be sighing with relief on Day 10, at the anticipation of their journey’s end, when they complete the 165km downhill stretch to Pietermaritzburg.

Day 11 will herald a moment of triumph and accomplishment for the participants as the group finishes up the final 86km portion of this epic journey, in memory of Connor Bell – a little boy who loved the game of rugby.

Show your support - Coast2Coast for Connor is aiming to raise R 1 million for the Trust – and needs your help. Along with Jason Bell (Connor’s father) Philip, Darryl, Dan, Clifford, Shaun, Chris, Mercia, Kim, Morné and Eugene are cycling more than 2 000km in memory of Connor and it would only take 500 people sponsoring R 1 per KM to reach their goal.

So make a difference today by donating to The Connor Bell Sports Trust. Every Rand raised will help to grow the game that Connor loved so much, and give other kids a chance to play to their passions.
You can donate via EFT with the details below:

Account: The Connor Bell Sports Trust
Bank: Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Account number: 330 695 827
Branch: Musgrave Road
Branch code: 042626

Please ensure you use C2C as a reference.

Visitors to the show can revel in some of the unique cuisine and culinary elements endemic to Durban as well as more exotic offerings unfamiliar to our sandy shoreline. Joining the show’s gastronomic stage, along with some of the world’s greatest chefs such as Ainsley Harriott and Rachel Allen, are eight of Three Cities top executive chefs – each representing one of the group’s exceptional hospitality properties.

These eight chefs can be found at the Three Cities stand for the duration of the show. Watch them in action as they perform live demos of their signature dishes.

Fabulous prizes will be up for grabs such as a weekend stay for six at the spectacular Alpine Heath Resort in the Drakensberg, the professional services of a chef of your choice to cook ‘dinner-for-ten’ in the comfort of your own home (all ingredients provided) and an assortment of dinner vouchers to some of the fine Three Cities restaurant establishments in and around Durban. Visit the Three Cities stand to enter.

Proudly heading up the Three Cities stand are chefs from Alpine Heath, The Caledon Hotel, DISH Restaurant from The Royal Palm, Gateway Hotel, Cosmopolitan Restaurant from The Square Boutique Hotel & Spa. The Royal Grill at The Royal Hotel, Riverside Café and Conference Hotel and Sage Restaurant at The Westville Hotel.

The project’s primary objective has been to improve the lives of disadvantaged, yet academically talented young learners by facilitating educational opportunities.

The Three Cities team undertook fundraising activities that were used to purchase amenities for the Grade R learners and repair the school’s jungle-gym.

Says Mike Lambert, (CEO of the Three Cities Group), “Three Cities takes the education of South Africa’s children very seriously and we are moved by the plight of the many resource poor, rural schools in the country. For this reason, we are proud to be a part of this enriching project and plan to continue in our efforts to equip disadvantaged school with much-needed materials.”

South African and Zambian Tour Operators, media and local Zambian dignitaries were invited to celebrate the momentous occasion over the weekend where guest speakers, The Honourable Minister E. Muchima, Minister for Southern Province Zambia and Managing Director of the Zambia Tourism Board, Mr. Felix Chaila, congratulated the airline and wished them every success with the new route. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zambezi Airlines, Mr. Wilfred Amstelveen, thanked everyone for attending and extended a special thanks to David Livingstone Safari Lodge on the superb facilities and wonderful service as the event went off effortlessly on the banks of the picturesque Zambezi River.

It was a fitting tribute to have the launch of Zambezi Airlines's new South African to Zambian route overlooking the country's mighty river and as the weekend drew to a close Three Cities' Northern Territories Operational Manager, Keith Rissick, smiled and said, "We are so glad to have been the first property in Livingstone to welcome passengers from Zambezi Airlines's direct Cape Town flight and long may this continue with more and more South Africans making use of this flight path. Having the event take place adjacent to the great Zambezi River will hopefully be good luck for the airline and encourage and strong and steady flow of passengers utilizing the airline."

Roger Clulow from Grand Circle Travel, an invited Tour Operator to the launch, added, "The flight was great and everyone on the airline was very friendly and the service was good. I think it's wonderful that Zambezi Airlines have opened up this direct and very convenient route and I look forward to promoting Livingstone town and hotels like David Livingstone Safari Lodge as preferred holiday destinations going forward."

Tickets for direct flights from Cape Town to Livingstone with Zambezi Airlines can be booked online at www.flyzambezi.com

One of the major tourist attractions of the area is one of the seven wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, which is situated 10 minutes away from the four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. An array of other activities are available for guests to enjoy while based at the lodge, including game drives in the neighboring Mosi-O-Tunya National Park, helicopter flips over the falls and sunset cruises aboard the very popular and luxurious Lady Livingstone cruiser which drops anchor at the four-star Three Cities managed hotel. The décor and design of the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa is quintessentially colonial with elements of raw stone, wood and earth glamorised by gold, bronze, copper and ivory. A hint of Zanzibar décor compliments the spice colours of the orient. A visual oasis of inspirational elements combine to cumulate in this magnificent lodge nestled on the palm fringed banks of the Zambezi River. All seventy seven rooms offer an inescapable closeness to the natural elements, embracing a quintessentially colonial design spiced with a flavour of Zanzibar.

In their commitment to promote leisure travel and strengthen the Western Cape economy, Three Cities selected The Hotel on St. Georges and The Inn on the Square for the upgrading project. This decision is based on the prime location of both hotels, which are ideal for both the tourist and business markets.

THE HOTEL ON ST. GEORGES
The Hotel on St. Georges is conveniently located on St. Georges Mall, a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare in central Cape Town, linking the Foreshore to Government Avenue and Company Gardens. This is in the major hub of Cape Town’s legal, financial and publishing district. The location enjoys the convenience of being a few minutes’ walk from the Cape Town CBD, Cape Town International Convention Centre and the V&A Waterfront. The Hotel’s location has the added advantage of offering easy access to and from Cape Town International Airport.

THE INN ON THE SQUARE
The Inn on the Square, a contemporary business and leisure hotel represents a young, dynamic and colourful mid-market brand. Housed in one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings and overlooking the historic Green Market Square, The Inn on the Square is conveniently located in the corporate business and government district. DISH, the signature in-house restaurant, specialises in top quality South African cuisine, complemented by a great selection of local and imported wines that can be enjoyed either in the refined urban interior restaurant or al fresco on the terrace, which spills out onto The Square.

Mike Lambert, CEO of the Three Cities Group says, “Despite these difficult economic times, we will continue to invest in the Western Cape as Three Cities is confident that Cape Town will weather the global recession that has placed so much pressure on the tourism industry.”

Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, has confirmed that Cape Town is in for a revival. In keeping with global trends, Cape Town is set to be rebranded as a ‘big events’ destination. With this strategy in place, Cape Town will soon have the power to attract international travelers to its shores.

The exhibition, the first of its kind in the country, aims to promote South Africa as a destination of choice for major sport and ‘mega’ events.

Following the success of the Soccer World Cup 2010, SA is well positioned to benefit from Sports Tourism, owing to its sophisticated infrastructure, featuring state-of-the-art stadia and world class travel facilities.

South African Tourism has confirmed that at least 10% of all foreign tourists visit the country to attend international sport events. This alone contributes an estimated R6 billion to the country’s tourism industry.

Three Cities CEO, Mike Lambert, confirmed that, “The Three Cities Group has identified the growth and potential opportunities of this new trend due to the obvious link between sport events and the hospitality industry.”

Subsequently, the Group has developed a specialised division with strategies that are designed to drive and service this particular market on both a macro and micro alignment.

We spoke to Eugene about his new appointment, his goals for the future and why he is so clearly passionate about the Three Cities Group.

1. What is your educational history?
I studied through Wits and I studied in the Netherlands on Prince 2.

2. What is your work history?
I have worked as the Water Park Manager at the Valley of Waves in Sun City, the Key Accounts Manager at Sun International, the Event and Promotions Manager at Sun International, the Events and Promotions Manager, Mind and Mood Manager and Complex Brand Manager at Tsogo Sun, Suncoast Casino and finally, the Marketing Manager at Suncoast Casino.

3. So you now are the Marketing Manager at Three Cities Hospitality Group. How do you feel?
Well, this is my first month in my new position – and I must say I am relishing the challenge. I view this as an opportunity to grow my marketing skills in a dynamic group that has huge future prospects!

4. What are the most important responsibilities of a Marketing Manager?
I would say that you must remain creative, be open to learning and be measurable in your endeavours.

5. What do you envisage for your role at Three Cities – what are your goals?
I would like to assist in developing a brand that is seen as the leading hotel group in the country. I also want to grow our existing footprint and influence new and innovative marketing trends.

6. What do you like most about the company?
The Three Cities Hospitality Group is a young, dynamic, driven and focused place to work. Here an individual can make a difference!

7. What three main changes would you like to institute as the new Marketing Manager?
I would like to bring in an aspect of measurability – how do I know my marketing campaigns have the audience reach and impact that I had planned? I would also like to break down the silos – and cultivate stronger working relationships within the sales team. I also want to push creativity and innovation!

8. What are your long-term career goals?
Eventually, I want to be in a position where I can not only influence others but also teach others.

9. What are the challenges facing a marketing manager of a hospitality company?
Currently, the entire industry is in a slump; budgets are tight and marketing spend is very often cut or is seen as simply not viable. To counteract this, I need to put into place good strategic planning and measurable campaigns. It is only in this way that we can differentiate our products from the rest of the market.

10. What marketing tools have you noticed work best in reaching a specified audience?
The digital format has become the craze; it is quick, can be measured and remains cost effective. The medium however needs to fit both the target market and the message therefore traditional marketing tools still play a role!

11. How do you ensure that more people are made aware of the Three Cities brand?
We run a number of campaigns; some specific to a product, others aligned to the wider brand. However, whatever the campaign, the tone of voice and look and feel are always maintained to protect, enhance and showcase the Three Cities brand.

12. Describe the day in a life of a marketing manager?
Lots of coffee, loads of emails and heaps of fun! Marketing is such a diverse field that no day is typical or the same. We travel; we meet different people and we plan strategies around a number of complex business related issues. It’s great!

13. What are your favourite and least favourite parts of the job?
My favourite part of my job has to be the diversity. My least favourite? Definitely the paperwork.

14. What Three Cities marketing campaign sticks out for you the most?
I would say the re-launch of the Royal Hotel stands out in my mind.

15. What South African marketing campaign do you think is most memorable?
I would be silly not to say the 2010 Soccer World Cup! I still get goose bumps!

16. There must be great perks to being the marketing manager of a hospitality group! Do you get to travel to Three Cities properties regularly?
Yes, travel is a big part of my job! It is a huge plus and something that I love to do. I’m looking forward to doing loads more travelling in the future!

17. What is your favourite Three Cities property and why?
In each of our four sub-brands we have a selection of amazing properties that appeal to me for different reasons. That is what makes Three Cities unique; we have city based offerings, resorts, game lodges and an exceptional collection of boutique and top end hotels catering to all your requirements and moods. I honestly believe they are all special and worth visiting.

18. Is there anything else you would like to add?
I look forward to the new challenges in my career I know that this is exactly where I am meant to be.

Only five minutes from the Gautrain station, the Constantia Hotel is conveniently positioned for local travel to Midrand and Centurion, local shopping malls as well as OR Tambo International while nearby attractions include Blue Valley Golf estate, Kyalami Race track and Leisure Lakes.

This brings to 33 the number of properties in the Three Cities Group which has been on a significant growth drive, including a strategic alliance with the luxury Mantis Collection of hotels & lodges in Southern Africa.

“The acquisition forms part of the organic growth of the Three Cities group and the Constantia Hotel will profit from the group’s powerful, well-established management team,” says Three Cities Hospitality Group CEO Michael Lambert.

The Constantia Hotel contains 49 recently refurbished, well-appointed rooms set around a relaxed, enclosed pool patio area with 12 rooms containing self-catering units while other facilities flat screen TV’s with DSTV Bouquet and Wireless Internet available throughout.

Profiting from its central Gauteng business location, the Constantia Hotel also contains a business centre and a state of the art conference facilities which can hold up to 300 delegates along with board-rooms for smaller meetings.

A leading marketing, management group within the tourism and hospitality industry, Three Cities Group offers a collection of four and five-star establishments throughout South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mauritius, all of which benefit from the group’s strong network of sales specialists and powerful central reservation system.

"In the fast-paced business and hospitality world, many young employees need nurturing and guidance to flourish into driven, productive and fulfilled workers and at Three Cities we firmly believe that an excellent mentor can stimulate apparently ordinary people to extraordinary capability,” says Three Cities Group CEO Michael Lambert.

Renowned for his dedication to improving the working environment of Peninsula Hotel employees as well as a keen awareness of social issues and tireless efforts to uplift needy communities, Chris Godenir has instilled these values at The Peninsula Hotel.

“If enough individuals impact just one other person, then collectively we can impact the world,” says Chris Godenir.

The inspiration clearly works amongst staff at the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel which was awarded the Investors In People Standard 2009 and was voted the RCI Best Large Resort 2010 at the prestigious RCI Awards 2011, the fourth year that the Hotel has received this award.

One of several Three Cities CSI initiatives, the Three Cities Starfish Mentorship Programme is based on the premise that even small gestures can make a big difference and, as an innovative employee mentorship programme, aims to nourish Three Cities employees’ souls and foster their personal, emotional and professional well-being by pairing more experienced employees with less experienced colleagues for guidance.

As Three Cities Manager of Soul, Chris Godenir has pledged to practice an open door policy and be involved in two way communication. 

Moreover, as part of their dedication to the souls of their employees, Three Cities also has plans to launch a “soul helpline” which employees will be able to call whenever they are in need of guidance and inspiration. 

Other “soul initiatives” Three Cities Group has conducted in the past include “Project Smile” which raised R35 000 to build a playground SOS Children’s Village in Thornton, Cape Town and “Golfing For Good” which raised R130 000 for The Cape Leopard Trust and Child Welfare.

“Daniel has secured the finest choice cut of Wildebeest fillet, and has designed a fabulous meal around it,” said Freddy Singh, General Manager of the restaurant.

According to Singh, the fillet is marinated in coriander and scheezwan pepper, before being seared on a hot char grill. The fillet is then served on a bed of coriander mash, with a port reduction and Amarula Cream liquor.

“The meal is R120.00 for a 200g portion and is accompanied by fresh roasted Mediterranean vegetables,” concluded Singh.

This is definitely a dish to try out! Call Freddy to make your booking on 031 581 8181

This is the fourth year that the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel has received this acclaimed award, certifying itself once more as one of South Africa’s premier hotels.

"We take great pleasure in receiving the RCI Best Large Resort award once more. It affirms that our service standards are as high as ever and that we can look forward to yet another great year ahead", says Peninsula All-Suite Hotel GM Chris Godenir.

RCI represents an international timeshare exchange company and its annual "Oscars" awards celebrates the companies’ valued club partners, developers, affiliated resorts, top timeshare sales professionals’ successes and acknowledges the important role they play in the Vacation Ownership Industry in Africa. 

Situated along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, the Peninsula All Suite Hotel represents a landmark on the Platinum Mile of the Sea Point promenade. All 110 suites have full views of the Atlantic ocean and - from studios to luxury suites - all contain separate lounges, kitchens and balconies. Along with two restaurants, a Sauna and two swimming pools (one heated), the Hotel also provides wireless internet access, a Business Centre, complimentary Shuttle service within 8km radius and secure on-site parking.

1. Please describe what your job entails – what are your main responsibilities?

The job mainly entails planning, directing, organising and control (from service to finance). I am responsible for making sure the hotel runs successfully; making sure that all of our guests’ needs and expectations are met and that the budgeted revenues are achieved for our owners.

2. Where you working before joining the Three Cities group?

Originally I spent 13 years at Three Cities Group. I then was the GM of Shaka Tours & Safaris for 6 years, after which I spent 9 months at Signature Life Hospitality. Working for Three Cities again feels like coming home!

3. What have you found that you like about the Gateway Hotel?

The Gateway Hotel is a fantastic product with a homely feel to it. The “greening” aspect of the hotel is also a huge plus point as is the location (it adjoins one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in SA).

4. What will the Gateway Hotel add to the Three Cities portfolio?

It is a first-class hotel that is geared to the corporate, conference and leisure market and offers exceptional and personalised service to our guests. I believe it is a wonderful addition to the Three Cities portfolio.

5. What makes this hotel stand out – to consumers and business men and women alike?

It is “green” and its FABULOUS location! The Gateway Hotel will be a roaring success; the location, combined with great service, means that guests will feel as if they are “home” (a much better version thereof!).

6. What one outstanding feature would you rave about?

The hotel is “green” and energy-efficient. Contractors have done all they can in ensuring the environmental impact of the building is minimal. We are very proud of this.

7. What has been your worst experience in managing a Hotel?

My worst experience was when an international traveller checked into the hotel with his wife. Twenty minutes later he passed away from a massive heart attack in his room.

8. What has been your best experience?

There are so many! One that stands out the most was when I met Mr Nelson Mandela soon after his release. What a gentleman he is.

9. What criteria are necessary to make a successful GM?

I would say you have to be passionate, committed, understanding, fair, service-orientated, and customer-focused

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?

A successful hotel is not about the GM but about all the staff working towards a common goal. We strive to ensure guests’ needs are met and then surpassed. The hotel industry is about people not bricks and mortar!

Focusing on the corporate, government, conference and leisure markets, the Gateway Hotel manages to incorporate sustainable policies without impacting on the level of luxury guests can expect to enjoy.
“The hotel will definitely meet the comfort expectations of our guests, especially with our state-of-the-art conference facilities, art décor style and the rooftop pool and bar,” said Michael Lambert, CEO of the Hotel’s management company, Three Cities Group.

The R200 million development, with its proximity to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, King Shaka Airport and the Umhlanga Village, will also allow guests to enjoy and take part in the vibrant North Coast lifestyle.

“Although the location and style of the Hotel is beautiful, we are most proud of its green and energy-efficient policies. I think it is important for all hotels to make those changes that will reduce resource consumption. In this case, all contractors of the Gateway Hotel have done exceptionally well in reducing – as much as possible – its environmental impact,” said Lambert.

There are many aspects of the Gateway Hotel that will appeal to the environmentally-conscience.
“For example, the efficient lighting solutions are not just about using low energy bulbs.
"Atrium light wells were introduced to facilitate natural light penetration,” said Burger. This, combined with a thermal performance glass ensures that air-conditioning loads are kept as low as possible, since direct heat energy transmission through the glass is controlled.

In order to ensure that rooms do not heat uncomfortably (therefore prompting guests to turn on energy-consuming air conditioners); the use of external shading devices have also been used.

According to Burger, this is considerably more efficient than the use of internal shading devices.
“This is because heat energy is absorbed outside of the building reducing the solar radiation load inside the building. The iconic "leafy" screen surrounding the "Gateway Hotel" is a particularly efficient shading technique which ensures solar shielding of the dominant northern facades of the building,” explained Burger.

“The Gateway Hotel has also been constructed from ‘green’ building materials. Where possible, effective and approved replacements for standard materials were used,” said Burger.
The Hotel also has regeneration drive lift systems, heat pump technology, a building management system that allows for the remote control of various equipment, variable speed drive installations which allow for the optimization of motor systems as well as an ozone water treatment system that reduces the need for chlorine.

These are but a few of the ‘green’ principles the Gateway Hotel has implemented.
Opening on the 1st of June 2011, the Gateway Hotel is bound to become a favourite among travelers – for its beauty, location and of course, kindness to the environment.
For further information, or to make reservations, please contact Three Cities Group on 086 1000 333 or 031 310 3333.

After identifying the growing popularity of travel and accommodation online booking platforms, Three Cities Group launched the online reservation service in October 2010 to offer their clientele a convenient, efficient and seamless booking portal that would enhance the consistent high service standards set across all properties.

“Exceptional Service and Exceptional Choice are two key philosophies we, at Three Cities Group, stand by and the online reservations system provides customers with an added-value, customised service,” says Three Cities CEO Mike Lambert.

“Online has become an integral part of hotel bookings and our online reservation revenue has soared since launch five months ago. We are thrilled with the positive feedback from guests about the competency and simplicity in automating their online experience. We have had over 271 000 page views with over 55% being new visits, ” says Mike Lambert, Three Cities CEO.

One of Southern Africa’s leading hospitality groups, Three Cities have an exceptional collection of hotels, resorts & game lodge accommodations in South Africa including properties including Drakensburg resorts, Kruger Park private lodges, affordable hotels in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg and properties on the Garden Route and in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mauritius.

Sean Hall – the Conference and Banqueting Manager – is excited about the refurbishments to the conferencing venue. “Our goal is to keep our guests – whether corporate or leisure – as happy as possible, and the only way to do this is to exceed their expectations! Although our conferencing facilities were not in desperate need of an upgrade, we wanted to make our corporate guests feel important and special – so we made our conferencing facilities as up market and professional as possible!” said Hall.

Included in the refurbishments were new conference chairs, new carpeting throughout, a brand new executive boardroom, fresh paintwork throughout, a full technical upgrade including DSTV in all our venues, new conference tables and new uniforms.