
Capital Hotels expands footprint with new developments across South Africa
Among the updates is a new wing of premium rooms and serviced apartments at the Capital Trilogy property in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. In Durban, the Capital Pearls Shore expansion was completed in May 2025.
The group's upcoming hotel at the Boardwalk precinct in Gqeberha is scheduled to open in 2026 and will include fully equipped apartments, conference facilities, and accommodation options geared toward both business and leisure travellers.
'Our focus is always on meeting guests where they want to be, in locations that offer both convenience and energy,' says Marc Wachsberger, CEO of The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts. 'The Capital Trilogy has just launched a brand-new wing of premium rooms and serviced apartments, bringing more of what makes the Menlyn Maine lifestyle so appealing, whether you're staying for a few nights or a few months.'
According to the group, the new Gqeberha property is expected to support the province's growing tourism and business events market.
National expansion strategy
"Our national footprint is expanding in a way that matches the momentum of South African tourism," Wachsberger says. "Whether it's the Capital Pearls Shore, our Trilogy property or the new hotel we are building in Gqeberha, our expansion is a green light from the South African public.
"We've built our reputation on giving guests the freedom of a home with the convenience of a hotel, and now we're doing that in more places than ever before."
Tourism accounted for 3.3% of South Africa's GDP in 2024, with international arrivals nearing 9 million. The local hospitality sector, currently valued at an estimated R24bn, is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.4% through 2030, according to industry data.
The Capital Hotel Group's ongoing expansion contributes to hospitality infrastructure development and supports job creation and local supply chains, particularly in key urban nodes.
Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Future Economic, Trade, and Investment Relations with British Minister for International Development Between The Two Countries
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a discussion session with Baroness Jenny Chapman, UK Minister of State for International Development, during the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in South Africa. The meetings witnessed extensive discussions on the future of economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries in light of their close partnership, as well as joint coordination in international forums to advance efforts to restructure the global financial system and review proposed efforts to restructure the working mechanisms of the United Nations, as well as discussing the outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville. During the meeting, both sides expressed their anticipation of the upcoming visit to Cairo announced by the UK Prime Minister's Office, which will represent a qualitative shift in bilateral Egyptian-British relations, elevating them to a strategic partnership level, in addition to its role in opening up avenues for cooperation across various levels between the two sides. It is also an extension of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, which was announced in 2024. During the meeting, the two ministers agreed on the need to activate the recommendations issued by various international forums to restructure the global financial system, ensuring a more efficient and fair financial architecture, especially for developing countries, achieving greater transparency in financing mechanisms, and expanding concessional financing. They also discussed proposals for restructuring the working mechanisms of the United Nations system to make it more influential in the global economy, emphasizing the need to adopt comprehensive coordination and follow-up mechanisms to ensure sustainability and enhance national participation in UN efforts. The meeting witnessed extensive discussions on various aspects of the partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Kingdom, particularly in terms of trade exchange, British investments in Egypt, economic relations, and development cooperation. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt's keenness to develop these relations and build on the pioneering results achieved over the past years, particularly in food security, support for start-ups, and small and medium enterprises. The two sides reviewed frameworks for bilateral cooperation in the field of development finance, the UK's contribution to financing development policies through the World Bank, as well as the role of UK Export Finance (UKEF) which supports project financing in Egypt, and the financing mechanisms provided by British International Investment (BII), which considers Egypt one of its priority markets. In this context, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reviewed preparations for launching the 'National Narrative for Economic Development,' which is an executive program to promote structural transformation in the Egyptian economy toward tradable sectors, encourage foreign direct investment, industrial development, and support labor market and employment. H.E. noted that since March 2024, the government has implemented economic and structural reforms that have contributed to macroeconomic stability and created a favorable investment climate and business environment. The two sides also discussed close cooperation within the framework of the Egyptian National Platform for Green Projects, the 'NWFE' program, which focuses on linking water, food, and energy nexus, particularly through BII and its financing to support energy and green hydrogen projects. In addition to the UK's role in providing support and assistance to global climate funds, represented by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Additionally, the meeting highlighted the launch of the 'Green Growth: Egypt–UK' campaign in June 2025, which will continue until COP30 Climate Conference to accelerate green economy partnerships. Given that the UK is one of the largest investors in Egypt in sectors in the energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, and in light of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and UKEF to strengthen investment relations, the two ministers explored the significant role of the Egyptian-British Business Association (BEBA) and the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) in connecting companies, facilitating investment, and enhancing trade exchange between the two countries. For her part, the British Minister emphasized the diverse historical relations between the two countries, which share close ties and cooperation across various fields. H.E. also praised Egypt's significant efforts in addressing the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza and the role of the Egyptian leadership in delivering humanitarian aid to the Strip, affirming her country's full support for these efforts. She expressed her hope for reaching an immediate and sustainable ceasefire that would allow safe and regular delivery of aid. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.


Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Vatel Bahrain launches first MBA in International Hotel Management in the Kingdom
Bahrain: In response to growing demand for specialised leaders in the region's rapidly expanding tourism sector, Vatel Bahrain has launched the Kingdom's first MBA in International Hotel Management. The two-year postgraduate programme, approved by the Higher Education Council (HEC), is placed at level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) at level 9, offering students an internationally recognised pathway to senior roles in the hospitality and tourism sector locally, regionally and internationally. In line with the college's strategic goals, the MBA programme supports the objectives of Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 by empowering national talent in high-potential sectors and equipping them with professional knowledge, relevant skills, and leadership capabilities that enhance their contribution to sustainable economic development. Delivered entirely in English over two academic years, the programme is designed to engage students in a unique curriculum covering subjects such as Economy of Tourism and Hospitality, Marketing Strategy, Financial Analysis, Human Resources, Hospitality and Tourism Strategy, and language studies in English and French, honing their skills and enhancing industry readiness. Admission to the programme requires a bachelor's qualification in Hospitality or Hotel Management, or a bachelor's degree in any other discipline accompanied by a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience. Applicants must also successfully complete a personal interview as part of the selection process. Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, affirmed that the introduction of this MBA programme—considered the first of its kind in the Kingdom—addresses the increasing need for skilled leadership in the hospitality and tourism industries across Bahrain and the wider region, while also executes Vatel Bahrain's strategic plan aimed at developing national and regional competencies to the highest standards by equipping them with professional skills, expertise and knowledge in the tourism field. Sheikh Khaled further added that the MBA programme has been meticulously developed to equip graduates with the professional knowledge, strategic acumen, and global perspective essential for assuming senior leadership roles within the tourism and hospitality sector. By seamlessly integrating academic rigour with practical industry experience and remaining attuned to evolving global trends, the programme seeks to address existing professional gaps and contribute meaningfully to enhancing the quality and competitiveness of hospitality services in Bahrain and the wider region. For more information, please contact: Zainab Ashoor | Marketing & Communications Specialist Al Jasra, Kingdom of Bahrain About Vatel Hospitality School: Vatel Hospitality School was established in France in 1981, specializing in business management within the hospitality and tourism sectors it has grown into a global network of over 55 campuses in 33 countries. The Bahrain campus, founded in 2018, is part of this global network. Vatel holds a distinguished international reputation, with over 45,000 graduates worldwide who have gone on to become leaders in the industry. Vatel has consistently been ranked first in France and 12th globally in hospitality management, according to the latest QS rankings, maintaining this position for four consecutive years.


The National
a day ago
- The National
Gulf Connections: The hills are alive with the sound of Arabic
Set in the Austrian Alps, the resort town of Zell Am See could have been plucked from The Sound of Music. Against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, picturesque traditional buildings lead down to the clear blue waters of Lake Zell. In winter it attracts skiers from all over the world. In summer, bringing in the visitors needs a different approach. And that's when, more than 20 years ago, the Zell Am See tourist board hit upon a brilliant idea. Placing adverts in GCC countries, from Kuwait to Oman, the region soon began attracting Arab visitors in their tens of thousands, anxious to escape the punishing heat of an Arabian Gulf summer for the cool of the Alps. Rainy attraction The campaign succeeded beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Even cloudy weather and rain was an additional attraction. In 2006, the head of the local tourist board, Hans Wallner, speculated that 'for Arab tourists, I guess that water in various kinds – frozen as snow at the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the high-quality water in Lake Zell are the main attractions'. By then, Arab visitors to the area represented about 10 per cent of the total − about 80,000 tourists. Two years later, it was 15 per cent and by 2013, over a third. They also spent, on average, €490 a day, compared with €160 a day by European tourists. Before the pandemic hit in 2020, it was estimated around 350,000 visitors from GCC countries were visiting Zell Am See during July and August. Post-covid anecdotal evidence suggests the area is as busy as ever. Arab Muslim visitors enjoy walking trails, boat trips and the chance to experience real snow by taking the mountain lifts, and local businesses have been quick to respond to their needs. Hotels cleared out the mini bar to offer alcohol-free rooms, while restaurants such as Ali Baba, Shiraz and Al Khalij offer Arab menus that are halal. Several shops also began offering products that appealed directly to Arab tastes. The Aydin Supermarket sells sweet treats like dates, halva and mamoul, along with spices, hummus and 'a wide selection of halal food'. More than a dozen stores and grocers in the town and in neighbouring Kaprun now cater for tourists from the Middle East. 'Tourism apartheid' Success also brings problems, though. Far-right political movements began to stir again in Austria, prompted in part by refugees from Iraq and Syria's civil wars. There were mutterings that Zell Am See was losing its Austrian character amid the huge number of Arab visitors. In 2014, the regional authorities, including the police and tourist board, issued a well-intentioned but heavy-handed booklet intended to help Middle East tourists better integrate with Austrian culture. Visitors were asked not eat meals on the floor, not haggle in shops and make sure their children wore car seatbelts. Most controversial it attempted to address women's clothing, saying: ' In our culture, we are accustomed to looking into the smiling face of the person opposite us in order to gain a first impression and build mutual trust. "It would be a great pleasure for us if you could join us in celebrating the uniquely joyful Austrian mentality and show your colourful scarves and dress and, in this way, show us your smile.' Described by one newspaper as 'tourism apartheid', it was withdrawn after only a few weeks, with officials admitting "unfortunately, certain passages led to misunderstandings'. More seriously, in 2017, the country passed a law banning full face coverings such as the burqa and niqab in public places. Aimed at conservative Muslim women, the law could not single them out specifically to avoid discrimination. Enforcement soon descended into chaos. Fines or warnings were issued to costumed mascots including a man dressed as shark promoting an electronics store, skiers and cyclists with scarves wrapped around their faces as protection against pollution. For Zell Am See and its Arab visitors the implications of the new law were potentially more serious. Fortunately for all, it appears the resort is quietly ignoring the rules; pragmatism outweighing politics. As Monika Oberschneider, who works in a sports shop renting snow boots to ill-prepared Gulf visitors, told an Austrian TV station last year: 'Every guest who comes pays our wages.'