Government adjustment of restrictions especially the opening of airport to commercial flights has put smiles in the faces of hotel owners across the country after the hotels and hospitality sectors had closed for the past three months as a result of coronavirus pandemic. Despite the closure of majority of the hotels, guest houses, restaurants and casinos, the new adjustment has seen physical activities in most of the hotels in preparation to open in September 2020.
It could be recalled that managements of Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Sea Side Valley Hotel, Kimbima Essential Golden Tulip hotel, Sierra Light Hotel, Mamba Point Lagoonda, Hill Valley Hotel, Cabenda, Country Lodge and Barmoi Hotel among others closed their doors to all public functions as well for accommodations. Less than 40 percent of the total workforce were working at an interval for half salaries. Against that backdrop the management of Radisson Blu hotel has confirmed that they are currently on massive maintenance on the entire facilities in order to ensure everything is ready for guests as they are planning to open for effective business by September. The hotel is one of the country’s top listed hotels.
Cape Light Hotel was closed to the public prior to the corona outbreak as management embarked on overall maintenance of the hotel facilities with expansions on room space, reception, conference hall, installation of electronics lift, replacement of old furniture for new ones among other. Management has confirmed completion of renovation and major maintenance with possible reopening to public by September 2020 despite challenges with materials but they are certainly sure of returning to full time operations without fail.
Maintenance and rehabilitation work is almost at a completion stage on Sea Side Valley Hotel situated adjacent to Golden Tulip, with installation of modern facilities and furniture with an increased security surveillance system, changed menu and staff being positioned ahead of the reopening of the hotel. Management has as well confirmed that they are opening the hotel in September, a decision they had agreed on after proper scanning and survey conducted on the business climate in the country as management said there is a likelihood of more customers and tourist’s influx into the country during that time. MK/17/08/2020
By Mohamed Kabba