The Golden Mile is a direct response to the substantial investment into the revival of the Durban beachfront promenade by the eThekwini Municipality, which has seen the destination being upgraded.
It encompasses prominently Southern Sun Elangeni, Southern Sun North Beach, Garden Court Marine Parade, Garden Court South Beach, and the SunCoast Casino and Entertainment World including the SunSquare and the SunCoast Towers hotels, which are all part of Tsogo Sun properties in Durban.
The first phase of the project, which will be completed in time for the annual Tourism Indaba in May 2013, will consist of; the total refurbishment of the Maharani Tower, including the bedrooms, core infrastructure, the conference centre and public areas; substantial new food and beverage offerings within the Elangeni Tower; the rework of the Porte Cochere’s creating a sense of arrival and better access to the complex and the renovation of the external building facades, etc.
Marcel von Aulock, Tsogo Sun’s Chief Executive Officer, says Tsogo Sun’s investment in these multi-million projects, shows the seriousness of the group into the rehabilitation of this sprawling City, amongst others.
Phase two will see the opening in the third quarter of 2013, of The Camelot Spa, which will feature five treatment rooms, a double treatment room with a hydro therapy bath and a Himalayan salt room in the Elangeni Tower.
The final phase will include a refurbishment of the Elangeni rooms and additional public areas.
Mayor of eThekwini James Nxumalo says, “We are delighted at the role that Tsogo Sun is playing in adding to the renewed vibrancy of Durban. There is so much good news to be told about the renewal of the city with corporate coming back to the city centre.
“The merger of these two Tsogo Sun hotels which are such significant landmarks on the Durban beachfront and which carry such historical stature- is of great significance to the positioning of the Durban beachfront, signalling the confidence of investors in the precinct,” he said.
Von Aulock added that:”We have great confidence in Durban and a significant investment in its future, and it is our sincere belief that we have a responsibility to support the City to ensure that it achieves its full potential as the premier leisure and event city in South Africa.
This development is directly in line with Tsogo Sun’s vision to provide the greatest possible variety of quality hospitality, leisure, gaming, and entertainment experiences at every one of our destinations.”
Tsogo literally means ‘to awaken’ in vernacular.
Durban is the cash-cow for the province in terms of travel and hospitality.
The R220m investment, would also play a major part in the creation of jobs be it directly or indirectly for the citizens of KZN.
