Polished Jewel Added to Tanzania’s Tourism Crown
The re-opening of the Mount Meru Hotel on 17 December will see the unveiling of this sparkling new jewel in the crown of this tourism metropolis and excitement ahead of the grand reveal is palpable.
Nestled on the fertile slopes of Africa’s fifth highest peak, lies a precious secret that, until now has remained as dormant as the volcano it dwells on. After months of planning, conceptualizing and essentially dreaming, the time has finally come for one of Africa’s bastions of leisure to lift the veil off months of hard work and preparation to reveal a gem, as radiant and enchanting as the natural splendour it resides in.
As the gateway to the Serengeti, quite arguably Africa’s most popular tourist attraction, Arusha is an important destination - one that should offer the best in East African hospitality and service excellence of international renown - an endeavour the team from Zabulan Hospitality who hold the management and marketing contract for the hotel are more than capable of accomplishing with flair.
Renewing from within Africa’s bosom, it was impossible not to be enveloped by the friendliness of its people and beauty of its earth, and the renovations could not but incorporate the spirit of Africa firmly in the soul of the hotel. According to Anton Perold, executive director of Zabulan Hospitality, the Tanzanian people’s friendliness is legendary, and the team at the Mount Meru Hotel is working night and day to integrate this friendliness with the best techniques in international hospitality. Zabulan Hospitality’s foremost priority of contributing significantly to economic sustainability is to employ as many local staff members as possible. These excited and highly motivated staff’s knowledge and experience is enriched through international training that is provided from a number of Mauritian, Dutch, South African, and Irish nationals.
The refurbishment of the hotel, financed by SAEDF (Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund) in order to stimulate business growth and job creation in the area, will eventually create 278 new jobs and is set to boost the region’s tourism industry and subsequently the economy as a whole.
Although the Mount Meru Hotel is situated on the slopes of a famous mountain peak, it is what the hotel offers that puts it above and beyond the reach of other establishments. As the only resort-type hotel in Arusha’s largely urban environment, its vast public areas, its beautifully manicured gardens, four restaurants, three bars, spa and conference centre all contribute to setting it apart from the rest.
To the team from Zabulan, the multimillion US Dollar overhaul was about much more than just bricks and cement, the right tiles and matching fittings. They believe in cultivating an environment where staff members feel that they are valued, because that naturally leads to a great working milieu and ultimately satisfied guests. Their management style is tailored to take into account the needs of staff members and not just the corporates, clients or guests we have to keep happy.
“We‘ve spent huge amounts of time on team-building and training, and everyone’s bought totally into the idea that our success will come from the fact that we can - and will - provide world-class hospitality here on the Equator,” Perold continues.
The unwrapping of the sparkling gem that is the Mount Meru Hotel is flaunted to be a media spectacle, set in one of the most spectacular settings imaginable - brilliant, clear and flawless.
And silently keeping watch over the Mount Meru Hotel and its lustrous grounds, towers Mount Meru, volcanic apex and keeper of myths and legends, paying homage to the newest jewel in Arusha’s crown.
Mount Meru Hotel at a Glance
Tanzania’s president, Jakaya Kikwete, is expected to be the guest of honour at the grand opening of Arusha’s Mount Meru Hotel on 17 December.
The hotel will begin trading on the 23rd of November, 2010. Its facilities include:
- 178 luxuriously appointed rooms - including 4 presidential suites, 6 deluxe executive suites, and 2 rooms suitable for people with disabilities;
- 3 Bars and 4 restaurants;
- A spa (with 3 treatment rooms), and a swimming pool; and
- A 300-seat conference centre complete with 24-seater boardroom and two breakaway rooms.
More information:
www.mountmeruhotel.com / [email protected] / +255 272 545 111
Media Enquiries: mimi finestone & Mariki Theron c/o House of Ngamathuba
Cell: 0027 (0)84 583 3144 & 0027(0)83 375 3973
Fax: 0027(0)86 530 3249
[email protected] & [email protected]
