sun city resort

Image via Wikimedia Commons

New hotel and other upgrades in the pipeline for Sun City resort

Sun International’s management has devised a plan to expand Sun City in order to boost tourism to the resort and the region.

sun city resort

Image via Wikimedia Commons

At a recent meeting between management from Sun International – the owner of the Sun City resort – and provincial officials from the North West province, it was revealed that future plans for the complex located in the North West Province, include a new hotel.   

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SUN CITY

Regarded as one of South Africa’s premier leisure resorts, Sun City took a major knock in 2020, as a result of the extended national lockdown which placed restrictions on travel between provinces and the prohibition of events and meetings.

Global lockdowns and border closures in many countries led to a slump in global demand for tourism which has also impacted the revenues at many of Sun International’s properties.

Relying primarily on international visitors and the hosting of events translated into severe losses for Sun City. Sun International reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on its revenues the year to December 2020. BusinessTech reports that Sun International’s reported a loss of R1.1 billion for the year.

READ: Sun International retrenchments could affect over 2 000 employees

SUN CITY – AN ASSET TO THE REGION

In an attempt to revive the loss-making resort, Sun International’s management has devised a plan to expand Sun City in order to boost tourism to the resort and the region.  The company’s management met with provincial government authorities to discuss these plans and to seek buy-in from provincial authorities.     

“We have got an amazing beauty in this country that we can really take to the next level and attract foreigners in large numbers and Sun City is the key in achieving that,” Sun International’s chief executive officer Anthony Leeming said.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT THE RESORT

According to BusinessTech, the North West government regards Sun City as a key tourism asset. The Province is keen to cooperate with Sun International in expanding the resort and improving the infrastructure needed to boost tourism to the resort.

Sun City’s management presented plans to expand the resort at the meeting with North West authorities. Future plans include a new hotel, conference facilities as well as new arts and culture activities which will enhance the resort for guests and visitors.

“This is a very important initiative. Here we’re talking about the economy of a region. The Office of the Premier will take care of ensuring that all key departments are on board.” North West Premier Job Mokgoro said.

COOPERATION FROM PROVINCE

Sun City relies on infrastructure including roads, airports and national parks to make the resort accessible and attractive to guests and visitors. Provincial government has a responsibility to ensure that it develops and maintains the facilities and infrastructure required for Sun City to succeed. region.  

“Getting Sun City to work better will help the province. It is critical that we find a balance between what the resort and what the provincial government is doing.” Leeming said.

Sun International’s group chief operating officer Graham Woods said that the support of government was needed for the growth and sustainability of the Sun City complex.

“We need the support in the road infrastructure especially on the maintenance and upgrade of roads around the resort, improvement of roads and buildings in the Pilanesburg National Park, renovations of the Pilanesburg Airport infrastructure, support in the sports campus marketing and bidding of massive events.” said Woods