OHLTHAVER & List yesterday announced that its business partnership with Kuwait-based IFA Hotels & Resorts recently took on a new shape with the commencement of a new joint venture company, OLIFA Hotels & Resorts Namibia (Pty) Ltd, as part of a N$550-million investment that involves the development and upgrade of hotels and lodges previously part of Ohlthaver & List’s tourism arm, Namib Sun Hotels.
O&L spokesman Patrick Hashingola said Namib Sun Hotels’ operational structure, reservation system, and branding has been transformed to meet the requirements of Europe’s oldest luxury hotel collection, Kempinski Hotels – the company that has been appointed to manage OLIFA’s operations. “We have completed the structuring and organising of the head office,” said Hashingola, adding that the transfer of employees was completed, and the upgrade of its flagship Mokuti Lodge was in full swing, while the development of the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund was pending regulatory approval.Eighty-four out of 173 former employees of Namib Sun Hotels have transferred to the new company, while 22 remained in the services of Namib Sun Hotels, which now only concerns the operations of Midgard Lodge.Hashingola said the redevelopment of Mokuti Lodge started early this month and would involve the complete revamp of the main building, including reception area, lounge, restaurant and kitchen, and in due course an upgrade of the rooms and landscaping.The first phase is scheduled to be completed in June this year after which Mokuti Lodge will operate as Kempinski Mokuti Lodge – the first five-star lodge in Namibia.Hashingola said personnel were undergoing extensive training to meet the standards of a five-star establishment.The final two phases include the addition of a spa, a luxury tented camp, waterholes and viewing platforms with food and beverage outlets.”We have completed the structuring and organising of the head office,” said Hashingola, adding that the transfer of employees was completed, and the upgrade of its flagship Mokuti Lodge was in full swing, while the development of the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund was pending regulatory approval. Eighty-four out of 173 former employees of Namib Sun Hotels have transferred to the new company, while 22 remained in the services of Namib Sun Hotels, which now only concerns the operations of Midgard Lodge.Hashingola said the redevelopment of Mokuti Lodge started early this month and would involve the complete revamp of the main building, including reception area, lounge, restaurant and kitchen, and in due course an upgrade of the rooms and landscaping.The first phase is scheduled to be completed in June this year after which Mokuti Lodge will operate as Kempinski Mokuti Lodge – the first five-star lodge in Namibia.Hashingola said personnel were undergoing extensive training to meet the standards of a five-star establishment.The final two phases include the addition of a spa, a luxury tented camp, waterholes and viewing platforms with food and beverage outlets.
