Africa-Press – Botswana. Establishments such as Hotel 4:30 aligns with the National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan and National Tourism Policy to diversify beyond safaris into urban tourism, says Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi.
Mr Mmolotsi was officially opening Hotel 4:30 and Shumbalala Game resort both owned by local businessman, Mr Kegone Sebina in Gaborone on Friday. He said Hotel 4:30 would add on to the government’s drive to position Gaborone as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
The minister said the hotel represented a quantum leap in the tourism offering as visitors would no longer leave Botswana after their safari experience but rather extend their stay to experience the vibrant Gaborone culture, world-class business facilities and unmatched hospitality. He said Hotel 4:30 was a declaration that Botswana was ready to compete globally at every level from wilderness to urban sophistication, adding that the significance of development of the hotel went far beyond accommodation.
“It is an investment that will surely strengthen socio-economic development by creating sustainable jobs, boosting local procurement, opening business opportunities for suppliers, tour operators and transport services,” he said.
Mmolotsi said it would add value to existing hotel business landscape in Gaborone by introducing competitive standards and encouraging innovation, which would enhance service quality across the industry and offered diversity to the hotel chain offering for both domestic and international travelers.
In his remarks, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima said the development was aligned with government’s desire to diversify the economy, increase the number of tourism related jobs and grow average length of stays. Minister Ntsima said the hotel enhanced Gaborone’s ability to host events, conferences and trade events which were crucial in the goal to diversify tourism offering beyond wildlife and the wilderness.
He said investing in Botswana demonstrated confidence in Botswana’s future and commitment to service excellence to the growing narrative of Botswana as a destination of choice. Mr Ntsima said as a ministry, they remained committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses such as Hotel 4:30 to thrive through forensic support, review of legislature, legislative frameworks, capacity building and strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders. He said they were to work together in building an economy diversified from dependency on mining to ensure sustainable development for future generations.
Hotel 4:30 Managing Director, Mr Kegone Sebina said they started construction in 2018 and was not easy for the project to go on during COVID-19 restrictions. Mr Sebina said they needed over 100 people on site while COVID-19 restrictions dictated that they should have 50 people coming through. He said they were celebrating a vision that began on paper and rose with confidence in the heart of Gaborone.
“It is a message that citizens are capable. No matter the colour, education, position. As long as you are determined and dedicated, you will achieve what you want to achieve,” said Mr Sebina.
The hotel, he said, employed 103 people and was grateful to their partners and suppliers, team of engineers and architects who brought the project to life. Mr Sebina said the hospitality culture was embedded in their staff and would continue to empower them with the necessary skills and training, all from the top to the last. He said the global excellence inspired them but their mission was rooted at home to create a space that felt authentically theirs not only to host but also to connect.
He said opening a hotel at times of uncertainty had not been an easy decision but with resilience, collaboration and belief, they stood confident and committed after operating for two years with the mother construction company, Estate Construction, turning 31 years.
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