CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES PROTEA HOTEL CLARENS - March 2007

Construction has commenced on the R35 million Protea Hotel Clarens, which is set to open March 2008. This four-star hotel will be situated between Harrismith and Bethlehem, a location set to become one of the Free States leading tourism destinations. 'This property will be defined by its location and the facilities on offer to the market,' commented Allan Duke, Group Marketing Services Director for Protea Hotels.

Positioned between three major cities, with Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban all within a three hour drive, making it ideally positioned to serve both business and leisure sectors. The hotel will comprise 70 bed-roomed and two conference rooms with a combined capacity of 100 guests.