Protea Hotels Expands Their Zambian Footprint

Chipata, Zambia, 15 October 2010: Protea Hotels continue to expand their footprint in Zambia, with the Protea Hotel Chipata, located on the outskirts of Chipata Town, preparing to open its doors in December 2010.

Protea’s latest Zambian venture will open hot on the heels of the launch of the newly revamped Protea Hotel Southern Belle, a luxurious old-style steam boat, which will be taking her maiden voyage across Lake Kariba in late November.

Protea Hotel Chipata is in its final stage of construction, and, when complete, will comprise 40 bedrooms in two double storey blocks, all boasting en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, electronic door locks, satellite TV and free wireless Internet access. Other facilities include a restaurant with an outside terrace overlooking the stunning gardens and swimming pool, a sports bar and conference facilities for up to 100 delegates.

This hotel looks to address a pressing need for accommodation in the area, with the recent commissioning of the Chipata-Mchinji railway line having established Chipata as a key regional trade hub between Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Danny Bryer, Group Sales, Marketing and Revenue Director, Protea Hotels, believes the Protea Hotel Chipata represents a key addition to Protea’s ever-growing Zambian portfolio, “The new Protea Hotel Chipata is a very exciting development for the Protea Hotel Group, and addresses a market gap in an expanding international trade hub. The hotel is located just 130km from Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, and is easily accessible on the Great East Road, making it the perfect destination for both business and leisure travellers.”