PROTEA HOTELS GROWS IN RICHARDS BAY WITH NEW WATERFRONT OFFERING

Cape Town, October 2008: Set the hub of Richards Bay's tourism, Protea Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay is the fourth Protea Hotel offering in the town and first hotel in the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront. This is destined to become the place to stay for business and leisure travellers coming to the region.

Maximising what is already there, the prominent feature of all the rooms, the restaurant and the conference room, are the sweeping and magnificent views of the bay and mooring yacht areas. The location is a definite bonus for the watersport enthusiast, hence making it the perfect place for a leisure stay. The 4-star property has a total of 75 rooms which comprise a mix of standard, executive and deluxe suites, with two honeymoon suites.

"Richards Bay is one of the fastest growing towns in South Africa and has seen a notable increase in corporate travel," said Danny Bryer, Marketing and Revenue Director, Protea Hotels. "It made good sense for us to open another hotel in the town and we can confidently say that this hotel is the best feature of the Waterfront!"

The design of the hotel is very modern and trendy and open-plan, with a lot of glass and open space, creating a warm and welcoming feeling. When driving past the hotel, one can "see through" it to view the amazing colours and lighting. A feature that makes the hotel unique is its reflection pond in the reception area, creating tranquillity unique and unseen in Richards Bay.     

Protea Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay is in close proximity to the Richards Bay Port and all the other major industries in the town, 180km from Durban and a short drive away from the local airport. The town is the beginning of the Tuzi Gazi gateway and local and international tourists flock to attractions such as Alkantstand Swimming Beach, Nseleni Game Reserve and the Zululand Birding Route.

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