With over 120 properties in Africa and the sustained growth of African Pride Hotels - Protea’s new superior-deluxe brand, the group is securing its position not only through size but by using technology and recognising emerging markets. “The niche golfing marketing, which is an emerging sector in South Africa, poses great opportunities for us as we have properties situated within close proximity to all major golf courses in this country,” commented Allan Duke, Marketing Services Director for Protea Hotels.
From Protea Hotel Kruger Gate in Mpumalanga, which offers GUESTS the opportunity to tee off with a bush experience, to San Lameer on KwaZulu Natal’s south coast and a range of properties on the Garden Route, which offer access to South Africa’s most scenic golfing estates such as Sparrebosch at the Knysna Heads. “Markets throughout Europe and North America, even as remote as the Far East, are enquiring about our properties that will give them access to top golfing estates,” said Duke.

Having recently launched their on-line reservations system, the group believe that they will be able to better service the travel trade who will now have immediate access to rates as well as being able to ascertain room availability in an effective and secure electronic environment. Over four thousand bookings were secured within the first two months, which is amazing, considering that it was a pilot project, available to only one trade partner. Protea Hotels believe that innovations like these aided them in being honoured with the Best South African Hotel Group, Diners Club/Asata award earlier this year.

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