After 12 years of building close relationships with STAFF and loyal GUESTS as General Manager of Protea Hotel Saldanha, Carl van der Linde has been appointed to head up Protea Hotel San Lameer.  “It is always difficult to leave people and a place you feel affection for, but that is the industry we’re in,” says Carl, General Manager at Protea Hotel San Lameer.

Positioned as a leading conference destination, Protea Hotel San Lameer has benefited from the implementation of sound marketing strategies, and continues to reap the rewards. Carl’s predecessor, Guy Stehlik, who was awarded Marketer of the Year 2001, is recognized as a ‘strong marketing person’, and has firmly placed San Lameer on the map with plans to keep it there.

“Guy has spent just over two years at San Lameer and, being a effective marketing strategist, he was successful in repositioning the hotel in the Conference market, making San Lameer one of The leading conference destinations in Kwazulu Natal and maintaining good occupancies of over 65%,” continued Carl.

The ultimate tropical paradise, with over a kilometer of private beaches and luxury accommodation, San Lameer`s primary markets are the Golfing & Conference market.  The hotel offers these large groups a range of remarkable ‘themed’ evenings, from Tropical Shipwrecked Party on the beach to an Arabian Night. “We also offer various Teambuilding activities like Night Golf and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting.

The hotel is equally popular in the Leisure Market, especially with Honeymooners, who are looking to grab a bit of paradise! This is not surprising, seeing that the hotel is set overlooking a lagoon with its myriad of bird species.

There is an additional refurbishment programme planned for this year, which will ensure that the property retains its superior status as a Premier Protea Hotel. “My plans for the next year are to build on Guy`s marketing strategy and to drive the proposed refurbishment programme,” concluded Carl.

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