Avani General Manager Riaan Van Rooyen
Rethabile Pitso
LESOTHO Sun and Maseru Sun were yesterday rebranded to Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino and Avani Maseru Hotel respectively in a glittering ceremony held at the newly-named Avani Maseru Convention Centre.
The rebranding follows last year’s deal in which global gaming and resorts giants, Sun International divested from the two hotels and sold them to Thailand based firm, Minor Hotel Group (MHG).
The launch was attended was King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, senior government officials and captains of industry among others.
In his remarks, Trade and Industry Minister Joshua Setipa lauded the rebranding of the hotel group and expressed optimism that the development would benefit the country.
“I was fortunate enough to have witnessed the formative discussions to bring Avani into Lesotho in 2012 which made me believe that Basotho and the economy needed a new player,” he said.
“The Avani Group is well-established in the hospitality industry with over 30 000 beds. It provides Lesotho with the opportunity to access a larger tourist market.
“During the deliberations, I pointed out that Avani Maseru Hotel should have a hospitality school within its premises. The idea has been accepted without any reservations and confirmed to me this morning.”
The minister said the intention behind establishing the school was to provide qualified hotel staff, adding that it could also become a regional training centre.
“This facility could become a regional training hub which would empower our own hospitality industry,” he said.
Avani General Manager for Lesotho, Riaan Van Rooyen, expressed optimism the rebranding would herald growth for the hotel group.
“This is an exciting time and a moment we have been looking forward to for a long time,” said Mr Van Rooyen.
