Hotel Selebi opens for business
Onalenna Kelebeile | Thursday April 28, 2016 10:18
Speaking at the official opening of Hotel Selebi here yesterday, Molefhi said it is imperative management develops a sense of self-discipline among their employees. He added that the new 42-roomed hotel is a significant investment that adds to the hospitality industry and offers a principal venue for government to consider for major conferences.
He noted that Hotel Selebi will obviously compete with already established players in the hospitality industry therefore they have to seriously uphold their standards that will be a measure for quality of service that they provide. He added that employees also form an integral part in the reputation of any hospitality institution hence they must be satisfied so that they deliver their duties with discipline and dedication.
“If you adhere to these standards you will be distinguished from your competitors. Ensure that you provide service second to none and meet customer expectations. Always endeavour to be a step ahead of your competitors at all times otherwise you will remain a white elephant,” he added.
The minister, who is also Member of Parliament for Selebi-Phikwe East, said such an investment in the mining town is a major confidence booster despite looming retrenchments as a result of financial challenges at the BCL Mine.
“This business is not for the faint-hearted. It needs courage and I congratulate your decision to invest in this town,” he said.
He further encouraged management to work hard because it is the hotel’s level of service standards that would qualify it to be graded as a three-star hotel by the Botswana Tourism Organisation.
“I believe that by entering the tourism and hospitality industry Hotel Selebi will improve hotel product offerings in Selebi-Phikwe and the country as a whole,” he said. The town’s mayor, Amogelang Mojuta commended A1 Group of Companies, the hotel owners, for the facility. He said for the past years, the town was unable to host big events due to lack of sufficient hotel accommodation and facilities.
“We welcome this new development that will go a long way in enhancing the future economic development of this town,” he added. Mojuta said with the town about to experience a mine retrenchment exercise, such facilities can absorb some of the laid-off employees. He said the facilities would undoubtedly improve the aesthetic view of the town and increase the value of property surrounding it.
The hotel management was also advised not to be discouraged by looming retrenchments at BCL, as there is hope that commodity prices will appreciate and the town will bounce back to normalcy.
Krupa Enterprises Company, which has been doing business in Botswana for the last 20 years, owns Hotel Selebi.
Some of the big hotels in the mining town include Cresta Bosele and Syringa Lodge.