Marriott set to bridge deficit in hotel rooms

The Kigali Marriott hotel will construct 254 rooms as a way of bridging of the hotel rooms scarcity in the country. Billy Cheung, the Managing Director of Marriott group, said Monday that this would solve the problem of lack of hotel rooms. Rwanda is positioning to become the regional tourist and conference destination, which increases the demand for accommodation. “This is the first project of its kind in Africa and Marriott is extremely happy with the support of the government of Rwanda,” Cheung noted. He said that the Marriott group is motivated by the current stability and investment opportunities in the country. “When we came to Kigali after visiting Akagera National Park, we found that there weren’t enough hotels in the capital. So we initiated the idea of constructing of a Marriott hotel in the city.” He, however, said that one of the major challenges the company faces include the shortage of building materials since 80 percent of the equipment is imported from neighbouring countries like Kenya and Uganda. Maurice K. Toroitich, the Managing Director Kenya Commercial Bank lauded the good investment climate in Rwanda. Kenya Commercial Bank is a key player in providing credit services to the Marriott hotel. “Rwanda is becoming a global hub. When the Marriott in place, I am sure small businesses will become suppliers to the hotel,” Toroitich noted. The six star hotel is scheduled to be fully operational by the second half of 2012. Ends

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Marriott set to bridge deficit in hotel rooms