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Bringing the hotels and resorts division of Sun International’s portfolio back into the spotlight, as well as exploring new opportunities in southern Africa, is high on the list of priorities for the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality at the hotel, resorts and gaming group, Graham Wood.

He said Sun International (SI) had made the decision to restructure and create two divisions that focused on two separate aspects of the group’s business: Gaming and Hospitality.

“The hotels and resorts got a bit lost in the group’s gaming offering and it therefore made sense to have a COO overseeing each sector,” he told Tourism Update.

Many of SI’s properties, particularly The Table Bay in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, appeal strongly to the inbound market and Wood said he was working closely with DMCs and inbound operators to continue to market the group’s hotels and resorts offering to overseas travellers.

“I’ve also got a mandate to explore hospitality options in southern Africa, particularly in cities or areas that would appeal to inbound travellers as well South African corporates,” said Wood.

He conceded that there had been some cancellations at SI hotels and resorts among inbound travellers following the global outbreak of the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus.

“This is marginal though, and of course we follow strict health and hygiene protocols at all our properties,” commented Wood.

Source: tourismupdate.co.za