Cresta Hotels has commenced the upgrade of Cresta Mahalapye, located on the A1, which is the gateway to Maun, Tuli and northern Botswana.

With the BWP56m (€4.3m) upgrade, the hotel will add 62 rooms – 58 standard, two twin rooms, one presidential suite and one paraplegic – making a total of 126 rooms.

Cresta Hotels MD, Mokwena Morulane said: “There will also be a divisible and soundproof conference room, which, at maximum capacity, will accommodate 100 delegates, conference style. This is in addition to the current 250-conferencing capacity.” The extension will also comprise an additional, spacious reception lobby, conference break-away rooms, and a boardroom as well as 75 additional parking spaces.

Morulane said Cresta was in a period of significant evolution and opportunity, despite changes in the travel and hospitality industry that were challenging hotels to move beyond brand identity and extend and deepen their relationships with travellers.

“We are passionate about the industry and we believe that the future of hospitality and tourism in Botswana is as bright as ever, hence the expansion of Cresta Mahalapye. The rebound and sustained recovery of the industry is certain. Concluding the agreement for this project during this tough season was strategic in that the completion of the hotel is targeted to coincide with the anticipated full recovery of the market,” said Morulane.

The hotel is located in Mahalapye, about 200 km north of Gaborone.