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Who is running Happy Valley?

23/06/2010 00:00:00 FAITH SHONGWE

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MBABANE – Happy Valley Resort and Casino is currently talking to several hoteliers with the intention of signing a management contract with them.

This basically means they are looking for a hotelier to manage the local operation.

One of the hoteliers they are currently talking to is Status Hotels, which has operations all over the Southern African region.

One of the managers of Happy Valley Resort and Casino, Pedro Rodriques, said nothing concrete has come out of the talks yet.

"We are still not certain which company we will eventually sign with because we are currently talking to several companies, including some from South Africa, on issues of signing a management contract," he said.

However, reliable sources say Happy Valley Resort and Casino has in fact signed a management contract with Status Hotels.

Status Hotels Operations Director Henk Bredenoord confirmed they were now managers of Happy Valley.

"Status Hotels has taken over as managers of Happy Valley Resort and Casino, as of June 1, 2010 and this means the hotel and casino will now be trading as Status Hotels Ezulwini.

"The holding company and company registration will remain the same but we will come in as managers after signing a 10-year management contract with Happy Valley Resort and Casino," Bredenoord explained.

He said a new manager, Egar Steyn, would be taking over the reins at the beginning of next month.

The Happy Valley Resort and Casino was opened early last year and offers 65 stylish modern and classy rooms, four executive suites and a conference centre that is well-equipped with the latest audiovisual equipment.

"Some of the changes we will bring include our systems control and marketing power, which we expect will increase tourism in Swaziland," Bredenoord said.

Asked if the development would affect the contracts signed with staff members, Bredenoord said; "The employee’s contracts will remain the same because the holding company will not change.

"Status Hotels will implement house rules according to our standards and we will also give the employees job descriptions, which they did not have."

The Happy Valley Resort and Casino has two gourmet restaurants, full pizzeria, a swimming pool and bar area, making it even more attractive for the business traveller and family holiday makers alike.

It has a 24-hour coffee shop, a curio shop and a VIP executive cigar lounge adding to the elegance, not forgetting the top class casino which boasts a private bar and non-smoking casino area.