Accommodation in PMB

Melanie Veness:  PCB CEO 

While Pietermaritzburg is a capital city, a business centre and a very successful events city, the city hasn't acted the attention of many hotel investors over the years - until recently, that is. I’m not saying that Pietermaritzburg and surrounds doesn’t have the capacity to accommodate large numbers of visitors; on the contrary, events like the Midmar Mile and the Comrades Marathon attract in excess of 15 000 competitors, and we,ve always done well to accommodate these visitors in a range of B&B  facilities, albeit sometimes further away from the action than we would like.

But it is when one tries to compile bid documents and handle the bookings for large events, that one becomes acutely aware of the accommodation gaps and opportunities in the marketplace. When it comes to sporting events like the  Amashova Cycle Race and the Comrades Marathon, every second enquirer requests Holiday Inn, Road Lodge or Formula 1 accommodation – none of which are available in Pietermaritzburg.  Visitors  and competitors from Gauteng, in particular, tend to request well-known brands of accommodation.

When submitting the bid documentation to host events, one of the criteria is always the availability of suitable hotel accommodation, and the shortage  of these facilities makes it that much more challenging to win bids. The challenge also doesn’t end once a bid has been won, because it is then difficult to place people in suitable accommodation. Teams usually request  a facility that can accommodate their entire team,  and when you are hosting a World Championship, there are a fair number of competing teams. 

It's always fascinated me that a city that plays host to so many established and credible events is not able to offer a range of recognizable brand hotels. Up until a couple of years ago, Pietermaritzburg could offer hotel accommodation in one of four facilities. It seems quite ridiculous to say this, but it’s true.  The other point worth noting is that our Capital City does not have a single five-star hotel, which means that we cannot accommodate visiting dignitaries or Heads of State in the City.

Things are changing as investors recognise the potential that the city has to offer. Almost a year ago to the day, the Southern Sun Group opened the StayEasy Hotel at the Liberty Midlands Mall, and their confidence in Pietermaritzburg has been rewarded with excellent support and good occupancy. It even garnered a prestigious AA Accommodation award!  More recently, the Protea Group purchased the Hilton Hotel, and have revamped it into a most impressive facility. Things are looking up, and it often takes someone to take notice, in order to raise other investors interest levels. I, for one, am watching this space with keen interest.

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