Marriott International has signed a franchise agreement with Tingana Hospitality Group to open a new Autograph Collection Hotel in the Kruger National Park (KNP).

The property, called Leopard Sands, is currently being built and will undergo brand positioning before opening as a Marriott Autograph Collection property.

Tingana Hospitality Group has a collection of luxury lodges bordering the park, such as Xidulu Lodge on the banks of the Sabie River and Buckler’s Africa on the banks of the Crocodile River.

The KNP property will offer 18 villas, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar, swimming pool and other features and facilities.

It will be located on the Sabie River bordering the park, near the Kruger Gate entrance. The hotel is set to open in July 2023 and will officially be branded as the Autograph Collection in July 2025.

Haroun Peer, Director of Tingana Hospitality Group, said: “We are extremely excited to have signed with the world-renowned Marriott International group, which has a global footprint internationally in the hospitality sector. This lodge is a distinctive addition to Autograph Collection Hotels and will be a unique destination for Marriott Bonvoy members and travellers from across the globe to visit.”

Autograph Collection Hotels currently features over 270 hotels globally. Marriot said: “Each hotel is a product of passion and a personal realisation of its individual founder’s vision, making each hotel singular and special. Hand-selected for their inherent craft, Autograph Collection hotels offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint.”

Marriott said the hotel will be committed to social responsibility and empowering the local community through its operations.

SA remains lucrative

Peer believes South Africa’s tourism sector remains an attractive investment destination, and despite economic challenges, tourism is the one sector that still has potential to add value to any investment portfolio.

“There are unique landmarks like the KNP and Cape town which offer great value in respect of the investment in hospitality property and business investment opportunities.

“The weak rand also offers lucrative investment potential for foreign investors. There is a scarcity of land around the Kruger area so any investment in that area is absolutely gold and has the potential for exceptional future capital appreciation.”

Tingana Hospitality Group also has other expansion plans to add to its collection, as Peer revealed that it is currently “working on a unique offering in the greater Kruger region which will be revealed in the next 12 months.”