KENYA – Sarova Hotels and Resorts has assumed the operations of Imperial Hotel Kisumu after signing a 7-year management agreement with the Gilani family, owners of the facility.
The lakeside city hotel will now be renamed Sarova Imperial Kisumu bringing the total number of hotels under Sarova Hotels to eight and cementing the hotelier’s position as Kenya’s largest indigenous collection of hospitality establishments.
Group Managing Director Jimi Kariuki says the new addition is part of Sarova’s growth plan in the western region as Kisumu City undergoes rapid development which is being undertaken by both the national and county governments.
“The city’s location on the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, and the on-going modernisation of the lakefront makes Kisumu a unique destination to add to the Sarova experience,” he said.
“Kisumu is fast becoming an attractive destination to visit, not only by business travellers but also by tourists, mainly domestic tourists.”
Development of the city is further being backed to enhance its attractiveness as both a business and leisure travel destination.
Sarova Imperial Hotel Kisumu which is located in Kisumu’s Central Business District is currently undergoing an extensive upgrade scheduled to be concluded by August 2022 which will see the launch of 93 renovated guest bedrooms including suites, new meetings facilities, and upgraded food and beverage outlets, Sarova said.
“In 1983, Imperial Hotel was built with the vision to establish a Western Kenya tourism circuit. However, we realize that we are in a global era in which professionalization and collaboration are crucial to success and to meet our vision,” added Amin Gilani, Imperial Hotel Chairman.
“After operating the hotel for 40 years, Sarova Hotels is the ideal partner for further growth due to their industry leadership, rich history and a deep respect for community, tradition and sustainability.”
Sarova Hotels is currently the only hospitality group in the country operating quality properties in Kenya’s four cities – Sarova Stanley and Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa, Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu, and Sarova Woodlands and Sarova Lion Hill in Nakuru City.
“Sarova Hotels has remained focused on growing our footprint in Kenya through identifying new hotel management opportunities,” he added.
“Having been in existence for over 48 years, we have the experience, the expertise and the business infrastructure to provide management support to hotel owners who are looking for this. We will continue to scout for new properties in Kenya and the region in line with the vision of our shareholders, as well as enter different segments of the hospitality business.”
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