When Hilton Worldwide announced in June that Pezula Resort & Spa would join the luxury portfolio of Conrad Hotels & Spa, John T A Vanderslice, global head of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide, said, "By combining Conrad's signature style and service standards with such a superior resort property and location, we will create an exceptional and memorable guest experience.
For 25 years Conrad has epitomised the definition of smart luxury and our arrival in South Africa represents a key milestone in the brand’s ongoing global expansion."
On welcoming guests at the launch, Jan van der Putten, Hilton Worldwide's vice-president in Africa and the Indian Ocean, said that the Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa truly reflects the South African style of hospitality of luxurious, yet relaxed, offering guests "the luxury of being yourself".
It is anticipated that the re-branding of the eight-year-old Pezula Hotel & Spa by Hilton Worldwide is set to bolster tourism in Knysna, which is currently struggling the hard-felt effects of economic recession. Van der Putten explained that not only has Hilton Worldwide placed its confidence and support in Knysna, but with it the group brings 30-million members of Hilton HHonours, (a Hilton Worldwide loyalty programme) who will now, through the programme, be exposed to the beauty of Knysna.
On doing the math, a guest reflected, "If 1% of these 30-million loyalty guests visit the Conrad Pezula over the next five years due to the exposure it receives through the programme, it means that Knysna will see 300 000 extra tourists. If they spend R5 000 each in the town during their stay, the Knysna economy will benefit to the tune of R1.5-billion! If 1% of the people visiting the Conrad Pezula decides to visit again or invest in Knysna, this would translate to an influx of 3 000 people investing in the town."
Conrad Pezula General manager Gert Venter, confirmed that the new brand has had an influence on hotel bookings. He explained that two weeks prior to the Conrad Pezula's official launch, the hotel was placed on the Hilton Global website which caters for on-line bookings and almost immediately bookings were being received via this website. Venter added the first HHonour guests arrived shortly after the hotel's official launch .
Besides the positive effect that the new Conrad Pezula may have on Knysna, the Conrad Pezula confirmed the launch of its Dining Club Loyalty Card, which is exclusively dedicated to Garden Route residents. The free membership card will give residents substantial discounts at the Conrad Pezula restaurants as well as privileged access to key events and offers.
The Pezula Private Castles on the secluded Noetzie Beach.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
