Nairobi Safari Club strikes deal with Swiss-Belhotel International

Nairobi Safari Club, a legacy hotel brand with 40 years of operations in Kenya's hospitality business, has made headlines after striking a mega deal with global brand Swiss-belhotel International. The move comes amidst mounting competition in the city hotel domain and marks a significant rebrand for the iconic hotel. The deal was discussed in an exclusive interview with Mukawa Hotels Holdings Directors, Lilian Githunguri and Clare Githunguri. The Githunguri sisters expressed their excitement and emotional attachment to the hotel, which was founded by their late father, Honourable Stanley Monga Githunguri, with a vision to make Nairobi Safari Club a premier hotel. They believe that partnering with Swiss-Bel, a global management company known for service excellence, will help them realize their father's vision. The collaboration with Swiss-Belhotel International holds promising prospects for Nairobi Safari Club. Swiss-Bel is a renowned management company with global outreach and a portfolio of over 125 hotels across 25 countries. The partnership is expected to bring advantages such as staff training, revenue technologies, international guest influx, and facility upgrades. The Githunguri sisters see this as a significant opportunity to enhance the hotel's offerings and stay competitive in Nairobi's dynamic hospitality industry. Clare Githunguri highlighted the recent challenges faced by the hospitality industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic but expressed optimism about the future. With the support of Swiss-Bel's extensive reach, Nairobi Safari Club aims to boost room occupancy and capitalize on the city's role as a business hub. The hotel's expansion plans include renovating public areas, upgrading suites, and modernizing facilities while preserving its heritage. The discussion also touched upon the financial investment required for the rebranding efforts, with Clare mentioning a focus on gradual upgrades and revenue-driven renovations over the next two years. The directors emphasized the importance of maintaining a presence in Nairobi's Central Business District, citing the city's strategic location, conferencing opportunities, and potential for attracting international guests. Despite the rise of disruptive businesses like Airbnb in the hospitality market, Lilian Githunguri remains confident in the value proposition of traditional hotels in Nairobi. She stressed the importance of effective cost management, revenue generation, and top-notch service to thrive in the competitive landscape. The Githunguri sisters are optimistic about the future of Nairobi Safari Club and believe that the rebranding initiative will position the hotel for success in the ever-evolving market. In conclusion, the partnership between Nairobi Safari Club and Swiss-Belhotel International represents a significant milestone in the hotel's history. With a focus on innovation, guest experience, and business sustainability, the iconic hotel looks set to embark on a new chapter of growth and excellence.