Country Club Resort results follow tangent

Although the financial results released on Monday this week, are not as sterling as the previous year, this once-beleaguered government property shows that it is possible to turn such a large establishment around, under the right leadership.

Sven Thieme, Chairperson of the Windhoek Country Club Resort’s Board of Directors expressed his satisfaction with the 2014/15 financial year results and thanked all stakeholders for their valued contribution.
Thieme said: “While we might not have had a bumper year like the previous one, we nevertheless look back at great results. These include hotel turnover which increased by 13% year on year with an exceptional performance by the food and beverage department which increased turnover by 21%. This is despite that the previous year included the revenues of the COP11 conference as well as major repairs and maintenance expenses that we have incurred.”
The revenue increased to N$157 million, while room revenues rose by 7% and the average room rate by 10%. Gross margins were N$83 million on the back of increased operational costs mainly on the hotel side because of the incremental increase in turnover and also cost of sales. Gross operating profits of N$44 million were down on the previous year’s record of N$53 million.
Thieme highlighted a few more events at the resort which included the baking of the 180kg Independence cake, the new President’s inauguration as well as the wedding reception of the President and the First Lady which, he said, had been an immense honour and privilege for the resort. “Further highlights on our events calendar included the sustainable tourism conference and the Women’s soccer – CAF – cup, which proves that we are able to host big events successfully.”
He also spoke about some of the hospitality trends and challenges urging the industry to keep up with trends such as the internet and the new opportunities it offers. He stated that customer service and training of staff remained key priority areas. He lamented the fact that Namibia stillis unable to attract large international conventions, mainly due to the lack of a world-class convention centre. “Clearly the industry needs to make strides to its MICE – meetings, incentives, conventions and events – facilities if it has any hope of becoming a contender for this lucrative business segment in the years to come.” In 2016 the Windhoek Country Club Resort will start refurbishing and upgrading the rooms, casino, public areas, bathrooms and cocktail bar.