New Strand Hotel opens officially

His Excellency, President Hage Geingob officially opened the new Strand Hotel Swakopmund, a part of Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, on the 6th of this month..He was accompanied by the Erongo Regional Governor, Cleophas Mutjavikua and other esteemed guests.
In his address at a Presidential Gala Dinner at the hotel, the President re-iterated his vision of working towards eradicating poverty, and creating a country that will see better livelihoods for all Namibians. The President welcomed the new Strand Hotel Swakopmund to the local tourism sector – a sector which he emphasized is earmarked by Government as a key driver of economic growth and employment. “I am pleased to note that the hotel has created numerous employment opportunities. I also note that in addition to the direct investment into the development of the Strand Hotel, the O&L Group has already invested into its employees through an extensive training programme, equipping them with the necessary skills to deliver excellent service to its guests, and also adding much needed skills. I am also delighted with the inclusivity I have witnessed.” said Geingob.
Erongo Regional Governor, Cleophas Mutjavikua, said that Swakopmund – as one of the country’s main tourist attractions, always welcomes investments that attract more feet to the town. Mutjavikua emphasized that Tourism is an integral part of the local economy, and many people in the area depend upon thousands of visitors each year. The O&L Group Human Capital Director, Berthold Mukuahima who delivered a statement said, “Our purpose of ‘Creating a Future, Enhancing Life’ acknowledges that through sustainable businesses and doing the right thing right, we can impact many lives positively. This is also manifested in our Vision metrics one of which is to create an additional 4 000 job opportunities by 2019. The O&L Group currently directly employs 5 596 people while the new Strand Hotel has created 250 additional permanent jobs directly, and various indirect opportunities.”
Managing Director of O&L Leisure, Terence Makari also shared his excitement. “Strand Hotel Swakopmund will be a hub for Namibian pride. The locally brewed craft beer, local seafood and variety of products from Namibian farms, gardens and orchards contribute to the success of keeping it local. The Strand Hotel Swakopmund is destined to become a Namibian icon worthy of its unique location on the historic Swakopmund Mole. It is our wish that all guests at the Strand Hotel Swakopmund will walk away with a unique, unforgettable and enriched experience, because the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is a place with great food, great people and of course, great fun!”