New hotel will boost tourism and economy, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the City of Ekurhuleni is moving in the right direction to attract investors through its aerotropolis master plan.
Ramaphosa was speaking at the opening of the Radisson Destiny Hotel and Conference Centre Precinct in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.
He said the new hotel will boost the economy and help regain some of the jobs which were lost as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Our economy has been plunged into turmoil, people have lost their jobs and many promising investments have been put on hold or shelved.
“The opening of this hotel and conference centre precinct is therefore about so much more than what we see before us.”
Ramaphosa believes the hotel will attract tourists and businesses due to its proximity to OR Tambo airport.
"Given its proximity to OR Tambo International Airport, this refurbished hotel will tap into the valuable business tourism market and the adjacent conference centre will attract opportunities in the conferencing, convention and exhibition hosting sector.
"In announcing the National Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan in Parliament earlier this month, I said that fast-tracking infrastructure projects – both public and private – is critical if we are to get the wheels of economic activity turning again."
Ramaphosa said the hotel has already created around 1 500 construction jobs.
Some 500 direct full-time jobs will also be created once it opens its doors.
"In this sense, this development is a lifeline to the people of Ekurhuleni. This hotel and conference centre forms part of the Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis Master Plan.”
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