Five-star hotel a game changer for township

A NEW five-star boutique hotel in Inanda has cemented the township’s tourism and heritage offering.

Hardly the kind of accommodation that is associated with where the working class live, the Octavia Boutique Hotel aims to promote tourism.

Hotel owner Dalo Nala confirmed the finishing touches to the luxury accommodation were under way but it was currently in operation.

This week the ethekwini Municipality hosted two events there.

The hotel was positioned along the route of the Phoenix settlement, the Shembe settlement of Ekuhanyeni, the Ohlange Institute, the Inanda Seminary and the Inanda dam.

Talking about building a hotel in a township, Nala said, “Everything is possible and I honestly believe that if you do a township development, there is no need to upgrade it but instead introduce the international standard to the township.

“If you upgrade the township then one will want to compete with the guy next door.”

Nala said the aim was to attract both local and international tourists who wished to experience the Inanda heritage route.

“Although Octavia accommodates locals, we are positioned as a tourist destination so that we can get foreign currency into the coffers of the city and province,” said Nala.

Mel Ntombela, deputy chair of the Tourism Business Forum in Inanda, Kwamashu and Ntuzuma, said Octavia Boutique Hotel was the addition that the tourism route had been waiting for in the area.

“We are delighted that it has finally arrived. As a five-star hotel, they are giving us the opportunity to finally cater to the kind of affluent visitors we’ve never been able to entice before, those seeking out the ultimate in luxury accommodation.

“Beyond their ability to attract in the new market, other businesses in the sector, such as tour operators, will surely benefit from Octavia’s existence,” said Ntombela.

With September being Tourism and Heritage month, ethekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda outlined the summer season’s plans at Octavia on Friday.

The My City My Heritage, Durban Tourism campaign is aimed at promoting domestic tourism by encouraging locals to discover the hidden gems of their own city.

Inanda is 30km from the Durban CBD.