The Fairmont Zimbali Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal was effectively placed under administration on Wednesday, September 16.
The property went into a voluntary business rescue ‘to safeguard the interests of all its stakeholders’ in response to the ‘unprecedented circumstances resulting from Covid-19 and the prolonged SA government-imposed State of Disaster measures,’ according to MoneyWeb.
The hotel was well-known for its luxury and opulence.
‘The losses that will be incurred in a gradual return to normality with ongoing uncertainty and the possible threat of further restrictions is just not commercially viable. We’ve been left with no alternative but to apply for business rescue,’ said Wayne Krambeck, the hotel’s general manager.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on September 16 that South Africa will move to lockdown Level 1 from September 21, and international travel will resume from October 1.
Many are optimistic that this will be a welcome boost to the struggling tourism sector, although certain countries will be excluded from visiting the country for leisure travel. The list of countries have not been announced yet.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has urged tour operators and accommodation to make their packages more accessible and affordable to locals and encouraged South Africans to in turn to support the industry and explore our own beautiful country.
Picture: Twitter/thevibeza
