Leopard Rock Hotel update

RNS Number : 4790K

LonZim PLC

20 April 2010

 



20 April 2010

LONZIM PLC

('LonZim' or 'the Company')

Leopard Rock Hotel update

LonZim's iconic Leopard Rock Hotel benefits from new management, new chef and refurbishment

LonZim Plc, ( AIM : LZM ) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new General Manager and a new Executive Chef  at the company's iconic Leopard Rock Hotel located in the scenic Vumba Hills in Zimbabwe.

The new General Manager, Richard Johnston,  has  an impressive  career of 39 years in the industry, 23 of which as a General Manager,  managing  some of South Africa's most respected properties including  the Cape Grace, The V&A Hotel, The Vineyard Hotel and The Saxon.  Whilst he was at The Cape Grace, the hotel was awarded Conde Nast's "Best Hotel in The World " and whilst managing The Saxon, the hotel was awarded "Best Boutique Hotel in The World " (World Travel Awards, London). Richard is setting the standards for the Leopard Rock to re-establish it as one of Africa's leading hotel properties.

The new Executive Chef, Greg Gautier, was recruited from the highly respected Kurland Hotel in Plettenberg Bay where he had introduced a contemporary British style of cooking from The Wolseley in London. His cooking complements the traditional Zimbabwean cuisine of Charles Muchena an established and highly regarded chef at the Leopard Rock. Focusing  on fresh quality produce, the hotel has developed new herb and vegetable gardens to support and enhance the restaurant operations.

Refurbishment work at the hotel is being undertaken to bring the benchmark hotel back to its former glory and  comprises total repainting of the buildings, interior and exterior, entire refurbishment of all hotel rooms, new soft-furnishings throughout, including new carpets and curtains in public areas and accommodations, and a general upgrade of corridors and public areas. New state-of-the-art entertainment, IT and communications systems are being installed throughout the hotel, and the bar, lounges and restaurants are being entirely refurbished and upgraded. Complementing the renovations the hotel is planning to develop a world class Spa.

Staff quarters, laundry and kitchen have been re-equipped to the highest standards.  A new international standard staff training program has been implemented to ensure the best levels of quality service.

Room occupancies during January and February were very encouraging with both months increasing by 34% and 12% year on year respectively with an average room rate that has grown substantially and all areas of the hotel operations reporting increased revenues. 

The landmark Championship golf course at the Leopard Rock, hailed as one of the "Finest Golf Resorts" in the world by the PGA of Europe, continues to be maintained at the best of standards.  The hotel's  on-site Golf Pro, Mr. Byran Rochr, is currently playing in the renowned Zimbabwe Open Golf Tournament, which has been re-launched after a break of 10 years.

David Lenigas, Chairman of LonZim commented:

The Leopard Rock is situated in one of the most beautiful natural locations in Africa. It was historically an iconic symbol of the Zimbabwean tourist industry attracting visitors from around the world to Zimbabwe. The Government has highlighted tourism as a leading economic driver in rebuilding Zimbabwe's economy. We are delighted that the Leopard Rock is making such good progress in returning to its original quality as one of the foremost hotels in Africa.

For further information, please contact:

LonZim Plc
David Lenigas	Executive Chairman	[phone]
Geoffrey White	Chief Executive Officer	[phone]
Emma Priestley	Executive Director	[phone]
WH Ireland Ltd: Nomad and Broker
James Joyce		[phone]
Pelham Bell Pottinger
Charles Vivian		[phone]
		[phone]
James MacFarlane		[phone]
		[phone]

 

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