Times Of Swaziland: KING’S CUP SHAKES UP HOTEL INDUSTRY

KING’S CUP SHAKES UP HOTEL INDUSTRY
================================================================================
BY NOSIPHO SHONGWE on 13/07/2015 04:44:00


MANZINI – Accommodation in major hotels within Ezulwini has been sold out as
the King’s Super Cup draws a number of visitors to the country.
If you are hoping to secure accommodation within the large hotel establishments
within the Ezulwini valley, do not bother as most of the establishments already
boast full houses for the week leading up to and the weekend of the King’s
Super Cup to be held next Saturday.
This despite major outcry from social media users who felt that the ticket,
selling for E250, was priced too steep for the one day tournament featuring
major South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Football
Clubs.
The two teams will be battling Mbabane Swallows FC and Royal leopards FC on the
day.
The day’s festivities are expected to begin at 7am and end at 7pm.
According to reports from our sister publication, Swazi News, over 5 000 tickets
were sold on the first day of ticket sales at local Shoprite Stores in Mbabane
and Manzini, collectively.
Most of the hotels contacted reported full houses for the next weekend and while
some attributed this surge in business to the coming soccer extravaganza, other
establishments said that they had been booked by companies and holiday seekers
months in advance.
Happy Valley:
Nonhlanhla said the hotel, which boasts of 65 rooms, was filled to capacity over
the weekend of the 18th. She said most of their rooms were booked for Saturday
and they had received a major boost from the King’s Super Cup as this had
caused the rush for rooms.
Sibane Hotel:
Vusi Masuku revealed that about 21 of their available rooms had been booked by
South African visitors over the weekend of  July 18-19. He mentioned that the
establishment that has 30 rooms for guests also had other clients who were
already booked in some of the rooms. “We welcome the business,’ he said.
The Royal Villas:
Nonhlanhla Matsebula, when called, revealed that the hotel was fully booked for
the coming weekend. She mentioned, however, that some of their accommodation
bookings were long term. “Most of those who made bookings for the weekend
mentioned that they were coming over for the King’s Super cup,’ she said.
Bethel Courts:
The establishment revealed that they had about 20 rooms available for visitors
who want accommodation over the weekend.
Royal Swazi Spa:
This hotel is fully booked. According to Thembi Mbingo, each of their 149 rooms
was booked and most of their visitors were expected to take occupancy of their
rooms on Thursday. She confirmed that the bookings were mostly for those coming
from outside the country for the King’s Super Cup.
Lugogo Sun:
Has 65 rooms available although it was mentioned that this could change
overnight as bookings were coming thick and fast.
The George Hotel:
Is also fully booked.  Derrick, who was found at the front desk, said  most of
their bookings had been done in advance and he was not sure if their guests were
coming to  the country for the football bonanza next Saturday.
Summerfield:
When called, the establishment revealed that only about five rooms were
available for guests as most were already booked for the coming weekend.