PILGRIM’S REST – The two historical landmarks have been in the spotlight following speculations that the hotel could be closing.
A press release by Bosman Grobler, the DA MPL and spokesperson for finance and economic development, stated that the acting CEO of the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT), Sammy Makgoba, had said the Royal Hotel could be closing its doors.
The hotel has been operational for 127 years and provides employment for 55 people.
“While responding to the select committee on public accounts’ questions, Makgoba stated that the hotel had incurred a net loss of R770 702 and R3 140 956 for the financial year 2019/20,” the DA said in its statement.
Simphiwe Shungube of the MRTT dismissed the allegations that the hotel could be closing. Bongani Dhlamini, the department’s spokesperson, said, “The provincial government is discussing mechanisms of ensuring the sustainability of operations in the Royal Hotel. Its operation depends largely on foreign tourists which are not visiting our country as expected due to the pandemic. The hotel, like many other business, have been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.”
The park is one of the landmarks in Pilgrim’s Rest that is said to have played a role in the economy of the town; however, it is no longer in a condition to accommodate guests.
“The department is currently busy finalising the procurement of a potential service provider to utilise the caravan park. “
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The department did not share the details of how long the process would take or who the service provider would be.
