Sandton business district extends development
SANDTON - Empire Executive Apartments and Hotels is the first hotel to be built in Sandton in four years.
There has been an increased demand for central office space in the financial hub of Sandton, which has created opportunity for hotel groups to develop accommodation for national and international business people.
The group has developed five executive apartments and hotels within a 5km radius of the Gautrain station in Sandton, all of which fill the gap in the market for luxury accommodation at affordable pricing for the business traveller.
Ryan Wintle of Construct Capital, a finance and development company said, “Sandton is seeing dramatic growth in commercial space or with new premises currently under construction.”
Wintle was aware that the new development would put significant pressure on the traffic within the Sandton business district, but assured motorists that a new parking lot was being developed for 4 000 additional vehicles entering the node on a daily basis. Recent reports have shown a massive increase in blue chip companies basing themselves in Sandton, due to its close proximity to the Gautrain station and amenities situated within easy walking distance, thereby making commuting easier and far more cost-effective. With the growing interest rate and the current sketchy economic landscape, many companies are being forced to find ways to keep their overheads and travel costs down.
According to the managing director of Executive Apartments and Hotels, Marc Wachsberger executive apartments are proving to be an affordable alternative for business travellers, locally and internationally.
“Companies have increasingly turned to this option, often preferred for convenience, privacy and comfort, over footing pricey hotel bills,” he added.
Phelisa Manguc, acting CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, commented on the growing popularity of business tourism, particularly for conferencing and events in Johannesburg.
“We need to position Johannesburg as a tourist destination of choice for business as well as leisure tourism. Johannesburg should become the number one city in terms of hosting business events,” she concluded.
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