HMH expands presence in Sudan

HMH (Hospitality Management Holdings) have announced its plans to consolidating its presence in Sudan with two new hotels due to open this year.

Laurent A Voivenel, CEO, HMH, said: “Sudan is part of our ‘Go Africa’ strategy. With three hotels in operation and two under development we are strongly positioned in Sudan. We have got a strong portfolio of brands and are in intensive discussions with Sudanese Kuwaiti Hotels Company to consolidate and build on our strategic cooperation”.

HMH has deepened its presence in North Sudan since it took over the management of Coral Khartoum Hotel in 2009. The group has quite rapidly expanded its footprint in the country with five hotels in a relatively short span of time. Opening this year will be EWA Port Sudan Hotel & Apartments and EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments.

HMH has introduced several new initiatives this year including the brand revitalization of Coral Hotels & Resorts and extensive technology upgrade.

Dr Abo Bakr Mohammed Abo Bakr, general manager, Sudanese Kuwaiti Hotels Company, said: “Sudan has tremendous potential to be developed as a tourism destination but there is a lot of catching up to do. Once known as the bread basket of the Arab world, Sudan is the third largest yet one of the least visited countries in Africa despite rich history, diverse culture and incredible scenic beauty. The travel and tourism infrastructure in Sudan needs to be developed. There is a shortage of hotels, particularly outside the capital Khartoum, with many key tourist attractions completely lacking suitable accommodation.”

The government of Sudan has pledged US$1 billion a year to boost the country’s tourism industry. Air transportation in Sudan has grown tremendously over recent years. According to a report issued by Ministry of Tourism and Wild Life 591,350 tourists visited Sudan in 2013 spending US$735,501 million.