‘NEW LOOK’ SOUTHERN SUN KATHERINE STREET SANDTON TO OPEN ON AUGUST 1st 2007

Southern Sun will continue with the extensive re-branding and modernisation programme that commenced in 2005, with the ultimate aim of owning brands rather than investing in them. This momentum is continued through its multi-million rand refurbishing process when it re-opens the flagship ‘Holiday Inn Katherine Street’ as ‘The Southern Sun Katherine Street Sandton’ hotel, on August 1, 2007.

Following an investment of over R4 Million, the lobby, guest rooms and restaurant will welcome guests with a completely updated and modernised look. Based on a design concept of ‘Contemporary American Country’, the décor will encompass bright, lively colours, a theme that will be consistently applied throughout the group’s premier offering.

Southern Sun’s Managing Director, Helder Pereira, comments; “The Holiday Inn Katherine Street has always been one of our prime products in the Gauteng region, especially as it is so centrally located in relation to the Sandton CBD and services international and business clientele. It therefore followed logically that we would invest significantly in this re-branding and re-naming, plus the associated refurbishing, in line with international standards”.

The consistent quality and exceptional service standards that have singled the hotel out as a brand leader within the group will now be complimented by the Southern Sun hallmarks - ranging from a World of Welcome with the lobby serving as the heart of the hotel, high speed internet access in all public areas and rooms, Food as a Destination Experience pivotal to the overall service offering, banqueting, and most importantly the Room offered as a Haven, guaranteed.

The Southern Sun Katherine Street Sandton hotel will form part of the 4-star Premier category within the group’s new brand tier – designed around the philosophy of owning brands rather than managing them. Other categories include the Southern Sun deluxe portfolio, the new SunSquare Montecasino hotel positioned as a trendy, hip hotel for the upper tier of economy traveller, Garden Court hotels within the Economy segment, and StayEasy for the more value conscious traveller.