Ethiopia: Haile Gebreselassie launches new resort hotel in Arba Minch
Targets to open 20 more in five years
Athlete turned businessman, Haile Gebreselassie has launched his 350 million birr Haile-Arba Minch, a new resort hotel that operates under the Haile Hotels and Resorts chain, this week.
During a press conference held on Thursday, the Haile-Arba Minch team has announced that it is entering the hospitality business having finalizing the construction of the resort facility in just 24 months. According to Haile and his hospitality group director, Melkamu Mekonnen, the 110-room hotel is equipped with modern spa, gymnasium, swimming pool, children playgrounds, mini football filed, and food and beverages among other services. The hotel comprises four multipurpose halls together with four food and beverage outlets.
The four-star establishment stretches on a 4200 sq.m. of land in a city that neighbors the Konso community which is recognized by UNESCO for its mosaic culture and landscapes. In addition to the resort, Haile vows to launch more projects in Arba Minch including the launching of Haile Hospitality College together with fully furnished villas and apartments. He intends to start Great-Run events in Arba Minch as well as introducing an agro-tourism business which features tours to banana farms and the likes.
Immersed deep into the hospitality business, Haile has launched a five-star hotel project in Addis Ababa and a four-star hotel in Adama, in Oromia Regional State. According to Haile, some 20 more hotels will be launched within the coming five years and targets to go beyond Ethiopia.
The long-distance legend currently runs a range of businesses in the area of automotive, import/export and agro-business. He is shy and abruptly ignores questions when asked about the size of his investment in the country. But proudly says he has been able to create thousands of jobs across his chain of businesses.
Source: The Reporter
This video is from March 2018 when the resort was in its final stage of construction.
Just got back from Ethiopia. Definitely a lovely country with a rich tradition, history, and culture. I myself am a runner, and look up to Haile Gebreselassie very much. It would have been great to have been able to stay at his hotel! Oh well, the next time I get to visit I will certainly be spending a night there. Anyways, for the those who care, I reserved my trip through this website Stride Travel and highly recommend it.