Chakwera and the First Lady being led on a tour of the facility.—Pictures by Roy Nkosi
* My government is committed to supporting such strategic investments, so we are going to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided for the betterment of our tourism sector
* This is an elegant project as it will promote the tourism sector to go forward and upon completion, many people will have access to jobs, and it will generate wealth for the nation
By Sheminah Nkhoma, MANA
President Lazarus Chakwera has described as elegant the 180-room Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls which is under construction on the grounds of the iconic Lilongwe Golf Club in the Capital City.
Advertisement
President toured the construction site today where he expressed satisfaction with the progress of construction, saying it will boost tourism once completed.
He said he was impressed that despite some challenges, the project, which started in 2022, is in its final stages of completion: “This is an elegant project as it will promote the tourism sector to go forward.
“With the completion of the hotel, many people will have access to jobs, and it will generate wealth for the nation,” said Chakwera, while pointing out that his administration will make sure that there is availability of forex so that the project is ready at the earliest possible time.
“My government is committed to supporting such strategic investments, so we are going to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided for the betterment of our tourism sector,” he said.
Chairperson of Blantyre Hotels Plc, Vizenge Kumwenda appreciated government for allowing local Malawians to be part and parcel of boosting the tourism industry, adding that the hotel will not only attract foreign tourists but also create employment opportunities and provide markets for small and medium enterprises in the country.
“Your presence here today is a strong and encouraging signal of your Government commitment to private sector-led development and the transformation of Malawi’s tourism and hospitality sector,” he said.
“This project represents a bold and strategic expansion of the Ryalls legacy — one that has served Malawi’s hospitality industry with excellence for over 100 years. Through this new venture, we are proud to be introducing a modern, internationally branded 4-star hotel, under the globally renowned Marriott International flag — right here in the capital city of Lilongwe.”
Kumwenda briefing the President and the First Lady
He highlighted key features of the project — that the hotel will comprise 180 luxury rooms, state-of-the-art conference facilities, wellness amenities, and fine dining experiences.
“It is uniquely located on the Lilongwe Golf Club, which is the country’s only 18-hole PGA-standard golf course,” he said. “This makes the hotel a regional destination for both business and leisure tourism.”
He added that the project is being implemented by Blantyre Hotels Limited as the primary sponsor in partnership with strategic investors which include ICON Properties Plc, and several pension funds — Public Service Pension Trust Fund, SUCOMA Group Pension Scheme, Associated Pensions Trust Limited and Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Limited Pension Scheme.
It is a US$56 million investment with 100% funds raised locally — US$12 million sourced from local banks such as NBS Bank and National Bank of Malawi, including the general public.
Other economic impacts is job and wealth creation as the project has over 2,500 jobs during construction, and at least 300 permanent jobs once operational with local artisans being engaged to produce various decorative pieces of art that will be placed in rooms and public areas in the hotel.
Advertisement
“There are also indirect jobs which will come with other activities on the value chain following the opening of the hotel which includes agricultural production,” Kumwenda further told the President. “Farmers will producing food to supply the hotel throughout the year as well as benefiting taxi operators and other supplies..
“We are proud to contribute to the national vision of making tourism a priority export sector, as outlined in the MW2063,” he said, adding the project had initially been projected to be completed by August 2025, but logistical constraints have revised the target to December 2025, with operations expected to commence in early 2026.
“Your Excellency, we are grateful for the government’s continued support through various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s); Ministries of Tourism and Local Government and the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
“This project is a vote of confidence in Malawi, and we are committed to ensuring that it delivers value not only to our shareholders, but to the nation at large.”
Progress then April last year
Maravi Express published a feature by Malawi News Agency (MANA) in April last year that the new hotel is being developed to 4-star grade to boast of 180 rooms and conferencing facilities with a capacity to hold up to 350 participants as well as a health & fitness complex that will incorporate a spa and gym facilities
At that time it was reported to be majestically taking shape on the 3.271 hectares of land on the courtyards of the historical Lilongwe Golf Club, promising the elegance that many a guest, world over, would be contented with.
To seal the mark of excellency, when completed, a globally known luxury hotel management company, Marriott International, will be operating the hotel under the banner, Protea Hotel by Marriott, according to BHL General Manager, Farrukh Maqbool.
He was quoted as saying: “Marriott International is a globally recognised hotel brand known for its high standards of service and quality. Operating under the Protea Hotel by Marriott brand, it will help the new hotel establish credibility and attract guests who are familiar with, and trust, the Marriott name.”
He described Protea Hotel by Marriott as one of the 31 brands offered by Marriott International, adding that the Marriott Loyalty programme, BONVOY, which has recently hit a membership of over 200 million globally, is an award winning loyalty programme where members enjoy exclusive rates, and unlimited travel possibilities.
He also believed that, as part of the Marriott International network, the hotel will benefit from a global distribution system, making it easier to reach potential guests around the world, and drive bookings.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Blantyre Ryalls
“Overall, operating under the Protea Hotel by Marriott brand is likely to bring significant value to the new hotel, helping it establish a strong presence in Lilongwe’s hospitality market and attract a loyal customer base,” Maqbool said.
The expansion to Lilongwe was influenced by market demand for a high-end international hotel in the city; the desire to fulfill the company’s strategic expansion plan to increase its footprint in key markets; and the urge to contribute to the economic growth and development of the city, among other factors.
The Lilongwe Golf Club site is another factor that makes the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls a giant to reckon with in the tourism industry and Blantyre Hotels chairperson Kumwenda — himself a golfer — told MANA in April that: “The site has a strong golfing legacy. The Lilongwe Golf Club is the only 18-hole PGA rated golf course in the country, with well-kept fairways and greens framed by century old trees.
“The hotel will transform the landscape of the city. The concept pulls the landscape into the building to connect the interior to the natural surroundings. The facilities of the hotel are centred around landscaped courtyards and create a peaceful environment for relaxation and leisure activities.”
Advertisement
Lilongwe City Council spokesperson, Tamara Chafunya was quoted as saying Council finds pride in the hotel project as “it will raise the bar” as it adds the golf course as its the theme facility to offer befitting accommodation and leisure for golfers in international tournaments that it normally hosts.
“Competition is good as it breeds improvement in not only quality of infrastructure, but also the services that are offered within the city,” she said. “Such high quality infrastructure has a potential to stimulate urban renewal process in the area and the city as a whole, as those with old, dilapidated or compromised infrastructure may feel left out in attracting patronage of similar standards that would prefer high quality infrastructure, coupled with good service, which we believe Marriott will bring — given their international track record.”
National Planning Commission (NPC) described the emerging infrastructure as a development in line with the MW2063 national vision under Pillar III, which is Urbanization, with tourism as a key focus area, according to NPC’s spokesperson, Thom Khanje.
“It also supports the realisation of the MW2063 Enabler 3 on Private Sector Dynamism since the project has been championed by the private sector, which is expected to lead the wealth creation agenda of the MW2063.”
Khanje further noted that the project will enhance the functionality of the Lilongwe Golf Club as one stop leisure resort within the city of Lilongwe, encompassing golf, food and beverages services, as well as lodging.—Additional content in April 2024 feature by Kondwani Magombo, MANA; edited by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
