Pretoria - Travellers who use the Blue Train can look forward to enjoying a five-star luxury hotel experience on wheels the next time they take a trip.
Transnet acting chief executive Siyabonga Gama announced on Tuesday that Sun International had been brought on board to take care of the hospitality for travellers.
During a media conference at the Blue Train lounge in Pretoria, Gama announced the deal between the state-owned freight and logistics company, and Sun International South Africa, represented by its boss, Graeme Stephens. Both parties hailed the deal as ground-breaking and a novel tourism experience likely to place South African tourism on the global map.
While on board, travellers will have one night’s accommodation on the five-star hotel, brunch, dinner and breakfast.
Travelling by train was sold as an alternative mode of transport from taking an airline flight from Pretoria to Cape Town.
Using a train would provide guests with an ever-changing view of 1 600km of South Africa’s stunning scenery, according to the two partners.
There is on-board entertainment and conference facilities. A club car lounge, the only smoking area on the train, is situated at the front of the train. It will be a popular lounge after dinner, where Cognacs and hand-made cigars will be served.
Stephens said the deal would offer Sun International an opportunity to remain relevant.
The partnership would see both entities developing a marketing strategy for the Blue Train for an initial period of up to 18 months, said Gama. “To adapt to growing competition, Transnet decided to reposition the five-star luxury hotel on wheels at the centre of the global tourism market,” he said.
The partnership would allow an impact on the marketability of South Africa’s tourism globally, he said.
The partnership, he added, could extend beyond tourism into hospitality, entertainment and skills development in the industry.
Gama said Transnet decided to go with Sun International after a bidding process in which it considered proposals from leading hotel and tourism operators.
The Blue Train operates two train sets – the first made up of 14 coaches that can accommodate 52 guests.
The other measures 399m and has 19 coaches. It can accommodate a maximum of 80 guests.
Pretoria News