Redeveloped at a cost of R206-million by Tsogo Sun, with some 70% of the purchasing sourced through local suppliers, the project includes upgrades to both the complex’s business tourism facilities, with a redesigned and extended banqueting facility, as well as its leisure tourism offering, in the form of enhancements to the casino and entertainment facilities.

Says Marcel von Aulock, CEO of Tsogo Sun, “Emnotweni Casino has a special place in our hearts, being not only the first casino license to be awarded to Tsogo Sun but also the first casino to open under the new gaming dispensation in South Africa. The upgrade of the property, which has become a significant leisure and business tourist destination in Nelspruit over the last 16 years, forms part of our strategy of focusing on organic growth within the group.”

Emnotweni now boasts a considerably larger and aesthetically enhanced casino floor, including a substantial new Privé, and a smoking and non-smoking casino. As part of the upgrade, the number of slot machines has increased to 425 and tables to 18. The new casino also features glass windows offering breath-taking, panoramic views over a bustling Nelspruit by day, and its vibrant lights by night. “The redeveloped Emnotweni Casino must rate as one of the most beautiful designs achieved in recent years. A key feature is the introduction of natural light and panoramic views as part of the gaming experience,” comments Von Aulock.

A design element of the refurbishment that is certain to become a talking point for the property is the addition of vertical gardens lining the mosaic-tiled passage to the casino and function areas, bringing the lush vegetation of the Lowveld region indoors.

Of great significance to business tourism to the region is the upgrade of the expansive new multi-purpose venue, The Arena, which is set to become the preferred venue for lifestyle events, exhibitions, conferences, concerts and banquets in the city. With state-of-the-art equipment and catering facilities, and over 700 square metres of floor space, the venue is multi-purpose in nature and can cater for many types of events, accommodating up to 800 guests for cocktail functions.

Flanking the new multipurpose venue is an upscale bar and restaurant featuring a beautiful open terrace overlooking the Lowveld Botanical Garden and the Southern Sun Emnotweni Hotel. Other enhancements that have been designed to create a seamless experience for guests are the addition of three parking levels, improved public amenities, a refreshed centre court and upgraded walkway to the Riverside Mall.

Tourism remains one of the most crucial sectors towards economic growth and job creation, with statistics indicating that one out of 11 people who wakes up every morning is employed in the sector. As such, tourism was one of the key sectors which the Mpumalanga Province identified in the Mpumalanga Economic Growth and Development Path (the MEGDP), as having the potential to create the much needed job opportunities. According to an address by the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, YN Pinky Phosa, MPL during the launch of the 2013 tourism month at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens in September 2012, tourism can reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality, which are the triple challenges facing the Mpumalanga Administration.

Comments Von Aulock, “We believe that Emnotweni has a role to play in boosting the local economy and tourism industry and we hope that these new facilities will benefit the region significantly.”

The newly launched facilities are the first of a two-phase project that will also see the destination’s Explorers Restaurant being refurbished and the front entrance of the building being revamped by April 2014.

Says Ig Olivier, director of Operations and Complex general manager at Emnotweni Complex, “The result of the first phase of our refurbishment project is a more extensive, aesthetically pleasing complex which offers an exceptional choice of cosmopolitan experiences. Our complex, outlets and facilities rival any that can be found anywhere in the world and are testament to Nelspruit’s emergence as one of South Africa’s most dynamic and diverse cities.”

As a fitting tribute to the multi-purpose nature of the new Arena venue, Emnotweni Casino will celebrate the launch of its newly transformed complex with a special concert featuring South African diva Lira over two nights, with the first night being a closed event for invited guests. A capacity crowd is expected in the Arena on the second night, heralding a bright future for entertainment in the Lowveld region with the addition of this flexible new venue.

Entertainment-seekers and tourists have much to look forward to, as a diverse schedule of high calibre entertainers is already being lined up to perform at The Arena in the coming months, including Theuns Jordaan and comedians Joey Rasdien, Barry Hilton and John Vlismas, to name a few.

“We will be bringing a variety of well-known artists and entertainers to Nelspruit to perform on our stage. The Arena is set to become a platform for showcasing South Africa’s prime talent in Nelspruit,” comments Olivier.

“With a stunning, contemporary casino floor, a vibrant selection of dining and entertainment options, quality hotels on our doorstep, and a world class events venue, Emnotweni’s position as the premier entertainment and leisure destination in Mpumalanga has been strengthened,” concludes Olivier.

Tsogo Sun supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Winners know when to stop. Only persons over 18 are permitted to gamble. The National Problem Gambling Counselling Toll Free Helpline is 0800 006 008.