At the end of March, IFA Hotels & Resorts further expanded its global reach by announcing its entry into the Namibian hospitality market through a joint venture agreement with the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) group of companies, the leading private sector group in Namibia. The JV also allowed IFA Hotels & Resorts to introduce its five star luxury hospitality partner Kempinski Hotels (Kempinski) to the country in an agreement that will see the international hotel brand operate all four of the joint venture hotel properties.

Werner said, "We are committed to increasing the global profile of projects being driven by IFA Hotels & Resorts Limited (South Africa) and Namibia is no exception. Drawing on our expertise and resources, we will tap into our global clientele to generate awareness and grow investor appeal for our Namibian interests. It is also through the strength of our existing partnerships that we were able to bring renowned luxury hotel operator Kempinski into the folds of our Namibian operations. We first began working with Kempinski Hotels on our project in Lebanon during 2005, and we are looking forward to yet another successful partnership with them here in Africa."

Established in 1923, O&L is Namibia's largest privately held group of companies outside of the mining sector with vested businesses that actively promote and support business growth in Namibia. The O&L group of companies has interests in food production, fishing, beverages, farming, retail trade, information technology, property development, leisure and hospitality, marine engineering and the service sector.

Ulrich Eckhardt, Kempinski's Senior Vice President Middle East & Africa said: "Namibia has traditionally attracted a strong contingent of German visitors, as well as tourists from other key European markets where Kempinski is already well established. It is for this reason, and with an eye on increasing international visitation through our own international portfolio, that Kempinski is ideally suited to join IFA Hotels & Resorts Limited and the Ohlthaver & List group of companies in operating their joint Namibian properties."

The hotels that will be re-developed as a result of the joint venture are currently branded and operated within the Namib Sun Portfolio. The initial properties falling under the joint venture include The Strand Hotel,  King's Den Lodge,  Mokuti Lodge and a fourth hotel to be developed in the country's capital Windhoek. IFA Hotels & Resorts Limited will also assess the potential for residential and retail opportunities surrounding these properties, with a view to integrating them to the adjoining hotel properties.

The Strand Hotel in Swakopmund is a medium-sized hotel with beach and garden views located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The King's Den Lodge is on the banks of the Chobe River on the north eastern Caprivi strip, with access from Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The King's Den Lodge is uniquely appointed with panoramic views of the Chobe River and each chalet is custom built. The Mokuti Lodge, situated on the gateway of the world renowned Etosha Park, is famous for its spectacular game viewing, superb conference facilitates and luxurious private chalets with all amenities.

According to Werner, "IFA Hotels & Resorts' overall aim is to provide an outstanding international network of resorts and real estate investment opportunities to our global customers. We see this investment into Namibia as the first step in expanding our presence in South Africa to the rest of the continent, while continuing our growth in Europe, Asia, the Indian Ocean region and the Middle East."