by Capitol, from Crown Media Addis AAbaba
A local real estate developer is putting in USD 150 million to partner with Thailand’s Dusit Thani to build Ethiopia’s biggest resort. Located in Legadadi, Oromia region, 23km from Addis Ababa, the resort will take up 400,000sqm and take four years to complete. Construction will begin in October of 2017.Unlike most resorts this one will not be a lakeside property. Although it will be on land it will feature an artificial lake and 30 swimming pools. It also will have a presidential suite, 380 rooms, an executive floor and multiple food and beverage outlets, including; a restaurant serving international cuisine; a specialty café and a fashionable rooftop cocktail bar.
It will also feature a spa and fitness centre, wellness center and conference room which can accommodate 1,000 people and eight meeting centers. The mega resort dubbed Dusit Thani Wellness and Conference Destination Resort is expected to create over 1,000 jobs especially for local people.
The architect is from South Africa and the interior design is being done by an Italian company. Their parking lot can accommodate 500 cars. It will also have a golf course in the second phase of the project.
The project is expected to be financed by international banks. Construction companies from Ethiopia, China and Italy have submitted proposals to construct the resort.

Kumneger Teketel, Managing Director and Consultant of Ozzie Business and Hospitality Management Group who has been taking part in the negotiations, told Capital that the final decision will be made soon.

“It is a great project for not only for the owners but also for the country, as everybody knows we don’t have big resorts compared with Kenya and South Africa. This resort will put us on the same level as them because we will be able to entertain people who want vast service. We expect the company from Thailand to manage the resort for 15 to 20 years,” he said. He added that the company would be revealed when the final agreement is made.

The Dusit Thani Group of companies, also known as Dusit International is a Thai multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Founded by Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui in 1948, the company is now led by her son Chanin Donavanik.

As of 2016, Dusit International has 29 properties located in Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States, China, Maldives, Philippines, India, Egypt and Kenya. Its brands include Dusit Thani Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Princess Hotels and Resorts, Dusit D2 Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Residence Serviced Apartments and Devarana Hotels and Resorts.

In Ethiopia construction of new resorts is increasing, Hilton Hawassa Resort and Spa, for example, is expected to begin construction in 2020. It will be built on a 30,000sqm piece of land. It is estimated to cost USD 42 million and will constitute 169 guest rooms.