Binod Chaudhary run CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, the first multi-billion-dollar conglomerate from Nepal, has announced the acquisition of 2 iconic Fairmont properties in Kenya namely, Fairmont Mara Safari Club & Fairmont The Norfolk.
The recent HVS (HVS Global Hospitality services) Indian Hospitality Industry Overview 2019 Report, ranked ‘Concept Hospitality’ (a member of CG Hotels & Resorts) first in property openings and fourth in terms of keys in India. Strategically perusing its global expansion plans, the 2 Fairmont properties being acquired in Africa are popular destinations of choice, amongst travellers.
Through the acquisition, CG Hospitality is becoming a part of a rich historical legacy that the Fairmont ‘The Norfolk’ hotel celebrates. From being the first luxury hotel in Kenya to being a shelter to men and women during World War II, the property has seen and been a part of momentous world events. It was also one of the stops on Theodore Roosevelt’s “Africa Safari and scientific Expedition” in 1909-10, a hunting trip still considered the most lavish in Kenya history. It served as a gathering place for legendary figures throughout the 1900s, some of them being- Karen Blixen, author of “Out of Africa” and the Adamsons, immortalized in the movie ‘Born Free’.
Rahul Chaudhary, MD & CEO, CG Hospitality Holdings & CG Corp Global, expressed his pride in leading the company closer to its expansion plans. He said, “The acquisition of these two Fairmont Assets in Kenya namely Fairmont ‘Mara Safari Club’ & Fairmont ‘The Norfolk’ marks our re-entry into East-Africa. We are proud of our local partnership in this acquisition through our holding Company CG Madison (Kenya) Limited. With the Fairmont ‘The Norfolk’, we are really buying a piece of history which is priceless! This acquisition plays a very important role in our global vision to reach 200 properties by 2025. In this regard, we have mapped out a 5-country growth strategy in Africa, which we will henceforth pursue.”
CG Hospitality’s journey began in 2001, when Nepal’s only Billionaire Binod Chaudhary invested in Taj Samudra, Sri Lanka along with two other iconic Taj properties in the Maldives. Continuing his father’s entrepreneurial legacy, Rahul Chaudhary joined the already successful CG Corp Global in 2006 as Managing Director and has been spearheading the new hospitality properties in key destinations around the world.
Known for its impressive and storied history, The Norfolk Hotel boasts of 27 luxurious suites and 143 rooms set around tranquil tropical gardens. The signature suites are an excellent choice for guests seeking to experience luxury intertwined with the rich history of the city.
While the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, located in the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve, is home to the great wildebeest migration. The Club, set on the foot of Aitong Hills offers 51 luxuriously furnished tents, overlooking the hippo filled Mara River.
Both the assets are currently undergoing improvements to bring back the legacy and glory.
In India, under the Fern, Zinc and Beacon brands with 3700 keys, CG Hotels & Resorts have established themselves as one of the most diversified and environmentally sensitive hospitality management groups in the country.
Globally, CG Hospitality Holdings has a proud history of successful joint ventures and investments with renowned partners and brands such as Taj, Vivanta, Taj Safaris, Jetwing, The Farm, Radisson to name a few. They operate hotels, resorts and spas across Asia, Middle East, America and Africa. CG Hospitality also owns the global management company, CG Hotels and Resorts, which manages and owns a range of mid-scale to luxury hotels through its own brands namely “The Zinc” as well as “The Fern”, through JV Company’s Concept Hospitality.
The portfolio consists of some of the most iconic properties and destinations of the world — including Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, Jetwing Vil Uyana – Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, The Farm at San Benito, Philippines, Meghauli Serai (A Taj Safaris Lodge) – Chitwan, Nepal, Taj Samudra – Colombo, Sri Lanka, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers – Dubai and now Fairmont The Norfolk – Nairobi, Kenya, Fairmont Mara Club – Masai Mara, Kenya amongst others.
