With world demand for energy on an ever-increasing curve upwards, it is becoming more apparent that the well-intentioned 1991 Madrid Protocol, which deals specifically with the protection and non-exploitation of minerals on the continent, could conceivably fall by the wayside. The way things stand currently, the Madrid Protocol entered into force in 1998, the moratorium on mineral exploitation is for fifty years, that’s only up in 2048. With the large scale escalation in energy usage year on year, the planet could well exhaust its oil reserves way before 2048.
Where does South Africa and the Rezidor Group fall into this equation?
The Western Cape’s Saldanha Bay is the only deep water bay within reasonable proximity of the continent of Antarctica. Together with existing large scale facilities for the manufacturing and production of steel and products for the oil exploration industry.
With some fifty countries sharing the Antarctic pie, the need for hotel accommodation within the proximity of Saldanha Bay could potentially be astronomical.
With the Radisson Blu in Blaauwberg due for imminent completion, the Rezidor Group are moving closer and closer to the hub of this new black gold rush.
Over-looking the majestic Table Mountain and the historical Robben Island and a mere 40 minute drive from Saldanha, the new beachfront hotel offers luxurious accommodation, conference facilities and a spa. With an occupancy rate of some 75% worldwide in their 81,500 rooms, The Rezidor Groups Radisson Hotels are sure to be springing up all around the African continent.
It appears that setting their sights on Africa and more specifically South Africa can only be a positive step for our nation.
