Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, has been selected to anchor hybrid hotel and accommodation developer The Capital Hotel Group’s entry into the region, thereby addressing an underserviced market and positioning the developer for projected tourism and business travel growth.

The new hotel was identified as a strategic growth node by The Capital Hotel Group and is scheduled to open in April 2026. The hotel aims to meet demand from domestic leisure travellers and regional corporate clients.

Situated in the Boardwalk Precinct, the hotel will be situated adjacent to the existing casino, entertainment and leisure facilities.

“This positioning embeds the hotel within a well-established destination hub, creating strong synergies between The Capital Hotel Group’s hospitality offering and the broader precinct experience,” says The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts CEO Marc Wachsberger.

The Boardwalk Precinct development will introduce 145 units comprising standard rooms; studio apartments; one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments; and more.

This range ensures that guests can choose between premium hotel-style rooms, flexible studio living and luxury long-stay options.

“Unlike standalone hotels, this development will feature a fully integrated serviced-living concept that combines luxury accommodations and long-term apartments while being part of a larger destination ecosystem,” adds Wachsberger.

Key aspects of the development include a signature restaurant that will offer “coastal-inspired cuisine”, a pool deck integrated with the Boardwalk Mall and contemporary conference facilities.

Expected benefits of the development include establishing Gqeberha as a competitive destination for business and leisure visitors, driving year-round demand for travel to the city, and fostering job creation and investment within the Eastern Cape.

As a flagship project, the Boardwalk Precinct-based hotel will expand The Capital Hotel Group’s presence nationally and enhance its foothold in a key growth market.

Hotel Trifecta

The Capital Hotel Group has identified Pretoria, in Gauteng, Umhlanga, in KwaZulu-Natal and Gqeberha as strategic growth hubs based on the rising demand for flexible, apartment-style hospitality.

“The Capital Trilogy project, in Pretoria, continues to attract strong corporate and government clientele, making it an ideal location for expansion,” says Wachsberger.

In Umhlanga, The Capital Pearls expansion will enable the company to strengthen its coastal presence in one of South Africa’s fastest-growing leisure and business destinations.

“These initiatives are aligned with our strategy to diversify into metropolitan and coastal markets, further establishing The Capital Hotel Group as a leader in the serviced-apartment sector.”

Wachsberger says the initiatives also reflect current market trends, including growth in domestic tourism, hybrid working and living models, as well as increased demand for value-oriented luxury accommodations.

He suggests that, over the next five years, the company expects these developments to generate sustained revenue growth, expand its reach and significantly benefit local economies.

The Gqeberha project is projected to create numerous direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operational phases while boosting tourism in the Eastern Cape.

“Overall, these projects will strengthen The Capital Hotel Group’s market share and reinforce our position as South Africa’s premier serviced-apartment and lifestyle hotel brand” concludes Wachsberger.