Research
Developing Kruger Shalati The Train on the Bridge A Unique Modular Hotel Construction Case Study in Kruger National Park
This is a case study on the development of the Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge, a themed, luxury boutique hotel in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Two key drivers of this project were authenticity and a strong ethos for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Considering the target market the hotel serves and the local situation, this case study explains why modular construction was better to build parts of the property, instead of using traditional in situ construction methods. It further explains how the hotel was built, and the challenges that had to be addressed to complete the project. Finally, it examines how the use of modular construction methods and the uniqueness of the project impacted the normal hotel pre-opening activities and ongoing hotel operations. This case study has been prepared after reviewing published materials about the project and extensively interviewing five senior members of the project team.
Optimizing Returns: A Holistic Financial Model for Off-Grid Glamping Ventures
Glamping is becoming increasingly popular and may yield better financial returns than traditional hotel developments in some situations, especially in unspoiled locations which are inaccessible for traditional hotel/resort construction because it disturbs the site too much. This paper presents a detailed financial model for analysing the performance of glamping properties to inform decision-making about investing in them. It focuses particularly on properties that are “off the beaten track†for singles, couples, small families and others who want to “unwind†and “commune with nature†in relatively isolated off-grid locations, such as nature reserves, vineyard/wineries, golf resorts or wellness and spa hideaways. In the authors’ view, glamping is particularly well suited to this kind of hotel. In the normal way, the financial model summarizes the development of these properties in detail and itemizes the specific capital investments needed to establish an off-grid glamping property, in contrast to a similar traditional grid-connected hotel.
