Sun International Chief Upbeat on SA Tourism Growth and V&A Waterfront Investments

Sun International chief executive Ulrik Bengtsson sees tourism growth potential in South Africa's improved fiscal performance. 

Speaking to Cape Chamber last week at the relaunched Intercontinental Table Bay Cape Town hotel, Bengtsson also highlighted other business environment gains, such as South Africa's removal from the 'grey list'  

"Inflation has come down, the currency has stabilised -- there's maybe not as much growth as everybody wants but there is a little bit of growth," Bengtsson said. "Things are actually looking better if you take a step back and look at it from a macro perspective, compared to a year and a half ago. That bodes well for us." 

"We are incredibly dependent on tourism growth and economic growth more broadly, not only in the Western Cape but in the whole country." 

Bengtsson, appointed a year ago, was among several high-profile guests at last week's Table Bay Hotel relaunch, which will still be operated by Sun International but under the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHB) brand.  As a diversified gaming, hospitality and entertainment group, Sun International's local business portfolio also includes GrandWest hotel & casino – and soon-to-be shopping mall – and the Sun City resort. They also own online betting business SunBet.

Bengtsson is also optimistic about the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront's new superyacht marina, currently under construction. He believes the facility will improve Cape Town's overall service offering and client experience: “I am a believer and optimist in the evolution and progress and investments in product experience.”

Bengtsson was previously President and CEO of Swedish-listed online gaming group Betsson AB, and also has leadership experience across broadcasting and telecoms where he has successfully scaled omnichannel businesses.  He oversees all Sun International’s operations.