Serena Hotels receives ecotourism award and other news

Any Institutional activities in the world
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Serena celebrates Christmas with disadvantaged children

Serena Hotels, through the ‘Light Up a Life’ initiative, hosted close to 150 disadvantaged kids to Christmas celebrations.

Serena Kigali celebrated with children from Hagari Rwanda, a Kabeza-Kicukiro-based, ministry taking care of children of former female sex workers. And, Lake Kivu Serena, with children living with disabilities, under the Ubumwe community Centre.

The Children shared meals with hotel staff in addition to games, dancing and a wide range of gifts that included music instruments and sports equipment.

Anne Kirungi, the Kigali Serena Hotel Human Resources Manager, told The New Times that the initiative acknowledges the efforts of those who take care of disadvantaged children.
“Many people spend a lot of money on decorating their homes with Christmas trees, but, instead of doing the same to mark the festive season, we prefer to share these moments with vulnerable families, giving them a sense of pride and belonging,” Kirungi told The New Times.

The funds used to buy children’s gifts were donated by the hotel staff and management as well as some of their customers.

Hope Rutagengwa, the co-founder of Hagari Rwanda Ministry called the celebration an incredible honour.

“We work hard all along to see these kids live a happy life. But to have an institution like Serena join us like this to celebrate Christmas with children to keep them smiling, we find it a good and right move. I am so grateful for this,” Rutagenwa said.

Zacharie Dusingizimana who founded the Center that caters for the kids said it was a special day for the organisation.

“It is the first Christmas celebration we have had for our children. Many of them didn’t know how to celebrate it They only hear about it. I would like to thank the Serena team who thought of celebrating with the Center’s children,” said.

‘Light Up a Life’ is one of Serena’s area of corporate social responsibility. This is in addition to environmental protection and supporting vulnerable families.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/artic ... 23/206496/
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Serena Hotels celebrate 4 years of triumph at World Travel Awards

Aziz Boolani CEO South & Central Asia received appreciation at the World Travel Awards where Islamabad Serena Hotel was awarded Pakistan’s leading hotel 2017 and Pakistan’s leading hotel suite 2017 for the Presidential Suite at Islamabad Serena Hotel, the Kabul Serena Hotel was awarded Afghanistan’s Leading Hotel and Dushanbe Serena Hotel received the award for Tajikistan’s Leading Hotel for the fourth year running at the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2017, held at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai in China.

The World Travel Awards™ is voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, and this accolade recognises the commitment to excellence which organisations demonstrate in each preceding year.

The World Travel Awards™ is the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programme in the global travel and tourism industry. The awards this year were presented before an invited audience of the industry’s leading luminaries and international media.

Tourism Promotion Services – Pakistan (TPS), a subsidiary company of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), owns and manages eight hotels across Pakistan of which Islamabad Serena Hotel is the flagship property. AKFED seeks to develop tourism potential in selected areas in the developing world, by building, rehabilitating and managing hotels and lodges that contribute to economic growth and positively impact the overall investment climate in an environmental and culturally sensitive manner.

http://pakobserver.net/serena-hotels-ce ... el-awards/
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Gilgit Serena Hotel Celebrates World Tourism Day 2017: Sustainable Tourism – A Tool for Development

This year, the theme is to advocate the potential of sustainable tourism as a tool for development. To commemorate the day, Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s Gilgit Serena Hotel organized a training session for students from various educational institutes, to train the values of contributing in responsible Tourism and how to protect the environment, land and culture.

Gilgit Serena Hotel Celebrates World Tourism Day 2017: Sustainable Tourism – A Tool for Development“Serena Green Team” cleaned surroundings of Jutial and Gilgit City Park, raised awareness of the importance of cleanliness by talking to the people and informing them about the health hazards posed by garbage dumps and open drains. Cloth bags were distributed to the shoppers in bazars, especially fruit and vegetable shops, providing awareness, that they should not be taking groceries in plastic bags.

https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... velopment/
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Kampala Serena Hotel wins 2017 Uganda Best Hotel Award.

Kampala Serena hotel was awarded Uganda’s leading hotel in the 2017 Annual World Travel Awards Africa. The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, in Kigali-Rwanda yesterday 10th October, 2017.

World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry and these are organized annually.

Uganda got more four awards in the categories of Uganda’s leading Safari Lodge- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorrila Lodge, uganda’s Leading Tented Safari Camp- Sanctuary Gorrila Forest Camp, Uhanda’s leading Hotel suite- Presidential Suite @ Lake Victoria Serena Resort and Uganda’s Leading Car Rental Company- Roadtrip Uganda.

However, Uganda did not get any award at the continental level in comparison to her other East African Counterparts like Kenya and Tanzania who got so many other awards. In East Africa, Kenya got the highest number of over 12 awards among which are; Africa’s Leading Airline 2017-Kenya Airways, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2017-Kenya Airways, Africa’s Leading Tourist Board among others.

This clearly shows the state of Uganda’s Travel and Tourism industry that is seriously lacking given the fact that we are the Pearl of Africa. Uganda has got many tourism opportunities that have not been well developed which has affected the country’s economic growth.

International airlines, such as Kenya Airways, Egyptian Airways, Ethiopian Airways, South African Airways, Emirates, Etihad, fly Dubai, SN Brussels, KLM, Turkish Airways, Qatar Airways, and RwandAir, continue to dominate the country and have regular flights in and out of Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport but with no national airline as a country.

Never the less, according to the Uganda Tourism Board report of 2016, the Ugandan tourism sector continues to grow and saw $805 million in revenues in 2011 and $834 million in 2012. About 1.3 million tourists visited Uganda in 2015—a slight increase from 1.26 million in 2014. Uganda’s tourism sector contributed about 10 percent to Uganda’s GDP in FY 2014/2015, becoming the country’s top earner of foreign exchange. Uganda’s tourism sector is highly sensitive to negative publicity from other parts of the African continent, with news of disease outbreaks or political instability anywhere on the continent negatively affecting Uganda’s tourism numbers.

http://www.theceomagazine-ug.com/blog/2 ... ing-hotel/
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Islamabad Serena Hotel, Pakistan

Photos

https://hussein.smugmug.com/Photos/i-3qHS5Ls
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Jahangir becomes Brand Ambassador for Serena

ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels announced renowned squash legend, Mr. Jahangir Khan would be the Brand Ambassador of Serena Hotels Sports Diplomacy Initiative. The signing ceremony formalized a relationship that began with Jahangir Khan’s involvement in various squash tournaments supported by Serena Hotels.

Serena Hotels sports diplomacy calendar includes a range of tournaments and competitions, in golf, polo, cricket, football, skiing, tennis and squash. With squash, Serena made a commitment to help reclaim the legacy of the sport for Pakistan but the sports diplomacy initiative has been used to promote healthier lifestyles, bring foreign athletes to Pakistan, and provide safe gender-neutral spaces for the youth to discover and polish their abilities.

Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, said, “Sports Diplomacy is an integral part of Serena’s efforts to build stronger relations with communities and to encourage the participation of young people in competitive and international standard sporting activities. Pakistan has a tradition of excellence in many sports but at Serena we believe that competitive sports require the support of organizations through sponsorships and promotion”.

He added, “Up to 25 years ago Pakistani squash players were the best in the world and every person in the country knew their names. Jahangir Khan, our new brand ambassador, is considered the greatest squash player in the history of the sport, and we need to showcase these achievements not just to share accolades from the past but to also give young sportspeople aspirations to strive for. The induction of Jahangir Khan into the Serena Sports Diplomacy initiative will also give us greater insight into the needs of athletes and potential sports professionals”. Jahangir Khan said, “I have been engaged with the Serena Hotels since the inception of the Serena Hotels – Chief of Air Staff International Squash Championship.

More...
http://thefrontierpost.com/jahangir-bec ... or-serena/
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Serena Hotels: The Rising of the Women, is the Rising of us all

“The Rising of the Women, is the Rising of us all”

Gilgit- March 08, 2018 With the collaboration of GB-Women Development Department, Gilgit Serena Hotel organized an event to celebrate the International Women’s Day-2018 at Gilgit Serena Hotel.

Ms. Sobia Muqaddam, Minister Social Welfare/Population welfare/Women development, Youth Affairs and Human rights of Gilgit-Baltistan was the Chief Guest of the day,

Event started with the recitation of the Holy Qu’ran and performance by the students of local School/Colleges and Girls guides (which was highly appreciated) followed by a presentation and documentary by Women Development Directorate on GB women empowerment. Skits and speeches were also presented by Degree College & Girl Guide which enthralled the audience throughout.

Mr. Asim Nawaz Taiwana Secretary Women Development briefed audience about objectives of Women Day celebration and highlighted that women empowerment is key to development of Gilgit-Baltistan.

More...
ismailimail.wordpress.com/2018/03/09/serena-hotels-the-rising-of-the-women-is-the-rising-of-us-all/
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World Water Day 2018 Celebrated by Serena Hotels

Under the Social Environmental Education Development (SEED) program of Serena Hotels, Gilgit Serena Hotel celebrated “World Water Day-2018” with Government Middle School Sonikot, and Al-Mustafa Public School, highlighting the importance of Water in our lives. Kids performed tree-planting activities and participated in painting competition. The United Nation marked World Water Day 2018 on March 22nd, and celebrated its 25th anniversary. The theme this year is “Nature for Water” exploring how nature can be utilized to overcome the numerous water challenges impacting the world today

ismailimail.wordpress.com/2018/03/25/world-water-day-2018-celebrated-by-serena-hotels/
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“End Plastic Pollution” – Serena Hotels Celebrate International Earth Day 2018

Gilgit- March 23, 2018 Under the Serena SEED program, following the theme of 2018: “End Plastic Pollution” Gilgit Serena Hotel Pakistan celebrated Earth Day with the collaboration of local public school in Gilgit.

The purpose was to give awareness to students regarding the importance of Earth Day and about the health and other risks associated with the use and disposal of plastics, including pollution of our oceans, water, and wildlife, and about the growing body of evidence, that plastic waste is creating serious global problems.

The Principle of Al Mustafa Public School Mr. Shahid Ali addressed the student on the importance of Earth Day. Gilgit Serena Hotel’s representative expressed their views on how to reduce carbon emissions, reduce the negative impact to the local environment and save our earth. All the students, aimed to “Make every day, Earth Day”.

A Paper Bag competition was held among the students, 50 students participated in this competition, Gilgit Serena Hotel presented gifts to the winners. The management of schools thanked Serena Hotels for initiating such activities and awareness.

ABOUT SERENA HOTELS

Serena Hotels has established itself as one of the world’s leading hospitality brands offering quality accommodation, unique holiday and conference solutions, cultural heritage and adventure tourism. Its collection of 35 unique hotels, resorts, safari lodges and camps, palaces and forts located in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda), Mozambique and South Asia (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan) are in some of the world’s most interesting, enchanting, historic and exotic settings.

https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2018/ ... -day-2018/
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Serena Hotels organizes first Quetta Literary Festival

Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan May 09, 2018: The two-day Quetta Literary Festival (QLF) came to an end with over 5000 thousand including students, academics and literati that attended various sessions. Serena Hotels supported the wonderful initiative of The Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) for the bright local citizens.

Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO Serena Hotels, said, “Our presence in Quetta has over the years become the centre of activities and events, that bring together the audiences from diverse backgrounds. Serena Hotels is delighted to have played its role in supporting BUITEMS for organising the first Quetta Literary Festival.”

Over the course of the festival, renowned speakers, academics, writers and performers such as Musharraf Ali Farooqi, Amjad Islam Amjad, Zeba Bakhtiar, Hashim Nadeem, Mahim Maher, Junaid Akram, Zarrar Khuhro, Jamal Shah, Salman Rashid, Wusat Ullah Khan, Dr. Nida Kirmani, Dr. Ali Madeeh Hashmi, Ayub Khoso, Mubashir Zaidi, Ali Arqam, Hafeez Jamali, Iftikhar Firdous, Rafiullah Kakar, Dr. Kaiser Bengali, Khumariyaan and Faiz Ullah Khan, came together to remind Quetta of the rich literary heritage of the region.

Mr. Rashid Uddin, General Manager Quetta Serena Hotel, said, “Literary festivals are a wonderful way to encourage people to engage with books, authors and thinking. While these festivals are a relatively new phenomenon in Pakistan, and an entirely new one for Quetta, remind us that literature, arts and culture are the soul of a country.

Serena Hotels has been supporting the Lahore Literary Festival for the last three years and shall continue to excel in its community initiative programme.

Source: Press Release

ismailimail.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/serena-hotels-organizes-first-quetta-literary-festival/
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With a historic fort and Unesco-protected mosque, Shigar is an ideal short escape in Gilgit-Baltistan

Excerpt:

Shigar’s historic fort was converted into a heritage hotel by the Aga Khan Development Network and is now managed by Serena Hotels. The fort was constructed by Raja Hassan Khan, the 20th Raja of the Amacha dynasty, in early 17th century.

The Amachas arrived in Shigar around 11th century after fleeing persecution from the Ganesh in Hunza. The elders travelled for days through foot-deep snow over the Hispar glacier and braved storms and finally landed into the Shigar Valley, where they built fort Khar-i-Dong.

The original fort was on top of a cliff, but after a few peaceful centuries, the Mughals arrived and in a battle that lasted many days, the Amachas were uprooted and the fort destroyed.

However, once the Amachas submitted, the Mughals left them in peace. The 20th ruler of the dynasty then built the current fort on top of a huge boulder and named it Fong Khar — Palace on the Rock. The new fort remained the seat of the Raja until a few decades ago.

More...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1406823
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Effective tourism strategies stressed for stronger economy

Islamabad: Effective tourism strategies can contribute a lot to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and improve its international image and the key industry players are taking steps for it.

This was stated by CEO of the Serena Hotels for South and Central Asia Aziz Boolani ahead of the Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) slated to take place from October 2 to 4 at the Expo Centre, Karachi.

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/375546 ... er-economy
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https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/mar ... index.html

Market News
Serena to replace petrol generators with solar power
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 19:00
solar energy
All Serena Hotels employ eco-friendly practices that helped them maintain their costs. FILE PHOTO | NMG


Listed hospitality group TPS Serena

will replace its petrol-based generators with solar power across all their Africa units.

Serena Hotels Group engineer Abdulkadir Rahim said the decision was reached after a year-long review of Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge’s Sh100 million solar investment. The renewable energy source powers the entire operation.

“We have also recently installed a solar power plant at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge and are committed to replicating this model at the other Serena Hotels properties in Africa,” he said, adding that cost details were still being worked on.

Mr Rahim spoke after the Kilaguni property won the global Extraordinary Business Case and CSR Special Award in Milan, Italy at the just-concluded Global Best Practice Awards, 2018.

Serena Hotels runs 24 upmarket hotels, safari lodges, camps and resorts within six countries- Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Mozambique.

Judges hailed Serena’s use of solar power in meeting energy needs from lighting, laundry services and kitchen operations as well as investing in a wastewater treatment and recycling plant at the facility.

All Serena Hotels employ eco-friendly practices that helped them maintain their costs.
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Serena Hotels Pakistan: Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality
BY ISMAILIMAIL POSTED ON DECEMBER 4, 2018

Serena Hotels Pakistan in collaboration with Karakorum Area Development Organization (KADO) celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3rd December 2018 with theme “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”. Since 1992, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been annually observed on 3 December around the world.

Special Olympic Athletes of Hunza with their Coach, GB Coordinator and 40 special people men and women who has been trained in different entrepreneurship skills by KADO participated in the ceremony. Hunza Serena Inn arranged special gifts to the Special People Artisan and Athletes as a appreciation and presented by Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Hunza. The Special Athletes also present souvenir to Deputy Commissioner Hunza, Assistant Commissioner Hunza and CEO, KADO.

Addressing the ceremony, Capt. Reted Syed Asghar Ali, Deputy Commissioner Hunza focus his view on inclusiveness and equality of disabilities people in the society, he also assured if Benazir Income Support Program will reactive, more than 400 special people in Hunza District will be on priority.

CEO. KADO briefed about the achievements and sustainability model of the project. He said there are 1200 special people in Hunza district, out of which KADO has trained more than 300 in different skills but due non-availability of fund they are facing problem for their sustainability.

Mr. Ahmed Baig, Coordinator Special Olympics Gilgit-Baltistan, briefed about the Special Athletes achievements and upcoming activities of Special Athletes Olympic March 2019 in Dubai. Mr. Jan Alam, President, PML(N) is the pioneer who first focus the rights of persons with disability in Hunza, also addressed on the occasion

Asghar Khan, Manager, Hunza Serena Inn, addressed on Serena Hotel’s CSR activities and such day’s celebration importance for the rights of disable persons in the society.

https://ismailimail.blog/2018/12/04/ser ... -equality/
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International Women’s Day celebrated at Serena

ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels hosted a breakfast to celebrate International Women’s Day and honour the women associated with Serena.

Women from different walks of life, Serena Business Complex partners and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present on the occasion.

Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Boolani said, “At Serena, we believe that investing in women is the most effective way to improve the standards of living of communities. Many of our CSR initiatives work with women to empower them socially and economically.”

The objectives of the International Women’s Day were to celebrate the struggle for women’s rights in the economic, social, political, and cultural domain, and to reaffirm women’s solidarity in the struggle for peace.

The theme for this year was ‘Press for Progress’ in acknowledgement of the growing global movement of advocacy, activism and support surrounding gender parity and sexism to encourage people to continue the vocal fight for equality.

Boolani said, “Despite advances in gender equity, there is still much more to be done and Serena continues to provide safe spaces, networking opportunities and linkages to benefit women.”

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/0 ... at-serena/
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Gilgit: World Water Day 2019!
BY ISMAILIMAIL POSTED ON MARCH 27, 2019

Gilgit Serena Hotels celebrated World Water Day 2019 with students of New Era Public School (NEPS) Hussainabad colony Jutial Gilgit. This year’s theme was “Leaving no one behind”

The main objective of the celebration was to give students awareness and highlight the importance of water and water resources in our daily life and how we can preserve it.

According to global statistics, there are around 2.1 billion people currently living without safe water at home across the globe, out of which, 80% of the people live in rural areas.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, rivers, glaciers, and snow are the main resources of water. Some of the world largest glaciers Baifo, Baltoro, and Batura are located in this region, but almost all drinking water systems are contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. The main source of water pollution in this region is domestic and commercial waste. Enormous amounts of waste from homes and restaurants enter the river directly, and water pumps lift the river water from the river to several locations.

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Based on this year’s theme and occasion of World Water Day 2019, Students of NEPS performed different types of activities, like egg painting, drawing on chart and made presentations that delivered the message through their activities.

5

Principal of New Era Public School specially Thanked management of Serena Hotels for choosing their school for such type of activities, and for creating awareness in students about this dire situation. Students were rewarded by gifts for best presentation based on today’s theme.



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Access to clean water is our right. Conserving water, and being responsible today will help to ensure clean water supply for future generations.

Source: Gilgit Serena Hotels Press Release

Photos at:

https://ismailimail.blog/2019/03/27/gil ... -day-2019/
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7 luxurious hotels loved by royalty

(CNN) — From the British Windsors to the Aga Khan to Monaco's House of Grimaldi, privacy and discretion is paramount for royals when traveling. First-class hospitality, personalized service and luxury amenities are also essential, so it takes a truly remarkable hotel to capture their hearts.
With far-flung and glamorous destinations from Grenada to Gstaad on their radar, and private jets at their disposable, the world is their oyster.
Travel in the royals' regal footsteps with seven of their favorite places to stay:

Kampala Serena Hotel, Uganda

Uganda, fondly known as the Pearl of Africa, has been welcoming royal dignitaries for years with Kampala Serena Hotel hosting the likes of the Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and Mswati III, King of Eswatini and head of the Swazi royal family.

Surrounded by 17 acres of manicured water gardens, the resort is a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Uganda's vibrant capital, Kampala. With architecture and design influenced by the country's cultural and natural heritage, the 188 guests rooms and suites are elegantly furnished boasting an impressive collection by local artisans.

High-profile guests praise the exceptional service, as it's impossible to leave this much-loved flagship Serena resort without being enchanted by the genuine warmth of Ugandan hospitality.

More...

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/hote ... index.html
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Mountaineer Sirbaz Khan climbs world’s 12th highest mountain

Mountaineer Sirbaz Khan has successfully climbed the summit of the world’s 12th highest mountain Broad Peak (8,047 m)without using supplementary oxygen. He completed his summit on the July 12 at 2:25 pm. The expedition was accompanied by four climbers in total – twofrom Nepal and one each from US and Germany.

Serena Hotels has been supporting Sirbaz Khan on his ‘Mission Summit 14’. He aims to summit all 14 highest peaks above 8000m without oxygen. This was hisfourth consecutive successful summit after K2 (8,611m), Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and Mount Lhotse (8,516m).

“It is a great privilege for us to supportSirbaz Khan on his expedition. We have been supporting talent to promote adventure tourism where needed and try to bring diverse experiences to our community through our various initiatives,” Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Boolani said.

The Adventure Diplomacy Initiative by Serena aims to encourage human engagement with nature in ways that test physical prowess, endurance and commitment, with mountain activities being a core part of these activities. This initiative kicked off when the Adventure Diplomacy Group (ADG) was set up comprising seven diplomatic missions to support the Pakistani mountaineer siblings, Samina and Mirza Ali Baig. SaminaBaig is the first Pakistani as well as the first Muslim woman to climb the highest peaks in all seven continents.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/435033/mounta ... -mountain/
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Sustainable Tourism in Northern Pakistan

Pakistan is a richly diverse country with varying cultures, dialects and traditions across the length and breadth of its terrain. The same terrain is peppered with historically significant socio-cultural assets. Unfortunately, many of these assets and heritage properties have fallen into disrepair, due to the lack of financial resources and understanding of the significance of preserving the past.

Against this backdrop of immensely beautiful heritage sites and apparent disinterest, the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), particularly the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), have played a vital role in the restoration of a number of heritage projects in northern Pakistan. Committed to sustainable development, AKTC has restored Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace and the Wali’s Residence, and handed over these assets to Serena Hotels Pakistan to ensure that the properties are well taken care of and appreciated, as Serena Hotels – part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development – offer opportunities for sustainable heritage tourism.

Preserving heritage sites, working with local communities and promoting economic activity through sustainable tourism have become hallmarks of the Serena Hotels approach, leading to the betterment of the communities in which each property is located.

Gallery at:

https://www.akdn.org/gallery/sustainabl ... n-pakistan
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Mara Serena Safari Lodge launches its solar power plant

20 December 2019, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya - Serena Hotels in partnership with Mettle Solar OFGEN have transformed a third property, Mara Serena Safari Lodge in Kenya, into a fully solar powered property. The inauguration of the Mara Serena solar power plant demonstrates Serena Hotels commitment to be the ‘Full Scale Solar Pioneers’ in the East African hospitality sector.

The solar power plant constructed by Mettle Solar OFGEN has an output of 640kWp with 1400kWh of storage utilising TESLA Lithium-ion batteries. This provides capacity to supply
Mara Serena Safari Lodge’s total energy requirements.

Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, Managing Director, Serena Hotels says, “This is an exciting and sustainable approach to addressing our energy needs, aligning our established dedication in
environmental stewardship that has been in existence for over four decades.”

Mettle Solar OFGEN has implemented similar off-grid solar systems in other Serena properties including Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (2017) and Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (2018). Additionally, the firm commissioned two grid-tied hybrid solar systems in early 2018 at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp and Sweetwaters Serena Camp. The approximate cumulative environmental impact of these initiatives is as follows:

Total installed capacity: 1,760kWp with 3,900kWh of storage.
Total green energy produced to date: 2,771 MWh.
CO2 avoided: 1,949 tonnes.
Trees that would need to be planted to extract the said CO2 within 10 years: 155,950 trees.
Kilaguni Serena, Amboseli Serena and now Mara Serena, all built in the 1970s within National Parks/Game Reserves are not only a ‘one-of-a-kind getaways’, but a leading-edge example of how clean, renewable energy independence can be successfully achieved through the installation of off-grid Solar PV systems, even in such challenging safari locations.

Mr. Francois Van Themaat, Managing Director, Mettle Solar OFGEN says, “We are proud to be part of this transformational sustainability project in the East African hospitality industry, particularly with Serena Hotels playing a leading role. The use of natural resources such a solar is being embraced as it is one of the most sustainable ways to preserve the ecosystem.”

All Serena’s programmes are aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set out by the United Nation Development Program. The Solar Power Plant aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 15: Life on Land.

The demand from eco-travelers is growing and Serena continues to adapt its business best practices model to meet the ecological travel experiences and expectations of today’s guest.

Serena’s intention is to continue the implementation of these and other sustainability initiatives. These will be in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement as it continues to be part of transitioning Eastern African economies into low carbon economies.

https://www.akdn.org/press-release/mara ... ower-plant
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Serena engaging local community

The Serena Group is more than a collection of hotels. This film explores how it is an engine for economic development in local communities – and has been for over the last 40 years. Serena provides employment to 4,000 East Africans and gives priority and training to over 2,000 local suppliers and companies, while engaging the local community in ways that help households to achieve better health and greater economic independence.

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMIJxr9501I
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SERENA

L’inauguration de l’hôtel Serena (5 étoiles) est prévue le 15 septembre 2020 en ville de Goma.

C’est un premier hôtel dans la ville touristique construit sur les normes internationales.

Serena Hotels est une société hôtelière qui exploite des hôtels et des complexes hôteliers haut de gamme en Afrique de l’Est, en Afrique australe et en Asie du Sud.

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Serena comprend une collection de 36 complexes de luxe, lodges de safari et hôtels, situés en Afrique de l’Est et en Asie centrale et du Sud.
Cet hôtel offre une vue sur le lac Kivu depuis ses 109 chambres, un salon d’affaires et une salle de réunion exceptionnels pour les voyageurs d’affaires, une piscine olympique accessible aux familles et les meilleurs forfaits spas de la ville.

Il faut noter que le mini-sommet quintipartite organisé au cours de ce mois de septembre par le chef de l’Etat Félix Tshisekedi entre les présidents du Rwanda, Burundi, Ouganda, Angola et la République Démocratique du Congo se tiendra dans l’hôtel Serena de Goma.
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Post by kmaherali »

Google translation of the above article.

New postPosted: Sep 10, 2020 01:58 pm Post subject: Reply with quote

SERENA

The inauguration of the Serena Hotel (5 stars) is scheduled for September 15, 2020 in the city of Goma (City in the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

It is a premier hotel in the tourist town built to international standards.

Serena Hotels is a hotel company that operates upscale hotels and resorts in East Africa, Southern Africa and South Asia.

Serena comprises a collection of 36 luxury resorts, safari lodges and hotels, located in East Africa and Central and South Asia.

This hotel offers views of Lake Kivu from its 109 rooms, an exceptional business lounge and meeting room for business travelers, an Olympic-size swimming pool accessible to families and the best spa packages in town.

It should be noted that the quintipartite mini-summit organized during this month of September by the head of state Félix Tshisekedi between the presidents of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo will be held in the Serena hotel from Goma.
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Serena Goma to be opened 15 September 2020.

Here are some photos of the Serena Hotel few days before official opening ceremony.

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https://zoom-eco.net/a-la-une/rdc-felix ... na-a-goma/

RDC : Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l’hôtel Serena à Goma

on 11 septembre 2020

By La Rédaction


En marge de l’organisation prochaine du mini-sommet sous-régional quintipartite qui se tiendra dans cette ville, le Président Congolais Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l’hôtel Serena. Selon certaines sources, cette inauguration pourrait intervenir le 15 septembre 2020.

RDC : Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l'hôtel Serena à GomaEn effet, c’est dans cet hôtel que se tiendra le mini-sommet dont les équipes d’avance des Présidents conviés sont déjà arrivés dans la ville touristique de Goma.

Cet hôtel cinq étoiles offre une vue sur le lac Kivu. Il comprend 109 chambres, un salon d’affaires, et une salle exceptionnelle pour les voyageurs d’affaires, une piscine olympique accessible aux familles.

Ce premier hôtel construit dans les normes internationales est le produit de Serena Hôtels. Serena Hôtels est une société qui exploite les hôtels et complexes hôteliers haut de gamme en Afrique de l’Est, en Afrique Australe et en Asie du Sud. Il comprend une collection de 36 complexes de luxe, lodges de safari et hôtels, situés en Afrique de l’Est, en Asie Centrale et du Sud.

Un hôtel qui sera lancé dans une période marquée par la Covid-19, où le secteur du tourisme et hôtelier est l’un des plus touchés au Monde.

Harris KASONGO
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Post by Admin »

Opening of Serena in Goma, RDC

It looks like the Summit was scheduled for 13th and the President of RDC was to open the Serena officialy on 15th of September. However the president of Burundi torpedoed the meeting as he wanted to go to USA on 15th and the Serena meeting of the 5 African leaders was postponed.

Were to attend the summit: Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame from Rwanda, Evariste Ndaishimiye from Burundi, Joao Lorenso from l'Angola and the host President Félix Tshisekedi of RDC.
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Post by kmaherali »

Admin wrote:https://zoom-eco.net/a-la-une/rdc-felix ... na-a-goma/

RDC : Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l’hôtel Serena à Goma
Google translation of the article..

DRC: Félix Tshisekedi to inaugurate Hotel Serena in Goma

on September 11, 2020

By La Rédaction

On the sidelines of the forthcoming organization of the quintipartite sub-regional mini-summit to be held in this city, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi will inaugurate the Hotel Serena. According to some sources, this inauguration could take place on September 15, 2020.

DRC: Félix Tshisekedi will inaugurate the Serena Hotel in Goma Indeed, it is in this hotel that the mini-summit will be held, whose advance teams of invited Presidents have already arrived in the tourist town of Goma.

This five-star hotel offers a view of Lake Kivu. It has 109 rooms, a business lounge, and an exceptional room for business travelers, an Olympic swimming pool accessible to families.

This first hotel built to international standards is the product of Serena Hotels. Serena Hotels is a company that operates upscale hotels and resorts in East Africa, Southern Africa and South Asia. It comprises a collection of 36 luxury resorts, safari lodges and hotels, located in East Africa, Central and South Asia.

A hotel that will be launched in a period marked by Covid-19, where the tourism and hotel sector is one of the most affected in the world.
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Post by Admin »

Admin wrote:Opening of Serena in Goma, RDC

It looks like the Summit was scheduled for 13th and the President of RDC was to open the Serena officialy on 15th of September. However the president of Burundi torpedoed the meeting as he wanted to go to USA on 15th and the Serena meeting of the 5 African leaders was postponed.

Were to attend the summit: Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame from Rwanda, Evariste Ndaishimiye from Burundi, Joao Lorenso from l'Angola and the host President Félix Tshisekedi of RDC.
So far only President Museveni of Uganda has announced his presence to the Summit at the new date of 20 September 2020. Others are yet to confirm.
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Post by kmaherali »

Admin wrote: So far only President Museveni of Uganda has announced his presence to the Summit at the new date of 20 September 2020. Others are yet to confirm.
It would be nice if MHI or Prince Amyn could attend.
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Post by Admin »

It has been postponed again as it has been announced the Summit will now be by Video conference so it is not probable that the president of RDC will come to Goma for the opening of the Serena in the absence of the Summit. But it is also improbable that the new Serena Goma will open in the absence of Prince Amyn. So we have to wait and see.
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