Capital Group targets business travel market with Gqeberha opening

The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts will open its first property in Gqeberha on 17 April, marking a strategic expansion into the Eastern Cape with a mixed-use hospitality asset aimed at boosting tourism, supporting business travel and creating jobs. Guest stays at The Capital Boardwalk begin on 1 May.

Located within the Boardwalk precinct, the 145-room aparthotel combines hotel services with long-stay apartment features, targeting corporate travellers, contractors and expatriates seeking flexible accommodation.

The development includes conferencing facilities, a co-working hub and direct access to retail and entertainment amenities, positioning it as a multi-purpose asset in the city’s hospitality market.

Read: Unlocking the tourism potential in Nelson Mandela Bay
The Capital Hotels invests R270m in Gqeberha’s first aparthotel

Chief executive Marc Wachsberger says the group is entering the region to unlock economic potential while supporting local ecosystems.

“With The Capital Boardwalk now open, we’re delivering on our promise to create a space that supports business, empowers local talent, and adds new energy to one of South Africa’s most storied coastal cities,” he says.

The project is expected to generate over 500 direct and indirect construction jobs, with between 170 and 200 permanent roles once operational. Beyond employment, the group aims to stimulate local supply chains and extend visitor stays through its aparthotel model, which includes self-catering facilities and long-term accommodation options.

Wachsberger adds that the investment reflects confidence in the region’s growth trajectory.

“Gqeberha has all the ingredients of a rising coastal hub. We see enormous potential in the region, not just as a tourism destination, but as a community ready to thrive,” he says.

The launch signals intensifying competition in South Africa’s coastal hospitality sector, as operators diversify offerings to capture both leisure and business demand.

Read: Why invest in Nelson Mandela Bay?

*Phenyo Selinda is a Moneyweb Intern