Protea Hotels by Marriott has partnered with MLT Vehicle Hire Company in Cape Town to upgrade its fleet of vehicles and provide guests with world-class transport options during their stay at any of the Protea hotels in the area.
“This agreement sees us enhancing our shuttle and chauffeur offerings with new and high-end vehicles including additional options for those guests making use of wheelchairs. In a customer-centric environment such as ours, this value proposition further entrenches our brand among local and international tourists,” says Avukile Mabombo, Group Marketing Manager of Protea Hotels by Marriott and Autograph Collection hotels.
MLT – Multilayer Trade Corporation – is a 100% black owned and managed business with a 135% BBBEE rating. Established in 2002, the company has carved a niche for itself as a specialist fleet management and shuttle provider in the Western Cape.
The Protea Hotels by Marriott fleet includes luxury vehicles such as the Mercedes Benz C180 EDIC and the BMW 3 Series. For tourist groups, Protea Hotels by Marriott offers various ‘people-carrier’ vehicles and a Nissan NV350 7-seater with wheelchair accessibility. Even though the largest vehicle in the fleet is a 23-seater for tourist groups, the group can source a larger bus through MLT.
Reflecting the connectivity needs of the digital world, all vehicles provide guests with charge ports for their Android and Apple products as well as WiFi multiple access while travelling.
“We are committed to providing guests with a completely integrated experience from when they arrive in the country to the moment they check-out. International tourists who are used to the standards of Marriott International hotels will visit South Africa and experience the same world-class offering here building consistency across the brand.”
The partnership entails a full maintenance service leasing agreement between the two organisations. This sees MLT own the vehicles, provide the drivers, and manage the travel desks at the hotels.
“These vehicles will be co-branded and have been carefully selected based on the distinct requirements of the group. Our relationship with MLT provides our clients with the added benefit of paying for these transport services using one account instead of going through different suppliers. This is achieved through posting the charges to the guest’s room account.”
As part of the compliance requirements, MLT has R30-million public liability cover on each vehicle and ensures that its drivers are professionally trained.
“Having access to quality transport is a fundamental requirement for any tourist coming to Cape Town. Through this agreement, Protea Hotels by Marriott can give its guests a superior service that is reflective of the high standards to which they hold our brand accountable,” concludes Mabombo.
