Umhlanga is abuzz with the news that John Aritho has joined the iconic Beverly Hills as general manager. This energetic hotelier brings with him a wealth of knowledge as well as vast experience in managing key properties in Africa and Dubai.
John joined Tsogo Sun in January 1997, first working at the Holiday Inn Nairobi before being transferred to South Africa where he has worked in management positions at the Group’s hotels in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Lusaka. A move to Durban saw him being appointed as general manager at the Southern Sun Maharani and more recently at the Garden Court Marine Parade.
In his career with Tsogo Sun John has been involved in a number of hotel openings, including the Holiday Inn Maputo in Mozambique, Southern Sun Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, the Winelands Hotel in Cape Town, Southern Sun Lusaka in Zambia, and the Qamardeen Hotel in Dubai.
There’s no doubt John has proved himself as an expert in responding quickly to changing market conditions, and has the ability to revise innovative marketing and business strategies accordingly with solid leadership.
John brings with him a fine understanding of food and beverage, and is a member of the KZN chapter of the Chaines des Rotisseurs.
“John has a good eye for detail, as well as strong skills in relationships with staff and guests alike. Tsogo Sun’s flagship property has been entrusted into the right hands,” stated KZN operations director, Mike Jackson, adding that John has all the right credentials to take the Beverly Hills hotel to new heights.
John’s plans for the future? “Local support for the hotel is imperative and we think of our community as our ambassadors. I will use my international experience to grow local support by bringing new food and beverage concepts to life. My focus is to develop the hotel to new heights by maintaining the old-world charm and introducing modern elements.”
Outside of work John’s favourite hobbies are classic cars, motorbikes, football and family life. He is married to Janine and has two beautiful daughters, Sophia aged three years and Savannah, three months. *