http://www.english.hadhramaut.info Minister for Tourism Najib Balala unveils a deluxe cottage at the newly launched Sentido Neptune [The Source: www.coastweek.com - 23/10/2009] "This is an exciting development for us and for Kenya", said Neptune Hotels Chairman Amin Merali during launch of the new partnership between Sentido resorts and Neptune Hotels. "We believe this partnership will dramatically raise the profile of Kenyan Tourism and will reinforce the International status of Kenya 's Coast."In September 2009, Sentido Hotel and Resorts embarked on its first phase of launching hotels in five Countries worldwide starting with the Neptune Palm Beach Hotel and Neptune Village as part of the 'Sentido' franchise in East Africa .Thomas Cook has developed an international hotel brand to strengthen and build on its position as a travel operator in its source markets.The Sentido Hotels and Resorts also have franchises as far as Cyprus , Turkey , Spain , Egypt and Greece .Neptune Hotels operates five Luxury Resorts in East Africa . " Sentido Neptune Paradise Village " and 'Sentido Neptune Palm Beach Resort' located on Mombasa 's South Coast ."Sentido Neptune Beach Resort" is located on the North Coast and the most recent five star ' Plan hotel Neptune Pwani Beach Resort opened in Magical Zanzibar in 2007.'Sentido Hotels and Resorts is a new global entity backed by Thomas Cook PLC in which Neptune Hotels have a stake as a shareholder, and is also the master Franchise holder for Sentido in East Africa .Chairman Amin Merali sees the launch as a great milestone as they prepare to embark on the most recent and exciting journey, their longtime vision of being a truly International Brand with a strong identity and an up market client base was now a reality!The occasion was graced by The Minister for Tourism Hon. Najib Balala who was the guest of honour during the event.He described the partnership between Sentido resorts and Neptune Hotels as "a first South of the Sahara , and above all a powerful vote of confidence to Kenya as an investment destination in the area of tourism." Kenya 's tourism is vigorously seeking internationally recognized branded hotels like the Sentido Group to invest in the tourism sector which still requires considerable investments in the hotel accommodation sub-sector, said the Minister."In the Kenya 's Vision 2030, for example, the Coast region is estimated to require an additional 12, 000 bed capacity for the high end class for the next four years."This is part of the national requirement for at least 65,000 beds in the next three years with emphasis on high quality service."Hon. Minister for Tourism acknowledged that the new partnership would contribute substantially to the development of tourism industry in Kenya .Sentido Hotels and Resorts CEO Karl Schattmaier noted:"Our entry in East Africa presents an invaluable opportunity to grow and to be part of one of the most exciting tourism markets in the world.Gifted with innumerable opportunities, both naturally and geographically, the potential of East Africa 's tourism and hospitality sector is yet to be scratched and Sentido Hotels and Resorts are happy and proud to support our local partner in championing their cause to capture this market."                            "Gifted with innumerable opportunities, both naturally and geographically, the potential of East Africa 's tourism and hospitality sector is yet to be scratched and Sentido Hotels and Resorts are happy and proud to support our local partner in championing their cause to capture this market."