Situated just a few minutes from the city centre of Gabarone, Botswana, The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort is a tourist’s dream. The warmth and hospitality of the resort staff continues to set it apart and this commitment to service excellence can, to a large extent, be attributed to the man at the helm, general manager, Clive Tavener.
Tavener started out in the gaming industry in 1987, in the slots department in KwaZulu-Natal. He then filled various positions until he moved to Fish River as assistant slots manager in 1990. He then transferred to Taung as Slots Manager in 1994, and three years later was promoted to general manager. In 1999 Taverner transferred to Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino and Convention Resort in Mafikeng and in 2002, moved to Empangeni to take up the challenge of opening Umfolozi Hotel Casino and Convention Resort.
Tavener’s dedication to The Grand Palm is unfaltering; he is especially committed to promoting the state-of-the-art, multifaceted Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC), Peermont Mondior Gaborone and Peermont Metcourt Francistown. As Clive explains, “Our GICC is ideal for both local and international meetings, and can host up to 1800 delegates. It’s an award-winning facility, just 12 km from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, and we offer everything, right here onsite.”
Another change to the staff line-up at The Grand Palm is the appointment of Thapelo Modise as the resort’s sales and marketing manager. Thapelo started her career in the gaming industry as promotions co-ordinator in Nelspruit. She relocated to join a casino in Newcastle. During her time there, Thapelo held the position of marketing manager and successfully re-launched the casino’s brand to the market.
Thapelo has earned a reputation for being highly-capable, professional and passionate in the field of marketing and is a welcome addition to The Grand Palm team and the Peermont family.
