Dubai World is planning to dock the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) ship at the Cape Town V&A waterfront and convert into a luxury hotel. According to a Johannesburg newspaper, the company is applying for berthing rights and in talks with a South African company to manage the hotel.
A South African tourism department spokesperson said they are aware of the company’s plans, but several approvals must be made before plans can go forward. Ronel Bester explained the National Ports Authority must consider the practical implications and desirability of the QE2 berthing at Cape Town given the availability of accommodations in the city. Nakheel brought the QE2 in November with plans to convert it into a luxury hotel, but the global economic downturn has delayed those plans.
