Alain Sebah And Dupe Olusola to Receive Honors at AHIF 2024
TWO LEADERS IN THE AFRICAN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ARE GOING TO RECEIVE HIGH HONORS AT AHIF 2024 AWARDS. ALAIN SEBAH AND DUPE OLUSOLA RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEADERSHIP.
The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), happening in this June in Namibia, will honor two distinguished leaders in the hospitality industry. Alain Sebah, President of Golden Tulip Afrique Francophone & East Africa (GTAF), will receive the Outstanding Contribution Award. Dupe Olusola, Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, will be awarded the Leadership Award.
Alain Sebah – Outstanding Contribution Award
Alain Sebah founded GTAF a decade ago. Since then, he has opened 11 hotels and has five more under construction. Sebah has successfully expanded the brand in both French and English-speaking Africa. He has focused on management and franchise agreements to achieve this growth. Despite industry scepticism, he has shown resilience and strategic vision. Sebah has delivered exceptional guest experiences and advanced career opportunities for employees. His efforts have won the confidence of investors, contributing significantly to the hospitality sector.
Dupe Olusola – Leadership Award
Dupe Olusola will receive the Leadership Award at AHIF. She became the Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, occupancy rates plummeted to just 5%. Under her leadership, the company returned to profitability faster than most global hospitality companies. In 2023, the share price of Transcorp Hotels grew over 600%. This remarkable recovery highlights her exceptional leadership skills and dedication.
Olusola’s leadership has led Transcorp Hotels to win over 40 awards. She herself has received several personal accolades, including CEO of the Year. The Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the company’s flagship property, has introduced leisure offerings. This blend of business and leisure has made it the premier location for major events in Nigeria’s capital city. To handle increased demand, Olusola set up marquees within the hotel grounds rather than turn away business.
Commenting on her award, Olusola expressed her gratitude: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Leadership Award at AHIF. This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of the entire Transcorp Hotels team. Together, we have navigated challenging times and emerged stronger. I am proud of what we have achieved and excited about the future as we continue to innovate, expand, and deliver outstanding experiences for our guests.”
Matthew Weihs, Founder of AHIF, praised 2024 awards winner: “It will be an enormous pleasure to see two exceptionally impressive individuals receiving African hospitality industry ‘Oscars’ at AHIF. Alain is one of the great statesmen of the sector, achieving consistent success through charm, dynamism, and commercial acumen. Dupe’s record is outstanding, and her ability to inspire and innovate has significantly impacted the industry.”
Event Details
The AHIF is going to take place at the Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia, from June 25th to 27th, 2024. It is the most influential gathering of hospitality executives in Africa. The event connects business leaders and fuels investment in tourism projects, infrastructure, and hotel development across the continent.
