API Hospitality Forum 2024: Shaping the Future of African Tourism
AFRICA’S TOURISM SECTOR IS POISED FOR GROWTH, DRIVEN BY INVESTMENTS, PARTNERSHIPS, AND INNOVATION. THE API HOSPITALITY FORUM 2024 WILL BE A CATALYST FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT.
Africa’s tourism sector is on the verge of significant growth, driven by smart strategies and strong investments. The API Hospitality & Residences Forum 2024 will explore how Africa’s unique appeal can drive tourism and economic growth. The forum, on September 19 at Cape Town’s Westin Hotel, promises to be a major event for Africa’s hospitality industry. This gathering will focus on impactful investments, strategic collaborations, and public sector engagement to unlock the continent’s full tourism potential.
The API Hospitality & Residences Forum is a premier pan-African event that unites top hospitality leaders and investors with Africa’s foremost real estate professionals. Sponsored by industry giants such as Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, HTI Consulting, JLL, and Tui Blu, this forum provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking and business development in African hospitality.
Expect a powerhouse gathering with over 500 leaders, including more than 250 hospitality delegates, 75+ hotel brands, operators, and owners, as well as 35 dynamic speakers. The API Hospitality & Residences Forum stands as the leading event for Africa’s hospitality professionals and consultants.
The summit’s theme this year, “Impact,” highlights the importance of maximizing Africa’s tourism sector for sustainable growth. The forum will aim to build partnerships to advance Africa’s tourism, boosting its appeal to travelers and investors.
Key Speakers At API Hospitality Forum 2024
Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, will be one of the key speakers at the event. He emphasizes that Africa’s tourism industry is perfectly positioned to benefit from recent travel trends. According to Haddad, the pandemic has shifted travelers’ preferences towards domestic and regional trips, as well as nature-based destinations. Africa, with its vast natural beauty and less crowded destinations, stands to gain immensely from these changes.
Haddad notes that the demand for hotel rooms in Africa has surged, with a 20% growth in hotel rooms since 2020. The total number of rooms now stands at 92,134, showcasing the continent’s growing capacity to meet rising demand. Resorts in destinations like Zanzibar and national parks such as Serengeti and Mara are seeing an increase in quality and branded hotels. Africa’s natural beauty and experiential offerings make it a prime destination for tourists seeking unique experiences.
Investing in Africa’s tourism sector and fostering partnerships are essential for unlocking its full potential. Haddad stresses that these efforts can lead to economic development, job creation, and sustainable growth. Governments, private sector players, and international organizations must collaborate to facilitate these investments and partnerships. By doing so, Africa’s tourism sector can thrive and contribute significantly to the continent’s overall development.
Daniel Trappler of Radisson Hotel Group echoes Haddad’s views, outlining RHG’s strategic plans for the post-COVID landscape. RHG aims to expand in key areas like Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Zanzibar. Trappler emphasizes that Africa’s natural attractions present a significant opportunity for growth, especially in the coastal and safari segments across Southern and Eastern Africa.
RHG’s Expansion Plans
RHG is keen on expanding its presence in Cape Town’s 5-star and luxury segments, which have consistently outperformed the market despite higher rates. Trappler highlights RHG’s plans to introduce the Radisson brand to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, following the success of their Zambezi River properties. RHG is also actively seeking partners to bring their brands, such as Radisson Blu and Radisson Collection, to Zanzibar, given the area’s strong demand from Eastern European travelers.
RHG’s new Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit has set the stage for similar developments across Southern and Eastern Africa. The group is focused on capturing both international and regional markets by developing resort offerings in safari and coastal locations, including Masai Mara, Serengeti, and the Kenyan coast. Trappler underscores the importance of investment and public sector involvement in these initiatives.
Public Sector’s Role in Boosting Tourism
The contribution of tourism to GDP is evident across Africa, but more needs to be done. Trappler stresses that national and local governments must recognize the tourism sector’s potential and actively contribute to its growth. In South Africa, RHG aims to double its portfolio, but this requires greater public sector involvement in developing hotels and hospitality infrastructure. By supporting these initiatives, governments can help tourism become a larger contributor to GDP and job creation.
The API Hospitality & Residences Forum will be a key event for Africa’s hospitality leaders and investors. Sponsored by industry giants like Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, and HTI Consulting, the forum offers an unparalleled platform for business in African hospitality. With over 500 leaders, 250 hospitality delegates, and 75 hotel brands expected to attend, the event will be the premier gathering of Africa’s top hospitality professionals.
