Harnessing Africa’s unique appeal to boost tourism and economic growth will take centre stage at the upcoming API Hospitality & Residences Forum 2024

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa’s tourism sector is poised for an exciting ascent, and it has the potential to soar if it is propelled by visionary strategies and robust investments that harness the continent’s unparalleled tourist allure.

Amid the unprecedented changes of recent years, Africa’s tourist appeal is greater than ever. With the right steps, it can offer more top destinations for today’s tourists. The API Hospitality & Residences Forum is a pivotal platform for Africa’s hospitality industry that is legendary for its dealmaking, networking, and unique insights. It takes place on 19 September 2024 at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town on the first day of the highly anticipated two-day API Summit.

This year’s API Summit is themed “Impact”, and industry leaders speaking at the API Hospitality and Residences Forum highlight the key to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s tourism sector to foster sustainable growth and enhance the continent’s appeal to both travellers and investors includes focused investments, strategic partnerships and robust public sector involvement. The API Hospitality & Residence Forum sets the stage to catalyse and nurture these outcomes.

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, will be among the distinguished speakers. “The pandemic had several profound effects on the tourism sector,” Haddad reflects. “One of the most noticeable impacts has been the increased desire among travellers for domestic or regional trips, as well as nature-based or less crowded destinations. Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit from these trends.”

Citing the latest Chain Development Pipeline report by W Hospitality, Haddad notes a 20% growth in the number of hotel rooms in Africa since 2020, reaching a total of 92,134 rooms. “This growth indicates that the supply is expanding across the continent to meet the rising demand. We are also witnessing an increase in the quality and branded hotel supply in resort destinations such as Zanzibar and national parks like Serengeti and Mara. The global demand for nature and experiential experiences presents a significant opportunity for Africa, which has much to offer in this regard.”

Haddad continues, “Investing in and fostering partnerships within the tourism sector is not just beneficial but essential for unlocking its full potential in Africa.”

Such efforts can lead to comprehensive economic development, job creation, and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth. He emphasises that governments, private sector players, and international organisations all have crucial roles in facilitating these investments and partnerships to ensure the tourism sector thrives and significantly contributes to the continent’s development.

Echoing this sentiment, Daniel Trappler, Senior Director – Development Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), who will also speak at the event, outlines RHG’s strategic plans in the post-COVID landscape. “RHG plans to capitalise on growth opportunities in key value nodes such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar, and leisure offerings in the coastal and safari segments across Southern and Eastern Africa. Within these nodes lies the opportunity to increase RHG branded supply to meet the obvious growing demand.”

The global demand for nature and experiential experiences presents a significant opportunity for Africa, which has much to offer in this regard

Trappler highlights RHG’s eagerness to expand its footprint in Cape Town’s 5-star and luxury segments, which have consistently performed above the market average despite higher rates. In Victoria Falls, RHG aims to replicate the success of its Zambezi River’s Zambia side, planning to introduce the upscale Radisson brand to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

“We are actively seeking partners to bring our Radisson, Radisson Blu, or Radisson Collection brands to Zanzibar, given RHG’s significant presence in Eastern Europe, the largest source market for Zanzibar,” Trappler adds.

Since opening its new Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, RHG has set its sights on replicating the same model within Southern and Eastern Africa, capturing both the foreign market and the regional market, which prefers short travel distances for tourism needs.

“The group is developing resort offerings in various safari and coastal locations, including Masai Mara, Serengeti, the Kenyan coast, Seychelles, Mauritius and the wildlife territories in Namibia and Botswana.”

Trappler underscores the critical role of investment and public sector involvement. “The contribution of tourism to GDP is evident across the region. National and local governments need to increase their awareness of the sector’s potential contribution to GDP. In South Africa, where RHG aims to double its portfolio, we need to see more active interest and contributions from the public sector towards developing hotels and hospitality infrastructure.”

He stresses the need for public sector initiatives driving growth in this sector, particularly in South Africa, where the sector is strong but could be a much larger contributor to GDP and employment creation.

The API Hospitality & Residences Forum is a unique pan-African event that brings hospitality-focused leaders and investors together with Africa’s leading real estate community. Sponsored by industry giants like Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, HTI Consulting, JLL, and Tui Blu, the forum offers an unparalleled platform for doing business in African hospitality.

With over 500 leaders expected to attend the summit, including more than 250 hospitality delegates, in excess of 75 hotel brands, operators and owners, and 35 speakers, the API Hospitality & Residences Forum is the premier gathering of Africa’s leading hospitality professions and consultants.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

IHG will help support and fund Action Against Hunger’s nutrition programmes, with a specific focus on screening initiatives designed to spot early signs of malnutrition in children

IHG’s generous support will help advance our work to create a world where every life is well nourished

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, August 2, 2024/APO Group/ —

IHG Hotels & Resorts (www.IHG.com), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with global NGO Action Against Hunger (http://apo-opa.co/4dmuW7j) in support of its invaluable work to combat food insecurity and hunger for millions of people around the world. 

It’s estimated that one in three people globally are uncertain where their next meal is coming from, due to poverty, conflict, inefficient food systems and climate change. Through thousands of hotels in communities across more than 100 countries, IHG has long supported efforts to improve food security, alongside supporting disaster relief efforts and providing skills training, as part of a pledge to improve the lives of 30 million people in its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan.   

For decades, Action Against Hunger has been preventing, detecting and treating hunger, with its world-renowned screen, treat and sustain programme providing help across East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Asia, the Americas, Middle East and Europe. IHG will help support and fund Action Against Hunger’s nutrition programmes, with a specific focus on screening initiatives designed to spot early signs of malnutrition in children and provide potentially lifesaving treatment through local community outreach programmes. IHG will also seek to grow awareness of this critical issue with millions of guests around the world and give them the opportunity to donate IHG One Rewards points to the cause (https://apo-opa.co/3yd9z9b), starting today. For example, every 10,000 points donated is enough to screen approximately 124 children for malnutrition, an essential first step toward the care they need and on average, 7,500 points can support a malnourished child with nutritious food for six weeks and help bring them back to health.

Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said “Food sits at the heart of our hotels and hospitality, nourishing people and communities, and yet sadly we know it remains in desperately short supply for millions of people, despite enough being produced to feed everyone on the planet.  

This is a problem the world can solve if societies, organisations and businesses work together. IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to partner with Action Against Hunger on their life saving work, in addition to the many other long-standing partnerships we have with incredible charities in local markets. Collectively we want to help create lasting change in a world where people are nourished, always welcome, and always respected.”

Ashwini Kakkar, Chair, Action Against Hunger International Network, said, “While hunger is a widespread challenge, for the first time in human history, we have the ability to end chronic hunger for everyone, for good. Realising that vision will take bold action and we are grateful for IHG’s will, wisdom and leadership in advancing this vital cause. Hunger makes it harder for hundreds of millions of people around the world to learn, work, dream and realise their full potential. IHG’s generous support will help advance our work to create a world where every life is well nourished.”    

As part of IHG’s purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good, this work will complement existing partnerships IHG and its hotels have in many local markets that together aim to strengthen the food system in a community – from providing training and tools to reduce food waste, to diverting surplus food to those in need. Existing partnerships focused on food security for IHG include local foodbanks, No Kid Hungry in the US, OzHarvest in Australia and Too Good To Go in Europe.   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center provides guests with everything to ensure a balanced and comfortable stay

TUNIS, Tunisia, July 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is proud to announce its debut in Tunis with the opening of Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center (http://apo-opa.co/4cTxOrE). Nestled in the heart of Tunisia’s bustling capital city, Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center offers easy access to some of the city’s top attractions such as Al-Zaytuna Mosque, the city’s oldest mosque covering 5,000 square meters with nine entrances, and the ancient site of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once a thriving trading empire.

Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center is conveniently located a mere 14-minute drive from Tunis Carthage International Airport and a few steps from the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the central throughfare of the city. Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center is the perfect base for guests looking to exploring all that Tunis has to offer, whether it’s strolling along the charming streets of the historical Medina or learning about the city’s rich culture and heritage at Al-Zaytouna Mosque, Dar Lasram Palace, or the Tourbet el Bey Mausoleum.

Our Radisson brand aims to strike a balance between business and leisure, which is becoming increasingly important to travelers today

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in northern Africa and establish a foothold in Tunisia’s capital city, Tunis with our Radisson brand. The rapid expansion of our Radisson brand is a clear indication of the growing demand for a brand that prioritizes guests’ comfort and enables them to find more harmony in their travel experience. Our Radisson brand aims to strike a balance between business and leisure, which is becoming increasingly important to travelers today,” said Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa, and SEAP, Radisson Hotel Group.

With a range of 97 modern rooms and suites, from standard rooms to junior suites, each with cozy interiors, Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center provides guests with everything to ensure a balanced and comfortable stay. The hotel’s culinary offering includes international delicacies for lunch and dinner at the all-day-dining restaurant, The Wave, and a drinks and snacks at The Sand Rooftop Bar & Restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Tunis. Guests can also easily maintain their fitness routine in the on-site state-of-the-art fitness center.

“We are proud to offer guests everything they may need to have an enjoyable stay in Tunis, from the convenience of having key attractions within walking distance, to the availability of relaxing natural spaces, thoughtful details, and unexpected delights. Our team is committed to providing genuine hospitality and honest service, to ensure that Every Moment Matters,” concluded Cordon.

Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center boasts three elegant conference rooms that can be combined into one large venue, as well as three smaller meeting rooms, providing a total of 246 square meters of meeting space to accommodate up to 180 attendees. With plenty of natural daylight, the hotel’s meeting facilities are ideal for hosting both large celebrations and small business meetings. The latest audiovisual equipment, free Wi-Fi, and delightful catering solutions ensure every gathering is a success.

For more information and to book, click here: http://apo-opa.co/4cTxOrE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.