The Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) (www.FutureHospitality.com/Africa) will return to Nairobi on 31 March – 1 April 2026, bringing together some of the most influential leaders shaping hospitality, tourism and investment across the continent. The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill.

As Africa’s hospitality sector continues to attract growing international attention and capital, FHS Africa provides a platform for high-level discussion on investment, development, destination strategy and operational performance. The Summit is designed for senior decision-makers, with a strong emphasis on partnerships, policy alignment and commercial outcomes.

Discussions around destination leadership and tourism growth will draw on insights from Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, while Ashish Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Serena Hotels Africa, and Rosco Wendover, Chief Executive Officer of Angama Group, will bring perspectives from operating and scaling hospitality brands across African markets.

The agenda will also focus on investment and development, informed by leaders such as Ewan Cameron, Director, Africa, Westmont Hospitality Group; Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director and CEO of CG Corp Global; Olivier Granet, Managing Partner and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Kasada Capital Management amongst other key investors, who will share insight into capital deployment, deal structures and investor priorities across the continent.

Broader themes around strategy, sustainability and long-term destination planning will be addressed through the expertise of Dr. Aradhana Khowala, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Aptamind Partners, while Mita Vohra, Board Director and Head of Sales, Marketing, Revenue and Distribution at Sarova Hotels, will contribute a commercial lens on revenue, distribution and brand performance.

Entrepreneurship and African brand growth will feature prominently, with Jameel Verjee, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CityBlue Hotels, sharing experience on building and scaling hospitality brands regionally. The programme will also include a global perspective on travel demand and destination perception from Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor at CBS News.

Commenting on FHS Africa’s programme, Roy Bannister, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Africa at The Bench, said: “The calibre of speakers and the level of sponsors participating is a testament to the quality of discussions at FHS Africa. Attendees operating in this sector cannot afford to miss this event – it’s where pipeline reports, economic analysis, data, and the most relevant industry discussions on finance, development, technology and sustainability come together. The insights and connections gained here are essential for anyone leading or investing in African hospitality.”

FHS Africa has established itself as a key meeting point for leaders shaping the future of hospitality on the continent, with previous editions generating significant business activity and long-term partnerships. The 2026 Summit is expected to build on this momentum, reinforcing Africa’s position as a priority market for hospitality investment and innovation. http://www.FutureHospitality.com/Africa

Marriott International, Inc. (www.Marriott.com) and V&A Waterfront Holdings today announced a signed agreement to open The Cape Town EDITION within the V&A Waterfront in 2026.  This milestone agreement is anticipated to mark the debut of EDITION Hotels in Africa, bringing its signature taste-making design, innovation, and consistent, excellent service to Cape Town.

Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International commented, “The signing of our first EDITION Hotel in Africa marks a significant milestone for the company’s growth strategy in the continent. Cape Town is a city that embodies creativity, diversity, and a dynamic spirit – qualities that align perfectly with the brand’s ethos. The V&A Waterfront is an iconic location, and we are confident that this project will set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the market.”

The Cape Town EDITION is expected to feature 142 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites and world-class dining experiences, including a signature rooftop bar, along with a spa, pool and meeting and event facilities. Plans also include thoughtfully curated social spaces that reflect the city’s rich heritage and cosmopolitan energy.

The project is also anticipated to include The Residences at The Cape Town EDITION.  Plans include six private residences that will embody the EDITION’s signature blend of contemporary luxury and refined simplicity, ushering in a new benchmark of luxury living in the city.

Shanghai based architectural firm Neri & Hu have been appointed to design The Cape Town EDITION and The Residences at The Cape Town EDITION, in collaboration with local architect and design firm StudioMAS. True to the EDITION brand, the project plans to deliver a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere, seamlessly blending modern, luxurious style with authentic local character.

David Green, Chief Executive Officer of the V&A Waterfront commented, “We are excited to be developing this architecturally stunning new building which will mark the launch of EDITION Hotels in Africa. Cape Town is privileged to join only a select number of markets in the world with an EDITION Hotel.  We are witnessing growing tourism demand in the city, and The Cape Town EDITION will offer guests a plethora of destination-led experiences and direct access to the world’s leading luxury retail brands, top-class restaurants, charter cruises and other incredible experiences.”

The Cape Town EDITION and The Residences at The Cape Town EDITION will be located at the iconic V&A Waterfront, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest working harbours and among the most visited destinations in Africa. Positioned at the edge of the planned Granger Bay development, the property will offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the City Bowl, and Cape Town’s most celebrated landmarks—Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. The V&A Waterfront features an array of attractions, including an Amphitheatre hosting year-round events, Battery Park, a world-class heliport, and extensive yacht berths with dedicated superyacht facilities, along with an array of dining and retail offerings. Guests and residents will also enjoy a newly developed public promenade along the water’s edge, providing seamless access to the vibrant destination.

The Cape Town EDITION and The Residences at The Cape Town EDITION’s prime location aims to provide travellers and residents with unrivalled access to Cape Town’s celebrated cultural, culinary, and natural attractions, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading global tourism destination.

Set along one of Cape Town’s most iconic stretches of coastline, Camps Bay is framed by the turquoise Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountains. The neighbourhood’s palm-lined promenade, sun-soaked beaches, and lively cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops offer a captivating mix of coastal serenity and city energy, providing the backdrop for the Morea House experience.

“Morea House is our first Autograph Collection property in Cape Town, and it reflects the city’s spirit at every turn,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “From the architecture and interiors to the sweeping views of the ocean and mountains, the hotel unfolds as a place to pause, explore, and connect with the Mother City and its people. Every detail invites guests to savour life’s pleasures, creating an experience that is personal, soulful, and exactly like nothing else.”

Inspired design rooted in nature

Brought to life by award-winning Cape Town interior architect Tristan du Plessis, Morea House is a celebration of contrasts, inspired by the exquisite beauty surrounding the hotel – bold and sculptural, yet softened by natural textures. Timber, stone, and bronze tones are layered with organic silhouettes, creating interiors that feel refined and inviting.

The 90 guestrooms and suites are an ode to their outlook, whether mountain, ocean, or sand, and are accented with bespoke furniture and tactile embellishments that reflect their surroundings. Public areas unfold as a sequence of sensory discoveries, from the expansive terrace to intimate corners showcasing works by South African artists. Contemporary in execution yet rooted in the city’s heritage, each detail is designed to evoke delight, foster connection, and nurture the spirit.

“When guests arrive, our intention is for them to feel as if they’ve discovered a sanctuary created just for them. We want them to leave restored, reconnected, and carrying with them the essence of this place,” says Albert Smit, General Manager of Morea House. “Whether our guests are seeking a romantic escape, a personal reset, or a base for exploring the Cape’s beaches, vineyards, and mountains, Morea House delivers a distinctive experience rooted in place, unlike anywhere else.”

Lebanese flavour meets South African flair

Morea House offers a variety of dining experiences. On the ground floor, OMRI offers modern Lebanese cuisine interpreted through South Africa’s coastal influences, using local ingredients and regional flavours. A beach-facing terrace and a welcoming indoor bar create an easy all-day setting, complemented by a considered selection of regional wines.

On the second floor, Morea House Pool Restaurant captures the essence of coastal living – laid-back yet sophisticated, with fresh, seasonal dishes in a serene poolside setting with sweeping ocean views. At sunset, it transforms into the perfect gathering place for golden-hour cocktails.

A few steps away is The Courtyard – a hidden enclave for quiet reflection, reading, or afternoon tea, while The Wine Room provides an intimate venue for private wine tastings and memorable gatherings.

Bespoke wellness experiences

Wellness is at the heart of Morea House, woven seamlessly into every moment – from daily rituals and dining to curated activities. Guests can embrace Cape Town’s vibrant outdoors with a dip in the pool, sunrise yoga, coastal walks, or guided mountain hikes. Its signature experience, a guided cold-water immersion in the Atlantic, awakens the senses and forges a profound connection to nature.

The Spa follows a holistic philosophy, designed to restore balance through multi-sensory experiences. Signature treatments include the Morea Elemental Flow, a grounding massage with aromatic fynbos oils, and the Morea Ocean Radiance, a head-to-toe ritual combining a thermal circuit with flowing bodywork and sound therapy for complete renewal.