More than 300 industry leaders are to gather next week at the inaugural Iran Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (IHTIC). H.E. Dr. Zahra Ahmadipour, Vice President - Head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), will open the conference alongside Ahmad Jamali, General Director for Foreign Investment at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance. Two days of panel discussions and thought leadership presentations by leading industry experts will follow, along with a unique chance to hear political leaders' views first-hand and opportunities to network with prominent investors, developers and operators.
According to the latest Euromonitor report "Travel in Iran", Iran is, without a doubt, the new up-and-coming tourism destination, and is likely to become the leading tourism market in the MENA region, provided that the infrastructure is able to develop and cope with changes. President Hassan Rouhani is determined to boost tourism and encourage foreign investment and the Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organisation is working on this hand in hand with local municipalities to attract more investors.
An increasing number of investors are eyeing the opportunities in Iran, however, there are still regulatory and red tape hurdles in the process. Dr. Saeed Shirkavand, Deputy of Planning and Investment at Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), will take to the stage next week to present investment opportunities in Iran.
The second day of the conference will be opened by Masoud Khansari, Chairman of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture and Mohsen Mehralizadeh, Chairman of the Tourism Committee at the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture. The opening session will be followed by "The Mayor's Den" in which Dr. Mehdi Jamalinejad, Mayor of Isfahan will discuss the role of Municipalities in the development process, with Dr. Mehdi Jahangiri, Chairman and CEO of Iran's Tourism Financial Group.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events and founder of IHTIC commented "The conference is looking set to be one of the region's most influential gatherings at which the focus will be on challenges and opportunities facing the hotel and tourism industry. The conference will stimulate dialogue between the public and private sector; showcase project opportunities and how to access the market and do business in Iran."
The Iran Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference will take place on February 7-8 at the Parsian Evin Hotel in Tehran. For more information visit www.iranian-conference.com.
About IHTIC
Organiser: Bench Events Founder Sponsor: Incubeemea Patron Sponsor: Atiyaeh Saba Investment Company and Link Me Global Platinum Sponsors: AccorHotels, Azimzadeh Carpet Co., Deutsche Hospitality, Ilio Italian Restaurant, Melia Hotels International, Rastin Tours Gold Sponsors: DSA Architects International, Eye of Persia, Louvre Hotels Group, Parsian International Hotels Co., Rotana, Sarcheshmeh, Shaza Hotels, TRI Hospitality Consulting, ZAS Group of Companies Exhibitors: Servotel and Superfrost.Education Partner: Modul University Dubai. Supporters: Euromonitor International, Hospitality Asset Managers Association, Investors Group Iran, Pacific Asia Travel Association, Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and Tehran International Tourism Exhibition.
ABOUT BENCH EVENTS
Global event organiser Bench Events has a long track record of delivering multiple premium hotel investment conferences and forums across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Market leading annual conferences include the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai, now in its 13th year, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) the new Asia Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (AHTIC), The Summit in London and the Latin American Hotel & Tourism Investment Conferences (SAHIC). Bench Events" extensive portfolio also includes the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) in Dubai and AviaDev, designed to promote the future air connectivity in Africa. Bench Events" mission is enabling prosperity by facilitating growth, networking, and thought leadership in the hospitality industry worldwide. www.benchevents.com
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Showing posts with label Africa Hotel Investment Forum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa Hotel Investment Forum. Show all posts
Saturday, 4 February 2017
Friday, 27 January 2017
AFRICA: Hotel Development On The Rise
The number of planned hotel rooms for 2016 in Africa has soared to 64,000 in 365 hotels, up almost 30% on the previous year, according to new figures from the annual W Hospitality Group Hotel Chain Development Pipeline Survey.
The increase is largely down to strong growth in sub-Saharan Africa, which is up 42.1% on 2015 and is significantly outstripping North Africa which achieved only a modest 7.5% pipeline increase this year.
A major shake-up in the rankings by country saw Angola, never before listed among the top 10, push Egypt out of second place, due to a major deal signed by AccorHotels in Angola.
The W Hospitality Group survey is published ahead of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), which is organized by Bench Events. The conference attracts all the major international hotel investors in Africa and is being held for the first time in Lomé, Togo on 21-22 June. A second AHIF will take place in Kigali, Rwanda on 4-6 October.
Trevor Ward, W Hospitality Group Managing Director, said: “The evidence from our survey is clear – investors remain confident about the future of the hospitality industry on the continent … Africa remains resilient.”
The IMF forecasts that economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa will increase by 4% this year and 4.7% in 2017, up from 3.5% in 2015. These forecasts are down from the 5-6% increase enjoyed over the past decade. However, Africa’s regional growth forecasts are way ahead those of mature economies, such as Europe, the USA and Japan.
Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of Bench Events, said: “Africa is still on the up. For business, trade and capital investment, the continent remains an attractive proposition, leading to continuing demand for accommodation and other hospitality services.”
The latest W Hospitality Group Hotel Chain Development Pipeline Survey is the eighth annual pipeline survey, widely recognized as the most authoritative source on hotel industry growth in Africa, particularly on revealing data on international chains signing new deals across the continent.
The 2016 survey provides a full picture of hotel development across the continent – 36 hotel chains and 86 brands with more than 64,000 rooms in 365 hotels.
In comparison to figures from the inaugural survey in 2009, it is clear that hotel development in Africa is making rapid advancements. In 2009, there were 19 international and regional hotel chains contributing, with a pipeline of 144 hotels and just under 30,000 rooms.
In the latest pipeline survey report, Nigeria and Angola dominate. In July last year, AccorHotels signed with AAA Activos LDA for the management of 50 hotels in Angola with around 6,200 rooms.
Across the continent, the north-south divide on hotel development continues. In 2011, the number of pipeline rooms in the five countries of North Africa was about 25 per cent higher than that in sub-Saharan Africa. Today, the number of pipeline rooms in North Africa is less than half the number in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Trevor Ward explained: “There are two reasons why development activity in North Africa is now somewhat subdued. Firstly, the markets there are more mature and have already seen much development, so there are fewer opportunities for new hotels. Secondly, there is the political turmoil – in Libya, which has seen a 40% drop in the pipeline, and also Egypt, parts of which are experiencing drastic reductions in the number of tourists.”
Nigeria remains the country with the most rooms in the pipeline, up 20% on 2015. Nigeria and Angola account for 17,782 rooms between them, almost 30% of the total pipeline.
Trevor Ward added: “If all those involved – the investors, chains, consultants and lenders – can bring these deals to fruition, the pipeline of the future will result in the much-needed expansion of Africa’s hotel industry.”
The 2016 survey will be discussed in detail at AHIF in Lomé in June. Matthew Weihs, said: “The 30% increase in the hotel development pipeline is astonishing and clearly demonstrates that Africa still has fantastic potential for further growth.”
The increase is largely down to strong growth in sub-Saharan Africa, which is up 42.1% on 2015 and is significantly outstripping North Africa which achieved only a modest 7.5% pipeline increase this year.
A major shake-up in the rankings by country saw Angola, never before listed among the top 10, push Egypt out of second place, due to a major deal signed by AccorHotels in Angola.
The W Hospitality Group survey is published ahead of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), which is organized by Bench Events. The conference attracts all the major international hotel investors in Africa and is being held for the first time in Lomé, Togo on 21-22 June. A second AHIF will take place in Kigali, Rwanda on 4-6 October.
Trevor Ward, W Hospitality Group Managing Director, said: “The evidence from our survey is clear – investors remain confident about the future of the hospitality industry on the continent … Africa remains resilient.”
The IMF forecasts that economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa will increase by 4% this year and 4.7% in 2017, up from 3.5% in 2015. These forecasts are down from the 5-6% increase enjoyed over the past decade. However, Africa’s regional growth forecasts are way ahead those of mature economies, such as Europe, the USA and Japan.
Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of Bench Events, said: “Africa is still on the up. For business, trade and capital investment, the continent remains an attractive proposition, leading to continuing demand for accommodation and other hospitality services.”
The latest W Hospitality Group Hotel Chain Development Pipeline Survey is the eighth annual pipeline survey, widely recognized as the most authoritative source on hotel industry growth in Africa, particularly on revealing data on international chains signing new deals across the continent.
The 2016 survey provides a full picture of hotel development across the continent – 36 hotel chains and 86 brands with more than 64,000 rooms in 365 hotels.
In comparison to figures from the inaugural survey in 2009, it is clear that hotel development in Africa is making rapid advancements. In 2009, there were 19 international and regional hotel chains contributing, with a pipeline of 144 hotels and just under 30,000 rooms.
In the latest pipeline survey report, Nigeria and Angola dominate. In July last year, AccorHotels signed with AAA Activos LDA for the management of 50 hotels in Angola with around 6,200 rooms.
Across the continent, the north-south divide on hotel development continues. In 2011, the number of pipeline rooms in the five countries of North Africa was about 25 per cent higher than that in sub-Saharan Africa. Today, the number of pipeline rooms in North Africa is less than half the number in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Trevor Ward explained: “There are two reasons why development activity in North Africa is now somewhat subdued. Firstly, the markets there are more mature and have already seen much development, so there are fewer opportunities for new hotels. Secondly, there is the political turmoil – in Libya, which has seen a 40% drop in the pipeline, and also Egypt, parts of which are experiencing drastic reductions in the number of tourists.”
Nigeria remains the country with the most rooms in the pipeline, up 20% on 2015. Nigeria and Angola account for 17,782 rooms between them, almost 30% of the total pipeline.
Trevor Ward added: “If all those involved – the investors, chains, consultants and lenders – can bring these deals to fruition, the pipeline of the future will result in the much-needed expansion of Africa’s hotel industry.”
The 2016 survey will be discussed in detail at AHIF in Lomé in June. Matthew Weihs, said: “The 30% increase in the hotel development pipeline is astonishing and clearly demonstrates that Africa still has fantastic potential for further growth.”
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
AFRICA: Hotel Development, Travel And Tourism Exanding In Africa
Strengthening of the rand against the pound and the dollar is unlikely to deter visitors to South Africa. Initial concerns that Brexit would stop Europeans from making long-haul trips have proved incorrect.
That all 10 of the leading markets for tourists to South Africa have shown substantial increases in the number of visitors, according to Stats SA's latest Tourism and Migration report, is good news. It reported that the number of tourists increased by 14% from 731 248 in August 2015 to 833 638 in August 2016. The number of overseas tourists has increased by 22.6% over the same period.
Tourists from the UK, the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, France, China, Italy, Australia, India and Spain (that showed a 51.5% rise in numbers to South Africa) comprised 75.2% of all tourists from overseas countries. That the United Kingdom had the smallest increase, with 10%, is probably down to the nervousness around Brexit.
Over the past few months we have highlighted how important it was for the South African government to change its Draconian visa requirements, especially for Chinese visitors, and are delighted that with conditions eased, there has been a whopping 66% year-on-year increase in the number of visitors to South Africa from China.
The South African visa regulations definitely caused problems that cost the country a small fortune. We have had clients from India, with the visas in their passports, having to wait four hours at OR Tambo; there were on average 11 people not allowed to board each flight from the United Kingdom to South Africa (including film star Idris Alba, who played Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom) last summer and with the introduction of new regulations in China, the number of visitors to SA dropped 40%.
However fantastic the destination may be, if you can't get there, tourists won't come. South Africa has so much to offer leisure and business tourists, but if it is easier to enter Kenya for a safari (which it now is) then potential travellers will choose Kenya over South Africa.
The Trump effect on tourism
Looking ahead, and putting aside his influence on the United States, how will a Donald Trump presidency impact on tourism in Africa?
Investors like certainty and as his will be a unique style of leadership, until we know what to expect from him, there is likely to be short-term uncertainty. This may well deter tourists from taking long haul trips and, as such, the number of high-spending American guests may fall. In the longer term, if he sticks with the policy of tax cuts he mentioned during his campaign, that could well increase the number of potential US visitors to the continent.
Hotel brands buoyant about Africa
The big hotel brands are demonstrating their confidence in the future of tourism in Africa. Rezidor announced at the recent THINC Africa Conference that they were on track to have 23 000 new rooms across the continent by 2020. They are opening five new hotels in Angola within the next 18 months.
THINC Africa also saw Marriott acknowledge the need for more hotels in Cape Town and they have announced the development of a 189-bedroom AC Hotel at The Yacht Club, Roggebaai as well as a 200-bedroom Marriott Hotel and a 150-bedroom Residence Inn by Marriott at Culemborg, which will be re-named Harbour Arch.
Tinley Manor, an exceptional location on the KZN North Coast, will be developed to create a world class beach resort destination, in close proximity to the King Shaka International Airport and only two hours from Big 5 game reserves. Two operators are close to agreeing terms and the developers are currently looking for investor partners.
While tour operators are cancelling trips to Ethiopia, where the tourism industry is under serious threat due to political unrest, there are other markets on the African continent that are now opening up and starting to develop their tourism potential.
There are seven countries in Africa without any branded hotels, including Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Eritrea, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger and Somalia. This is now starting to change, which is good news for Africa generally, as we are moving away from the typical 10 markets that everyone goes to and talks about.
Eritrea has huge tourism potential and HVS has been commissioned to prepare a feasibility study for Eritrea's first internationally branded hotel. With strong existing demand from commercial travellers and diaspora, and the potential to develop a prosperous tourism industry in this beautiful yet undiscovered country, the prospects for the hotel industry are exciting.
Currently tourism to Eritrea is mainly around mining and business, but the future of tourism there will be leisure-based. It offers beautiful Red Sea islands around the coast and great diving locations. Inaccessibility is still a problem and US-led sanctions will need to be dropped, but nevertheless the potential exists and is starting to develop.
The Mozambique Tourism Authority sent delegates to THINC Africa in Cape Town earlier this year, after which they invited me to speak at their conference in Maputo. Their government is now focused on tourism development. Mozambique is a popular destination for South Africans, although accessibility is still an issue that needs addressing. It offers stunning beaches with warm water and great diving. The joy of it being mostly inaccessible and remote means that the coral reefs are untouched and unspoilt.
Accessibility the issue
The accessibility issue is a chicken and egg situation – hotel brands need to be there to convince the government that it's worth spending the money, but the government needs to spend the money to convince them to come there, so it's an on-going challenge.
While tourism to Nigeria has fallen dramatically, Ghana recently introduced a policy of lower tax on aircraft fuel to incentivise long-haul flights to refuel in Accra. SAA and Ethiopian airlines are now stopping there to refuel on their way to the US and business tourism to Ghana is on the increase.
Tourism in Kenya is due to be the second largest producer of foreign revenue for 2016. There have been no reports of expected violence around the upcoming presidential election next year, which bodes well for tourism.
If the upcoming elections in both Ghana and Kenya take place peacefully, this will give business and the tourism industry the confidence to invest.
There is no shortage of opportunities and resources for development on the continent, but finding the right investor partners is crucial. I recently returned from the AHIF Rwanda (Africa Hotel Investment Forum) where I moderated two panel discussions.
The first was on Understanding the Criteria of Development Banks and the key message from this is they are open for business and ready to lend, but need partners who understand the hotel sector and have sufficient equity to invest and operate the hotel. The development banks have created knowledgeable teams so can identify good opportunities very quickly.
The second panel was on Owner/Operator Relationships. Again the key message was they are open to look at new opportunities across the continent, but need well-funded partners who understand the risks and roles of everyone in hotel development and ownership.
Quality of service
One of the challenges for tourism in Africa is the quality of service.
We are delighted that the South Africa's tourism department has committed to creating an enabling environment for skills transfer and capacity building. The language skills in South Africa give South Africans a head start over some of the other African countries, which, coupled with training and service skills, will deliver a great customer experience.
This is the reason we are launching HVS Executive Search in Africa, to provide general managers and fill corporate positions in the hospitality industry across the continent.
Despite some short-term challenges hoteliers of all sizes, both international and regional brands, are continuing their expansion and the long-term climate for hotel development and investment in both new and traditional markets remains sunny across Africa as a whole.
That all 10 of the leading markets for tourists to South Africa have shown substantial increases in the number of visitors, according to Stats SA's latest Tourism and Migration report, is good news. It reported that the number of tourists increased by 14% from 731 248 in August 2015 to 833 638 in August 2016. The number of overseas tourists has increased by 22.6% over the same period.
Tourists from the UK, the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, France, China, Italy, Australia, India and Spain (that showed a 51.5% rise in numbers to South Africa) comprised 75.2% of all tourists from overseas countries. That the United Kingdom had the smallest increase, with 10%, is probably down to the nervousness around Brexit.
Over the past few months we have highlighted how important it was for the South African government to change its Draconian visa requirements, especially for Chinese visitors, and are delighted that with conditions eased, there has been a whopping 66% year-on-year increase in the number of visitors to South Africa from China.
The South African visa regulations definitely caused problems that cost the country a small fortune. We have had clients from India, with the visas in their passports, having to wait four hours at OR Tambo; there were on average 11 people not allowed to board each flight from the United Kingdom to South Africa (including film star Idris Alba, who played Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom) last summer and with the introduction of new regulations in China, the number of visitors to SA dropped 40%.
However fantastic the destination may be, if you can't get there, tourists won't come. South Africa has so much to offer leisure and business tourists, but if it is easier to enter Kenya for a safari (which it now is) then potential travellers will choose Kenya over South Africa.
The Trump effect on tourism
Looking ahead, and putting aside his influence on the United States, how will a Donald Trump presidency impact on tourism in Africa?
Investors like certainty and as his will be a unique style of leadership, until we know what to expect from him, there is likely to be short-term uncertainty. This may well deter tourists from taking long haul trips and, as such, the number of high-spending American guests may fall. In the longer term, if he sticks with the policy of tax cuts he mentioned during his campaign, that could well increase the number of potential US visitors to the continent.
Hotel brands buoyant about Africa
The big hotel brands are demonstrating their confidence in the future of tourism in Africa. Rezidor announced at the recent THINC Africa Conference that they were on track to have 23 000 new rooms across the continent by 2020. They are opening five new hotels in Angola within the next 18 months.
THINC Africa also saw Marriott acknowledge the need for more hotels in Cape Town and they have announced the development of a 189-bedroom AC Hotel at The Yacht Club, Roggebaai as well as a 200-bedroom Marriott Hotel and a 150-bedroom Residence Inn by Marriott at Culemborg, which will be re-named Harbour Arch.
Tinley Manor, an exceptional location on the KZN North Coast, will be developed to create a world class beach resort destination, in close proximity to the King Shaka International Airport and only two hours from Big 5 game reserves. Two operators are close to agreeing terms and the developers are currently looking for investor partners.
While tour operators are cancelling trips to Ethiopia, where the tourism industry is under serious threat due to political unrest, there are other markets on the African continent that are now opening up and starting to develop their tourism potential.
There are seven countries in Africa without any branded hotels, including Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Eritrea, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger and Somalia. This is now starting to change, which is good news for Africa generally, as we are moving away from the typical 10 markets that everyone goes to and talks about.
Eritrea has huge tourism potential and HVS has been commissioned to prepare a feasibility study for Eritrea's first internationally branded hotel. With strong existing demand from commercial travellers and diaspora, and the potential to develop a prosperous tourism industry in this beautiful yet undiscovered country, the prospects for the hotel industry are exciting.
Currently tourism to Eritrea is mainly around mining and business, but the future of tourism there will be leisure-based. It offers beautiful Red Sea islands around the coast and great diving locations. Inaccessibility is still a problem and US-led sanctions will need to be dropped, but nevertheless the potential exists and is starting to develop.
The Mozambique Tourism Authority sent delegates to THINC Africa in Cape Town earlier this year, after which they invited me to speak at their conference in Maputo. Their government is now focused on tourism development. Mozambique is a popular destination for South Africans, although accessibility is still an issue that needs addressing. It offers stunning beaches with warm water and great diving. The joy of it being mostly inaccessible and remote means that the coral reefs are untouched and unspoilt.
Accessibility the issue
The accessibility issue is a chicken and egg situation – hotel brands need to be there to convince the government that it's worth spending the money, but the government needs to spend the money to convince them to come there, so it's an on-going challenge.
While tourism to Nigeria has fallen dramatically, Ghana recently introduced a policy of lower tax on aircraft fuel to incentivise long-haul flights to refuel in Accra. SAA and Ethiopian airlines are now stopping there to refuel on their way to the US and business tourism to Ghana is on the increase.
Tourism in Kenya is due to be the second largest producer of foreign revenue for 2016. There have been no reports of expected violence around the upcoming presidential election next year, which bodes well for tourism.
If the upcoming elections in both Ghana and Kenya take place peacefully, this will give business and the tourism industry the confidence to invest.
There is no shortage of opportunities and resources for development on the continent, but finding the right investor partners is crucial. I recently returned from the AHIF Rwanda (Africa Hotel Investment Forum) where I moderated two panel discussions.
The first was on Understanding the Criteria of Development Banks and the key message from this is they are open for business and ready to lend, but need partners who understand the hotel sector and have sufficient equity to invest and operate the hotel. The development banks have created knowledgeable teams so can identify good opportunities very quickly.
The second panel was on Owner/Operator Relationships. Again the key message was they are open to look at new opportunities across the continent, but need well-funded partners who understand the risks and roles of everyone in hotel development and ownership.
Quality of service
One of the challenges for tourism in Africa is the quality of service.
We are delighted that the South Africa's tourism department has committed to creating an enabling environment for skills transfer and capacity building. The language skills in South Africa give South Africans a head start over some of the other African countries, which, coupled with training and service skills, will deliver a great customer experience.
This is the reason we are launching HVS Executive Search in Africa, to provide general managers and fill corporate positions in the hospitality industry across the continent.
Despite some short-term challenges hoteliers of all sizes, both international and regional brands, are continuing their expansion and the long-term climate for hotel development and investment in both new and traditional markets remains sunny across Africa as a whole.
Friday, 29 July 2016
TOGO: Togo Tourism Investment
In the run-up to the first Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Lomé, the organiser, Bench Events, has praised Togo’s commitment to far-reaching infrastructure improvements destined to boost economic growth and transform the country into a strategic transport hub in west Africa.
Matthew Weihs, Bench Events managing director, said: “We’re very pleased to be hosting an additional AHIF in Togo at this decisive time, as the country embraces a number of important projects that will enhance its standing as a significant investment destination”.
Among the new projects are the newly-opened terminal at Lomé International Airport and the landmark Radisson Blu Hotel du 2 Février which will host the AHIF conference, as well as the major expansion of the capital’s sea port in the coming years.
AHIF conferences bring together high-profile, international investors, business leaders, government ministers and top officials from across Africa and will include the prime minister of Togo, Komi Sélom Klassou.
Weihs added: “We are looking forward to an exciting AHIF in Lomé.
“Togo has dynamic plans to develop and expand trade and tourism and AHIF will provide an excellent platform for delegates to discuss the way ahead.
“Our conference programme is packed with influential speakers who will share their insights on highly topical issues and we’re looking forward to some lively and enlightening discussions.”
Togo attracts a variety of visitors keen to explore its beautiful scenery and enjoy its tropical climate.
Figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council show that travel and tourism directly accounted for 3.1 per cent of total GDP in 2014 and was forecast to rise by six per cent in 2015, and by a further 2.2 per cent each year from 2015 to 2025.
Matthew Weihs, Bench Events managing director, said: “We’re very pleased to be hosting an additional AHIF in Togo at this decisive time, as the country embraces a number of important projects that will enhance its standing as a significant investment destination”.
Among the new projects are the newly-opened terminal at Lomé International Airport and the landmark Radisson Blu Hotel du 2 Février which will host the AHIF conference, as well as the major expansion of the capital’s sea port in the coming years.
AHIF conferences bring together high-profile, international investors, business leaders, government ministers and top officials from across Africa and will include the prime minister of Togo, Komi Sélom Klassou.
Weihs added: “We are looking forward to an exciting AHIF in Lomé.
“Togo has dynamic plans to develop and expand trade and tourism and AHIF will provide an excellent platform for delegates to discuss the way ahead.
“Our conference programme is packed with influential speakers who will share their insights on highly topical issues and we’re looking forward to some lively and enlightening discussions.”
Togo attracts a variety of visitors keen to explore its beautiful scenery and enjoy its tropical climate.
Figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council show that travel and tourism directly accounted for 3.1 per cent of total GDP in 2014 and was forecast to rise by six per cent in 2015, and by a further 2.2 per cent each year from 2015 to 2025.
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
Eastern African Hotel Investment Forum
It is now only six months to go until the annual Africa Hotel Investment Forum takes place at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Conference Centre in Kigali / Rwanda, alongside an aviation development conference, to add 'spice' and substance to the meeting. Follow the link below to sign up!
Key Topics announced for the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Rwanda.
Senior hotel investors, operators, developers, and advisors met in an inspiring and future focused advisory board event. The recommendations will form a key component in this year's Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) agenda and will look to explore:
The Development Process:
- A crash course on hotel development, what investors need to know to deliver their project on time and on budget and increase ROI.
- How owners can work together with the right industry experts to reduce costs and bring projects to completion in a timely manner.
Finance:
- Looking at one of the main challenges in hotel development - Raising capital. What the options are for finding funding for projects.
- Learning what the banks and financiers are looking for.
Security:
- Understanding the security risks in the current environment. Examining what is effective security and identifying the associated costs in providing it.
- How to adapt to unforeseen pandemics, terrorism attacks or other security crises, and protect yourself as well as your investment against risk.
Economic Outlook:
- The opportunities and risks in the midst of economic turbulence in the region. An outlook on the economic cycle, performance of commodities, oil prices, currency risk and dealing with devaluation, and diversifying economies.
Branding:
- Understanding why we need brands, and finding the right one for your product to maximise investment; local, international or created by the individual.
Key Topics announced for the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Rwanda.
Senior hotel investors, operators, developers, and advisors met in an inspiring and future focused advisory board event. The recommendations will form a key component in this year's Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) agenda and will look to explore:
The Development Process:
- A crash course on hotel development, what investors need to know to deliver their project on time and on budget and increase ROI.
- How owners can work together with the right industry experts to reduce costs and bring projects to completion in a timely manner.
Finance:
- Looking at one of the main challenges in hotel development - Raising capital. What the options are for finding funding for projects.
- Learning what the banks and financiers are looking for.
Security:
- Understanding the security risks in the current environment. Examining what is effective security and identifying the associated costs in providing it.
- How to adapt to unforeseen pandemics, terrorism attacks or other security crises, and protect yourself as well as your investment against risk.
Economic Outlook:
- The opportunities and risks in the midst of economic turbulence in the region. An outlook on the economic cycle, performance of commodities, oil prices, currency risk and dealing with devaluation, and diversifying economies.
Branding:
- Understanding why we need brands, and finding the right one for your product to maximise investment; local, international or created by the individual.
Monday, 18 April 2016
West African Hotel Investment Forum
The number of planned hotel rooms in Africa has soared to 64,000 in 365 hotels, up almost 30% on the previous year, according to new figures from the annual W Hospitality Group Hotel Chain Development Pipeline Survey.
The increase is largely down to strong growth in sub-Saharan Africa, which is up 42.1% on 2015 and is significantly outstripping North Africa which achieved only a modest 7.5% pipeline increase this year.
A major shake-up in the rankings by country saw Angola, never before listed among the top 10, push Egypt out of second place, due to a major deal there signed by AccorHotels.
The W Hospitality Group survey is published ahead of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), and will be discussed in detail at the conference by Trevor Ward, W Hospitality Group managing director.
AHIF attracts all the major international hotel investors in Africa and is being held for the first time in Lomé, Togo on 21-22 June. A second AHIF will also take place in Kigali.
Ahead of the AHIF in Kigali / Rwanda later in the year is the West African Hotel Investment Forum taking place in Lome, Togo from the 21st to the 22nd June. Don't miss it!
The increase is largely down to strong growth in sub-Saharan Africa, which is up 42.1% on 2015 and is significantly outstripping North Africa which achieved only a modest 7.5% pipeline increase this year.
A major shake-up in the rankings by country saw Angola, never before listed among the top 10, push Egypt out of second place, due to a major deal there signed by AccorHotels.
The W Hospitality Group survey is published ahead of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), and will be discussed in detail at the conference by Trevor Ward, W Hospitality Group managing director.
AHIF attracts all the major international hotel investors in Africa and is being held for the first time in Lomé, Togo on 21-22 June. A second AHIF will also take place in Kigali.
Ahead of the AHIF in Kigali / Rwanda later in the year is the West African Hotel Investment Forum taking place in Lome, Togo from the 21st to the 22nd June. Don't miss it!
Monday, 5 October 2015
RWANDA: To Host The Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) In 2016
The Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board, will host the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in 2016 in Kigali. AHIF brings together the leading international hotel investors in Africa with local operators, ministers, government officials and industry experts, to discuss all aspects of hotel investment and operation in Africa.
The decision to host AHIF in Kigali underlines a clear strategy by the Government of Rwanda to attract investment in the tourism sector. Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, said: “We see AHIF as an excellent platform to meet many of the most important decision makers and investors, who have the power collectively to influence investment in the hospitality industry in Africa. We are determined to build relationships and showcase Rwanda as the right place to do business and therefore we believe that hosting the event will create an opportunity for local hotel developers to forge partnerships with investors.”
In signing the agreement to bring AHIF 2016 to Kigali, all parties committed to pursuing five goals, which include:
Supporting hotel and infrastructure development within Rwanda and across Africa
Promoting Africa to the international hotel investor and operator community
Educating the hotel investment community about the tourism potential of Africa
Facilitating networking between African stakeholders and the international community
Supporting Rwanda’s ambition for growth through travel & tourism
In Africa as a whole, Travel & Tourism is seen as a highly attractive growth industry. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), it is responsible for 8.1% of GDP and it is forecast to rise at 4.9% per annum until 2025.
Similarly, Rwanda’s tourism sector continues to grow positioning itself as the leading foreign earner for the country. For the financial year 2013 to 2014, the sector registered a three per cent increase in the number of visitors to Rwanda. These numbers grew from 1.14million visitors to 1.2 million visitors also accounting for an increase in revenue from $293.4m in 2013 to $303m in 2014.
In Rwanda, leisure has been a major driver of Rwanda’s tourism industry. Currently, the country is focusing on Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibitions/Events (MICE) tourism, capitalising on safety, developed infrastructure, accessibility and new entrants in the hotel industry such as the Marriott, Radisson Blu, Radisson by Park Inn, Sheraton, Golden Tulip, Kempisnki and Zinc, amongst others. Hosting the AHIF will no doubt contribute growth of Rwanda as a leading MICE destination in the region. Later this year, Rwanda will host Interpol AGM, World Economic Forum on Africa in 2016 as well as Africa Union Summit in 2016.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events, the company that organises AHIF and other top international hotel investment conferences, said: “I know of at least three hotel projects in Rwanda that came about as a consequence of a conversation at AHIF.I have every confidence that the proactive approach that is being displayed by the Rwanda Development Board will pay off, as all the major hotel chains are seeking new opportunities in Africa – and one of the most crucial issues for them is to find public sector partners that are making a serious effort to speak their language.”
By moving to a different African city every couple of years, AHIF will help to showcase high-growth destinations across the continent as a whole. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events concluded: “The African economic growth story is becoming well-known. At around 5% per annum, it is a multiple of developed economies and that is appealing to the international business community.”
In 2014, the event took place in Addis Ababa and attracted over 500 participants from more than 40 countries who represented over 400 companies. AHIF ‘15 will again take place in Addis, at the Sheraton hotel on 30th September – 1st October, where the number of delegates is expected to increase substantially on last year.
Several networking contacts made at AHIF have since resulted in promising new business relationships and the event attracted considerable media attention, with around a hundred reporters in attendance from major local and international news organisations.
The decision to host AHIF in Kigali underlines a clear strategy by the Government of Rwanda to attract investment in the tourism sector. Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, said: “We see AHIF as an excellent platform to meet many of the most important decision makers and investors, who have the power collectively to influence investment in the hospitality industry in Africa. We are determined to build relationships and showcase Rwanda as the right place to do business and therefore we believe that hosting the event will create an opportunity for local hotel developers to forge partnerships with investors.”
In signing the agreement to bring AHIF 2016 to Kigali, all parties committed to pursuing five goals, which include:
Supporting hotel and infrastructure development within Rwanda and across Africa
Promoting Africa to the international hotel investor and operator community
Educating the hotel investment community about the tourism potential of Africa
Facilitating networking between African stakeholders and the international community
Supporting Rwanda’s ambition for growth through travel & tourism
In Africa as a whole, Travel & Tourism is seen as a highly attractive growth industry. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), it is responsible for 8.1% of GDP and it is forecast to rise at 4.9% per annum until 2025.
Similarly, Rwanda’s tourism sector continues to grow positioning itself as the leading foreign earner for the country. For the financial year 2013 to 2014, the sector registered a three per cent increase in the number of visitors to Rwanda. These numbers grew from 1.14million visitors to 1.2 million visitors also accounting for an increase in revenue from $293.4m in 2013 to $303m in 2014.
In Rwanda, leisure has been a major driver of Rwanda’s tourism industry. Currently, the country is focusing on Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibitions/Events (MICE) tourism, capitalising on safety, developed infrastructure, accessibility and new entrants in the hotel industry such as the Marriott, Radisson Blu, Radisson by Park Inn, Sheraton, Golden Tulip, Kempisnki and Zinc, amongst others. Hosting the AHIF will no doubt contribute growth of Rwanda as a leading MICE destination in the region. Later this year, Rwanda will host Interpol AGM, World Economic Forum on Africa in 2016 as well as Africa Union Summit in 2016.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events, the company that organises AHIF and other top international hotel investment conferences, said: “I know of at least three hotel projects in Rwanda that came about as a consequence of a conversation at AHIF.I have every confidence that the proactive approach that is being displayed by the Rwanda Development Board will pay off, as all the major hotel chains are seeking new opportunities in Africa – and one of the most crucial issues for them is to find public sector partners that are making a serious effort to speak their language.”
By moving to a different African city every couple of years, AHIF will help to showcase high-growth destinations across the continent as a whole. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events concluded: “The African economic growth story is becoming well-known. At around 5% per annum, it is a multiple of developed economies and that is appealing to the international business community.”
In 2014, the event took place in Addis Ababa and attracted over 500 participants from more than 40 countries who represented over 400 companies. AHIF ‘15 will again take place in Addis, at the Sheraton hotel on 30th September – 1st October, where the number of delegates is expected to increase substantially on last year.
Several networking contacts made at AHIF have since resulted in promising new business relationships and the event attracted considerable media attention, with around a hundred reporters in attendance from major local and international news organisations.
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