Rovos Rail – The perfect opportunity for a ‘bleisure’ trip
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Richard Moss
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19.02.18
30.09.19
The Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) is a leading conference bringing together vital leaders in international and local hospitality. Over 200 companies are represented at AHIF with the aim to drive investment into hotel development, infrastructure and tourism projects across Africa. The conference took place at the Sheraton Addis, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The AHIF ran between Monday the 23rd September until Wednesday the 25th. Here are our favourite top stories from the conference.
InterContinental Hotels Group signed an agreement with Aleph Hospitality to develop ten mid and upscale franchise hotels. The deal will see an expanded presence in Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria and Ghana. Crowne Plaza, voco, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites are all key brands to benefit from the growth. Aleph Hospitality are a hotel management company offering a results-driven method to most hotel management models.
Radisson have confirmed the signing of 11 new hotels in Africa. This brings the groups portfolio to almost 100 hotels and over 17,000 rooms in operation or under development across 32 African countries. The company also remain on track to exceed 130 hotels and 23,000 rooms by 2022. Radisson have two new openings in Africa before the year ends. Firstly, there is the groups third hotel in Kenya, due to open in October. Secondly is the Radisson Blu Hotel Casablanca in Morocco in November.
Accor have reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable tourism with the unveiling of the world’s first eco-lodge innovation hub by Mantis. The unique concept will launch in early 2020 at South Africa’s famous Mantis Founders Lodge. It aims to bring together conservation partners across the globe to showcase the future of eco-travel. The collaboration will see Mantis build five new room models including two tents, a pod, log cabin and a treehouse. Each will integrate the latest in green technology.
Aleph Hospitality enter the Tanzanian market with a new management agreement to operate two boutique resorts. Moja Tuu is an upscale resort featuring ten luxury beachfront villas with private infinity pools. Hakuna Majiwe is a 21 room midscale hideaway on a spectacular white beach. The management contracts of both resorts in Zanzibar are to take effect in October. This signing marks the Dubai based company’s continued expansion across the continent, with a portfolio now stretching five countries. Amit Ladwa, owner of both Tanzanian hotels, commented: “We have long sought an independent management partner who can bring world-class operational expertise and extensive regional knowledge to our assets. Aleph Hospitality is highly experienced, flexible and agile, and we are looking forward to seeing our hotels thrive with our new partner on board.”
Hilton announced the signing of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston at the AHIF. The hotel will benefit from 158 rooms in South Africa’s financial capital Sandton. As a mid-market property, this will join the flagship upscale Hilton Sandton, thereby offering additional choice for travellers in the popular district. With this deal Hilton mark a milestone 100 hotels in trading or development in Africa on their own centenary year. First guests are set to be welcomed by mid-2021.
Hotel giant Marriott reinforced their commitment to the continent at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum. Marriott expect to add up to 40 properties (over 8,000 rooms) across Africa by the end of 2023. These plans include growth for the luxury Marriott brands Ritz-Carlton and W hotels. Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and South Africa are all key locations fueling the expected growth. The total investment is forecast to reach $2 billion as well as generate 12,000 new jobs.
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