Gathering Of Industry Titans: Over 600 Delegates From 40+ Countries To Converge In Nairobi
Kenya is set to host the annual Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), the leading hospitality investment conference in Africa, from June 12-14, 2023 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill.
The conference will see over 600 representatives from more than 40 countries attend, including 75 leading industry speakers as they look at how best to drive investment in tourism, infrastructure and hotel development across the African continent.
Speaking ahead of the event, Tourism, Wildlife & Heritage Cabinet secretary Peninah Malonza said event offers a great opportunity for players in the hospitality industry to discuss how to ensure mutual recovery, growth, and development of tourism businesses in the continent.
“We are excited to host this prestigious forum that brings together stakeholders from across the region and beyond. This event will help us build capacity in our hospitality sector especially in light of the new opportunities that have been unlocked by various travel reforms. It also puts Kenya firmly back on track to becoming Africa’s most preferred destination for business events.
“As we welcome the delegates from across the world, we look forward to demonstrating our commitment to drive sustainable investments and development of the hospitality sector in Kenya. Additionally, it is a remarkable opportunity for Kenya and Africa as a whole to showcase our tourism potential, highlight investment opportunities, and forge partnerships that will drive economic growth and create jobs,” says CS Malonza.
Representatives from various sectors including hotel owners, top executives, government officials, bankers, consultants, and industry experts will come together to discuss key issues around investing in Africa’s hospitality landscape and how the continent can best leverage on key trends that have shaped the sector post pandemic including longer stay travel, remote working and increased focus on leisure travel.
On his part, KTB Ag. CEO John Chirchir says: “Kenya has been recognized as a global tourism destination with great potential for investment and growth. The importance of hosting this conference is huge as it will not only help the destination to showcase the best in our hospitality industry but also build up strong partnerships in order to boost our competitiveness in the region and position us as top-of-mind among investors so as to stay ahead of the curve in attracting new investment.”
AHIF will cover various topics including the global risks influencing Africa’s hospitality sector, achieving net-zero targets, alternative accommodation trends, financing the future of hospitality in Africa and navigating hotel development challenges and opportunities among other crucial agendas.
The conference comes at a time when the continent’s hotel and hospitality industry is displaying remarkable resilience and growth post pandemic. According to the 2023 Hotel and Hospitality Industry Confidence Index, participants are extremely bullish about the sector which, according to Statista, is expected to record an Average Annual Growth Rate of 8.68% for the next five years.
Voice of Hospitality
