Hospitality Forum Targets Africa Headlong 

This year’s Africa Property Investment (API) Hospitality Forum takes place this October at the Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. API is Africa’s major meeting form of real estate industry  providing a fresh focus on the  broader African real estate and now adding an  important addition n- the  hospitality market.

The hospitality section will coincide with the API Summit, which is  the foremost real estate gathering in Africa, creating a prospect for professionals in both hospitality and real estate industries to connect to explore synergies and opportunities.

The event will introduce unique speakers from across the hospitality industry and connect investors, owners, funds, tour operators, hotel operators and more for a day of networking, content and deal-making.

Speakers will shine a light on the latest developments in diverse hospitality types from aparthotels to resorts, as well as venture into the realm of technology and explore its potential for the sector.

Fiona Craw, JLL’s Vice President – Hotels & Hospitality Group, Sub-Saharan Africa, reports that while JLL has seen a strong recovery in hotel demand globally, there is dislocated investor interest as a result of the high cost of capital.

“Capital for development will remain challenging to access in the short-term, with a significantly lower hotel pipeline anticipated across Africa. This will allow for a stronger performance narrative to emerge and potentially be the recalibration that the sector needs. Overall, the outlook for the region is promising, and platforms such as API are important to shine a spotlight on these opportunities,” said Craw.

Daniel Trappler, Senior Director, Development, Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We have always found the API Summit to be an essential gathering for us, offering a wealth of opportunities to network, exchange insights, and uncover new opportunities for growth across Africa. Given our steadfast dedication to the African continent, it is crucial for us to identify and nurture these opportunities, particularly within the hospitality industry.

“It has been truly inspiring to witness and contribute to API’s evolution from a real estate-centric focus to one that fully embraces the hospitality sector – which is why we are thrilled to see the establishment of this dedicated hospitality forum. We are eagerly anticipating a productive, fruitful event this year, with high hopes for even greater success in the years to come.”