Rabat – GBB Venture is set to host the 3rd Edition of the Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa on December 4-5 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai.
The 3rd Edition of the Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa will bring together over 350 industry leaders, including hoteliers, developers, investors, architects, designers, and global experts, to explore new opportunities in the continent’s rapidly expanding hospitality market.
Africa’s hospitality sector is experiencing impressive growth. Driven by a pipeline of more than 92,000 new hotel rooms across 41 countries, it is projected to rise from $12.10 billion in 2024 to $14.83 billion by 2028. As the continent strengthens its position as a global hospitality hub, the summit offers a vital platform for tapping into this potential.
Global experts convene to shape Africa’s hospitality future
The event will feature an exclusive decision-makers forum, ensuring high-quality discussions and meetings. Attendees will also benefit from AI-powered matchmaking technology to facilitate efficient networking. In addition, an Investor-Developer Roundtable will provide a space for exploring groundbreaking hospitality projects and fostering strategic collaborations.
One of the key sessions at the summit will be a fireside chat focused on Africa’s investment climate, where speakers will discuss the most promising opportunities, challenges investors face, and strategies for maximizing returns in the region.
“The investment climate in Africa is unique, and understanding the local dynamics is essential for success. We need to focus on sustainable projects that can deliver long-term value,” said Turab Saleem, Partner & Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory Services at Knight Frank, who will moderate the discussion.
Speakers for the session include Abbas Azzouzi, CEO of Experienciah, Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Investments, and Sydney Pierre, CEO of Hospitality & Conservation at Janus Continental Group.
Another important discussion will focus on global partnerships and the relationship between hotel owners and operators. Leading figures such as Siegfried Nierhaus from H World International and Karim Cheltout from Marriott International will share their insights on how these partnerships are shaping the future of Africa’s hospitality sector.
“Effective partnerships are crucial in ensuring the growth of Africa’s hospitality industry,” said Cheltout, Regional Vice President – Lodging Development at Marriott International. The session will be moderated by Lee-Anne Singer, Partner at HVS.
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Another key discussion at the summit will explore how to create unique African hospitality experiences. Top design professionals, including Ira and Olya Sundukova of S+S Studio, Dipo Adebo of DAA Architects Ltd., and Diane Thorsen from Gensler, will examine how design can elevate Africa’s hospitality offerings. “Design is central to creating an authentic experience that reflects the diverse cultures of Africa,” said Sundukova, Principal Designer at S+S Studio.
In a session on transformative global partnerships, JS Anand, Founder & CEO of LEVA Hotels, will join moderator Victor Oluwole from Business Insider Africa to discuss how international collaborations are reshaping Africa’s hospitality sector. “Collaborations are essential in bringing innovative ideas and high standards to Africa’s growing hospitality market,” Anand stated.
Ravi Kumar Chandran, Managing Director of GBB Venture, shared his vision for the summit: “We believe that the future of African hospitality lies in fostering strong global partnerships. Our Hospitality Innovation Summit is designed to bridge the gap between international expertise and local opportunities, creating a platform for collaboration and growth. By fostering dialogue, we aim to spark partnerships that propel innovation and elevate African hospitality to new heights.”
With a clear focus on global partnerships, cutting-edge design, and investment-driven innovation, the 3rd Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa is set to be a game-changing event for industry leaders. It promises to spark new ideas and strategies that will shape the future of Africa’s hospitality sector, positioning the continent as a powerhouse of opportunity and creativity in the global market.
