Source: The Star
A recent report by Africa Outlook predicts Africa will be the world’s second-fastest-growing tourism region in 2024, driven by a resurgence in travel and investment. To meet this demand, the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, in its 7th edition has undergone a transformation, is set to connect hospitality buyers with a wide range of global suppliers and brands.
“The all-new Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa is the ultimate destination for the hotel and hospitality sector in Africa,” says Margaret Peters, Event Manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg events.
“And as part of our commitment to providing more value to the African hospitality sector, the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa is excited to announce the launch of the interiors and fit-out sector within the main event, taking place in South Africa from 11–13 June 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre.”
The event will connect architects, interior designers, and hotel and hospitality buyers with suppliers and brands, enabling key players to source the widest range of global products, connect with industry leaders, and be inspired.
“Interiors and fit-out is a truly unique sector that showcases specialized parts of the interiors industry including lighting, furniture, furnishings, homeware, artisan products, textiles, office equipment, surface materials, hospitality interiors, and more, and is designed to foster meaningful business connections and inspiration. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that is as bold and dynamic as the African continent itself,” Peters adds. The Hospitality Boom: Hoteliers Talk About Leading Changes & Shaping Future Of Hospitality SectorUnmute
The latest African Hotel & Hospitality Confidence Index released earlier this year echoes the positive momentum of the industry, with 80% of hotel, bar, and restaurant operators, along with industry supplier respondents looking ahead with growing confidence and optimism.
Top trends include integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into hospitality operations, where the Confidence Index confirmed one in four businesses are using AI tools to enhance business. Trends like these will be high on the agenda at the event this year to capitalize on Africa’s growing population, where the emergence of a middle class and megacities will give rise to hospitality demand.
“With sustainability and technological transformation shaping the sector, the trends, services, and products that will determine Africa’s hospitality journey as a vibrant international destination will be uncovered at the Expo,” Peters says.
Nearly 3,000 trade visitors are expected at the Expo, with over 100 exhibitors from across the globe.
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