4Hoteliers
SEARCH
SHARE THIS PAGE
NEWSLETTERS
CONTACT US
SUBMIT CONTENT
ADVERTISING
In Focus: African hotel market update.
Thursday, 4th February 2016
Source : HVS

So another year has started, in what is an ever evolving and always exciting African Hotel Market and many will be looking for 2016 to offer better trading than 2015, but what is in store, what can we expect? 

2015 â€" Was it ALL Bad?

Before we look forward, it is interesting to look back. The hotel market is intrinsically linked to political and economic factors so rather than review just the hotel world it is important to cast our net further. In many ways it is easy to review the hotel market in isolation.

All the main international hoteliers, and many local operators are charging ac continent, keen to open as many hotels as possible. And who can blame them, with such a low base from which to grow, there is clearly demand for new hotels in almost every main city across the continent. 

In 2015 Accor announced a deal to open hotels in Angola alone and continue to be active in many other countries; Rezidor has already started 2016 by announcing the signing of a second Radisson hotel for Addis Ababa; Marriott, having taken Protea hotels under their wing are now merging Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Hilton announced several deals throughout the year, including their first Garden Inn properties in Nairobi and Gabaronne.

The list of exciting openings and projects continues, I am sure 2016 will add many more exciting hotel to the map. 

2015 had its challenges, but also unexpected bright spots. Elections in six countries towards the end of the year slowed economies, earlier in the year Nigeria had a change in power that went relatively smoothly and peacefully.

Overall political changes are proving to be positive with both the Nigerian and Tanzanian governments in particular making positive changes.

Long may it continue. 13 countries are scheduled to have presidential elections this year, although many are the small economic nations. In January 2016, the Egyptian parliament sat for the first time in almost four years, hopefully showing the country finally returning to normal. 

Terrorism, was again, unfortunately far too prevalent. On the positive side the trav advisories for the Kenyan coast were lifted, but alas attacks against tourists in Tunisia and Egypt will have deterred visitors to the continent. 

Similarly the attack in the Radisson Hotel in Mali was unforeseen and highlighted security concerns.

And 2016?

Confidence is everything. A year of growing confidence will be the New Year wish for many, but let’s remember we are in control of some of that confidence.

STR Global report 319 hotels, 60,713 rooms are under contract in Africa. This includes 27,790 rooms in 155 hotels under construction, a 35% increase year on year. 

The hotel industry continuing to grow is clearly positive, but adding positive political, economic and social commentary is crucial for the success of these hotels. 

The successful visit of President Obama and The Pope to East Africa will have been great marketing, the removal of travel advisories, and return of European guests to the Kenyan coast are no doubt linked. High profile and successful visits will boost confidence in the region.

Read the full story here.

 Latest News  (Click title to read article)




 Latest Articles  (Click title to read)




 Most Read Articles  (Click title to read)




~ Important Notice ~
Articles appearing on 4Hoteliers contain copyright material. They are meant for your personal use and may not be reproduced or redistributed. While 4Hoteliers makes every effort to ensure accuracy, we can not be held responsible for the content nor the views expressed, which may not necessarily be those of either the original author or 4Hoteliers or its agents.
© Copyright 4Hoteliers 2001-2024 ~ unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved.
You can read more about 4Hoteliers and our company here
Use of this web site is subject to our
terms & conditions of service and privacy policy