The forthcoming API Hospitality & Residences Forum 2024 will focus on leveraging Africa's distinctive allure to enhance tourism and stimulate economic development.


Africa's tourism industry is on the brink of a remarkable growth trajectory, with the potential to thrive through innovative strategies and substantial investments that leverage the continent's unique attractions.

In light of the significant transformations witnessed in recent years, Africa's allure for tourists has reached unprecedented heights. By implementing strategic initiatives, the continent can present an array of premier destinations that cater to modern travelers. The API Hospitality & Residences Forum serves as a crucial venue for Africa's hospitality sector, renowned for its networking opportunities, deal-making, and insightful discussions. Scheduled for 19 September 2024 at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town, this event coincides with the eagerly awaited two-day API Summit.


This year's API Summit, themed “Impact,” features industry leaders at the API Hospitality and Residences Forum who emphasize that unlocking Africa's tourism sector's full potential requires targeted investments, strategic collaborations, and strong public sector engagement. The API Hospitality & Residences Forum is designed to stimulate and support these essential developments.

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, will be among the distinguished speakers. "The pandemic had several profound effects on the tourism sector," Haddad reflects. "One of the most noticeable impacts has been the increased desire among travellers for domestic or regional trips, as well as nature-based or less crowded destinations. Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit from these trends.”

Citing the latest Chain Development Pipeline report by W Hospitality, Haddad notes a 20% growth in the number of hotel rooms in Africa since 2020, reaching a total of 92,134 rooms. “This growth indicates that the supply is expanding across the continent to meet the rising demand. We are also witnessing an increase in the quality and branded hotel supply in resort destinations such as Zanzibar and national parks like Serengeti and Mara. The global demand for nature and experiential experiences presents a significant opportunity for Africa, which has much to offer in this regard."

Haddad continues, "Investing in and fostering partnerships within the tourism sector is not just beneficial but essential for unlocking its full potential in Africa.”

These initiatives can result in extensive economic advancement, the generation of employment opportunities, and the encouragement of sustainable and inclusive growth. He underscores the importance of collaboration among governments, private sector entities, and international organizations in fostering these investments and partnerships, which are essential for the tourism industry to flourish and make a substantial impact on the continent's development.

Daniel Trappler, Senior Director – Development Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group (RHG)

Echoing this sentiment, Daniel Trappler, Senior Director – Development Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), who will also speak at the event, outlines RHG's strategic plans in the post-COVID landscape. "RHG plans to capitalise on growth opportunities in key value nodes such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar, and leisure offerings in the coastal and safari segments across Southern and Eastern Africa. Within these nodes lies the opportunity to increase RHG branded supply to meet the obvious growing demand.”

Trappler emphasizes RHG's strong desire to enhance its presence in the 5-star and luxury markets of Cape Town, which have consistently outperformed the market average, even with elevated rates. In Victoria Falls, RHG intends to mirror the achievements seen on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River by launching the premium Radisson brand in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

"We are actively seeking partners to bring our Radisson, Radisson Blu, or Radisson Collection brands to Zanzibar, given RHG's significant presence in Eastern Europe, the largest source market for Zanzibar," Trappler adds.

With the successful launch of the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, RHG aims to replicate this model across Southern and Eastern Africa. This strategic move targets both the international market and the regional market, recognizing the preference for shorter travel distances for tourism purposes.

“The group is developing resort offerings in various safari and coastal locations, including Masai Mara, Serengeti, the Kenyan coast, Seychelles, Mauritius and the wildlife territories in Namibia and Botswana."

Trappler emphasizes the vital importance of investment and the involvement of the public sector. He notes, "The impact of tourism on GDP is clear throughout the region. It is essential for both national and local governments to recognize the sector's potential to enhance GDP. In South Africa, where RHG aims to expand its portfolio significantly, we require greater engagement and support from the public sector in developing hotel and hospitality infrastructure."

He highlights the necessity for public sector initiatives to stimulate growth in this industry, especially in South Africa, where the sector is robust yet has the potential to contribute even more to GDP and job creation.

The API Hospitality & Residences Forum serves as a distinctive pan-African event that unites leaders and investors focused on hospitality with Africa’s foremost real estate community. Backed by major industry players such as Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, HTI Consulting, JLL, and Tui Blu, the forum provides an exceptional platform for business opportunities within the African hospitality sector.

With an anticipated attendance of over 500 leaders, including more than 250 hospitality representatives, over 75 hotel brands, operators, and owners, along with 35 speakers, the API Hospitality & Residences Forum stands as the premier assembly of Africa’s top hospitality professionals and consultants.