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TRADE WINDS

Redefining Hospitality:

Trends, technologies and opportunities unpacked by leaders in the industry

he Hotel and Hospitality Expo opportunities; OTA versus direct booking hospitality in Africa. They’re followed by
Africa turns the African hospi- engines; personalisation and big data; Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance
Ttality conversation towards trans- the growth of the bleisure industry; and Officer and Acting Chief Marketing
formative action and the innovations, attracting investment. Officer, South African Tourism; Steven
conversations and changes needed to “AI is affecting every business, Louw, Chief Executive Officer, Steyn City;
redefine hospitality on the continent. The everywhere, and hospitality has an Brett Hendricks, Chief Executive Officer,
seventh edition of the expo could not opportunity to step forward and into its Motsamayi Tourism Group and Daphne
be better timed – the UNWTO World wave of innovation to create sustainable Kruijsse, Area Manager, Booking.com,
Tourism Barometer saw Africa recover change that affects personalisation, among many others. A full list of speakers
96% of pre-pandemic visitors in 2023 decision-making and growth,” says Peters. and the agenda can be found here.
with international tourism reaching “It is also one of multiple trends and The event is bolstered by the 2024
US$1.4 trillion and growth expected to shifts in customer need that’s shaping Advisory Board, which comprises a
exceed these numbers in 2024 the future of the sector. The African distinguished collective of industry
“The event provides thought leaders Hospitality Confidence Index 2024 found champions committed to creating a
with the opportunity to unpack core that 92% of customers fit into the bleisure substantive and well-rounded programme
challenges and concerns facing the category, 53% use dynamic pricing to for Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa.
sector today,” says Margaret Peters, Event optimise revenue, and 89% believe ESG This year, the Advisory Board is made up
Manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg is key to long-term success. Having of some of the leaders of industry - key
events. these conversations at HEA is critical to thought leaders and trend makers that
Key trends discussed at the event ensuring longevity for the industry as well include Neil Hughes, Managing Director
include: artificial intelligence (AI) as opening the doorway to opportunity.” at Providence Hospitality; Lee-Anne
and the role of emergent and relevant The speakers, thinkers and decision- Singer, Chairperson at FEDHASA Cape;
technologies; sustainability and social makers gathering to discuss the reality Glyn Taylor, CEO at Oasis Life; and Leoni
responsibility; driving tourism in of hospitality in Africa are some of Andereya, Curator at Radisson Red,
dollars and moving beyond the singular the leaders in future-forward thinking among many others. The Advisory Board
destination; unlocking new revenue and industry insights. Jeff Blackbeard, members are selected for their expertise
Director of Sectors and Markets at Moore across key areas that include Chief
Global, and Lee-Anne Singer, Marketing Operations Officers, General Managers,
and Sales Director at The Singer Group, Chefs, and Interiors. dw
lead the keynote address focusing on
exploring the churning landscape of www.thehotelshowafrica.com

10 Issue 278 • dw