Page 8 - Designing Ways 280

TRADE WINDS

Prioritising transformative action and innovation at the Hotel and

Hospitality Expo Africa 2024

t the 2024 edition of the Hotel and sustainability in hospitality and its Executive Officer, The Johannesburg

Hospitality Expo Africa, held influence on decision-making and Tourism Company.
Afrom June 11-13 at the Sandton strategy. As a recent article in Southern By supporting emerging businesses,
Convention Centre in Johannesburg, and East African Tourism Update particularly those black-owned and
transformative action and innovation emphasised, ‘consumers are travelling women-owned, we actively contribute to
took centre stage, redefining hospitality more thoughtfully and making conscious economic development and job creation.
across the continent. Featuring a diverse choices across the entire travel experience.’ This creates a ripple effect, leading to a
line-up of speakers and discussions, Another focal point of the show more progressive and prosperous industry
the Expo highlighted the importance was on the power of Small, Medium & for everyone – stakeholders, partners,
of sustainability, technology, and local Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to drive customers, and the entire community.
innovation in shaping the future of innovation and propel the hospitality On day one of Hotel and Hospitality
African hospitality, reaffirming it as the industry forward. Returning for its Expo Africa 2024, the opening keynote
premier platform for driving growth and third year, the Enterprise Development address on ‘Exploring the changing
excellence in the sector. Pavilion, sponsored by the Johannesburg landscape of hospitality in Africa’ featured
“The Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa Convention Centre, provided a dedicated Jeff Blackbeard, Director of Sectors and
connected brands and decision-makers, space for SMMEs to showcase their Markets, Moore Global. As Africa is set
proving once again that it’s so important cutting-edge products and services. “This to be the world’s second-fastest growing
to create a space where industry leaders platform links emerging businesses, region in 2024 for the travel and tourism
can share knowledge and prioritise especially black-owned and women- market, Blackbeard’s presentation
important topics such as sustainability,” owned enterprises, with key industry looked at the trends, sustainability and
said Margaret Peters, Event Manager at buyers, providing valuable exposure and technological transformations needed
dmg events. market access. Through this initiative, we to ensure Africa becomes a vibrant
Sustainability was one of the empower these businesses to flourish and international destination.
central conversation points at the shape the dynamic future of hospitality,” Also on day one was a panel discussion
event, unpacking the importance of said Thandubuhle Mgudlwa, Chief on ‘Unlocking opportunities – City

8 Issue 280 • dw