Details have been revealed this week of Africa Hospitality Week 2018, which brings together the suppliers, buyers and thought leaders to South Africa from June 24-26.

With 63 million international arrivals in Africa last year, up 8 per cent year on year and larger than the world average, the hospitality sector is one of the continent’s biggest commercial successes – and it’s set to continue.

Global brands are opening new hotels in unprecedented numbers and 2017’s big hitters were Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, Pearl of Africa Hotel, Dubai-based luxury resort company One&Only, and America’s luxury chain Marriot. And that investment and growth is continuing in 2018.

African Hospitality Week 2018 brings together the world’s leading suppliers with more than 15,000 decision makers at Africa’s three key exhibitions:

• The Hotel Show Africa brings global exhibitors showcasing products across interiors, lighting and design, technology, security, catering equipment and more.
• Africa’s Big 7 is the continent’s leading food & beverage event since 2001 where visitors source new ingredients, finished products, processing, packaging and logistics solutions.
• And new for 2018, iHost is the showcase for suppliers of the innovative technologies & equipment for foodservice, catering and back of house operations.

“Hotel room numbers has been growing strongly thanks to increased investment, visitor numbers are up with a more than 70-percent occupancy across East, West and Southern Africa this year,” said Christine Davidson, Vice President of dmg events, organiser of Africa Hospitality Week 2018.

But the growth is not solely in the luxury sector, says Davidson: “Alongside new four and five-star hotels have seen, investors are turning their attention to mid-scale market development opportunities.”

Africa Hospitality Week 2018 includes two conferences which run over the three days bringing expert speakers and panelists from around the world to The Hospitality Leadership Forum and The Food Leadership Forum.

Africa Hospitality Week is supported by host partner South Africa Tourism and the leading industry associations including:

• Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa.
• Restaurant Association of South Africa
• World Association of Chefs’ Societies.
• Guest House Accommodation of South Africa
• National Accommodation Association of South Africa.

Discover more at www.africahospitalityweek.com