Latest news with #hoteldevelopment
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's hospitality boom: Are we building fast enough?
Africa's hospitality sector is booming — but is development keeping up with demand? That was the key question tackled by a panel of industry leaders at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025, held from 17 to 19 June at The Westin Cape Town. Moderated by Ninon Lamothe, Africa Director at Voltere by Egis, the session Africa's Hospitality Boom: Is the Sector Growing Fast Enough to Meet Rising Demand? brought together Bani Haddad (founder and MD, Aleph Hospitality), Esteban Lozada (MD development North & West Africa, Hilton), Wytze van den Berg (VP EMEA, BWH Hotels) and Artur Gerber (CEO, TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts) to unpack the opportunities and challenges facing hotel growth on the continent. The discussion focused on the demand-supply gap in African hospitality markets, what kind of hotel developments make sense, and where the growth opportunities are. Is demand outpacing supply? "There's a lot of demand in Africa. I'm not sure if it's too much," says Wytze van den Berg. "But what we know is that by 2050, Africa will have 2.5 billion people. That's 30% of the planet's population — and you need more hotels for that." BWH Hotels is focusing on upgrading older hotels across African cities into modern three- and four-star properties. "Conversions are going much quicker than greenfield projects," he says, adding that many legacy hotels in Africa are being bought, renovated, and repositioned to better meet market demand. Bani Haddad agrees demand is real, but highly localised. 'Africa is a massive continent, not just in population but in diversity. There are cities where supply isn't coping with demand, and others where there's clearly no need for more rooms,' he says. 'You can't keep building upscale in Nairobi, for example. A long-stay, midscale product might make more sense now. We're not seeing enough lifestyle hotels either — and there's definitely a market for that." International and domestic drivers of demand Esteban Lozada outlines Hilton's dual approach to meeting both international and domestic demand. 'Africa has some fantastic leisure experiences, strategic business hubs, and ambitious tourism policies. In Ghana and Angola, for example, there's been a push for visa-free entry to boost tourism.' On the domestic side, he points to demographics. 'Sixty percent of Africa's population is under 25. In 10 years, more people will be entering the workforce in Africa than in the rest of the world combined. That means more purchasing power, a growing middle class, and rising local travel demand.' Lozada says Hilton plans to open 100 more hotels across Africa in the coming years, creating 18,000 jobs. TUI's long-term approach Artur Gerber highlights TUI's long history in Africa, particularly in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and now Zanzibar. "We're not only an operator — we're also an owner. So we're invested in the long term," he says. TUI's strategy focuses on creating clusters in each region, combining different hotel brands in one area. 'We've done it in Cape Verde — we opened one hotel 30 years ago and now there are 10–15 direct flights from Europe daily. We're doing the same in Senegal. That ecosystem approach works.' He adds that Africa's people are part of the draw. "If you ask guests what they remember most, it's not just the weather or food — it's that they felt welcome. That's what sets African hospitality apart." Development challenges remain Despite the optimism, panellists acknowledge the real roadblocks. "The number one issue is access to capital,' says Haddad. 'And even when you secure funding, getting the hotel open is another story. There's often a resistance to bringing in professional project teams early on. That lack of planning slows everything down." Gerber adds that supply chain issues and energy infrastructure are also major concerns. "We face cost increases, but we're still trying to install sustainable solutions — solar, water saving, waste management. These things cost more upfront, but they're necessary." He says operating hotels requires skilled staff, and training local teams has become a top priority for TUI. "We're rotating talent across our hotels in Africa and Europe. That knowledge exchange is part of our long-term investment." Key growth markets to watch According to panellists, the markets showing the most promise right now include: • Morocco and Egypt (Hilton and TUI both expanding) • Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria (West Africa remains strong) • Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania (East Africa development pipeline) • Angola (Hilton announced three new hotels) • Uganda (BWH bringing in its WorldHotels brand) Haddad also announced Aleph's takeover of 26 hotels under the Onomo brand, totalling 3,400 keys — and says Aleph is setting up a luxury division to manage its growing high-end portfolio. While the sector is expanding and operators are innovating to meet demand, challenges around capital, planning, and infrastructure mean the pace of development still struggles to fully keep up with the continent's rapid growth. "This continent is full of lifestyle, energy and vibe — it's underserved, but it's ready," he says. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Peachtree Group Celebrates Topping Out of Residence Inn by Marriott in San Antonio, Texas
ATLANTA & SAN ANTONIO, June 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Peachtree Group ("Peachtree") marked a major milestone in the construction of the 10-story, 171-room Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown San Antonio with a topping out ceremony, celebrating the completion of the building's structural phase Scheduled to open in the summer 2026, Residence Inn is being co-developed with Austin-based Merritt Development Group. The upscale extended-stay hotel will be owned by Peachtree and managed by its hospitality management division. "Reaching the topping out stage is a meaningful moment for any development," said Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO of Peachtree. "This Residence Inn reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, purpose-built hotels in markets where we see strong, long-term demand. San Antonio's blend of tourism, education and business activity makes it an ideal location for extended-stay lodging." Designed to meet the evolving needs of today's travelers, the Residence Inn will feature spacious studio suites with fully equipped kitchens, separate living and working areas and a curated collection of lifestyle amenities. Highlights include an on-site fitness center, flexible meeting rooms, inviting outdoor social spaces and a Starbucks accessible to guests and the surrounding community. The Residence Inn will offer guests direct access to San Antonio's top demand drivers, including the Riverwalk, the University of Texas at San Antonio's growing downtown campus and nearby corporate and government offices. The property is being developed within a Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ), reinforcing Peachtree's ongoing strategy to invest in underserved areas poised for growth. The firm is among the nation's most active hotel developers in QOZs, with nine hotels opened and another five, including this Residence Inn, currently under construction. "This project combines strong market fundamentals with meaningful community impact. We're proud to deliver an upscale extended-stay hotel to a fast-growing urban market while advancing our commitment to long-term economic growth in underserved areas," Friedman said. About Peachtree Group Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Charles Talbert678-823-7683ctalbert@
Irish Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Clarence Hotel set to nearly triple in size after appeal dropped
The operator of Dublin's Clarence Hotel is set to almost triple the hotel bedroom capacity of the former U2 -owned hotel, after an appeal against the plan was dropped. Aidan Crowe of Banta Restaurants Ltd withdrew a third party appeal at An Bord Pleanála against the Dublin City Council decision giving the green light to Keywell DAC to increase the number of hotel rooms from 58 to 162 and add an extra floor to The Clarence and adjoining Dollard House. Mr Crowe's Cleaver East restaurant is a tenant at the Clarence Hotel in Dublin's Temple Bar and An Bord Pleanála has now granted planning permission for the development following the appeal's withdrawal. Mr Crowe's appeal was before the board for 19 days. READ MORE Banta Restaurants stalled the redevelopment plan last month after initially lodging a letter of support for the project in December. In the letter of support, Banta Restaurants Ltd said that 'in our capacity as the licensee operator of the restaurant, Cleaver East, which is located within The Clarence Hotel, Banta Restaurants Ltd wishes to express full support for the proposed planning application for the development, extension and refurbishment works at the hotel'. Then last month, in a U-turn by Banta Restaurants Ltd, director at the firm Aidan Crowe lodged the third party appeal. Mr Crowe stated in his appeal that 'approving further tourist accommodation contributes to the gradual erosion of the city centre as a lived in space, undermining national and local policy objectives around compact growth and sustainable communities.' The planned hotel revamp includes Cleaver East becoming a contemporary music pub; replacing Roberta's Restaurant with a premium event facility; refurbishing and relaunching the Workman's Cellar as a premium event driven late night music venue and repositioning Anne's bar as a specialist bar. Keywell DAC is part of Lifestyle Hospitality Capital (LHC) and last year, LHC purchased a majority stake in the Dean Hotel Group, that included the boutique Clarence Hotel, from Press Up Group. The deal came only months after Bono, The Edge and Paddy McKillen Snr sold the Clarence hotel in October 2023 to the Dean Hotel Group. The deal ended Bono and The Edge's connection with the four-star hotel after more than three decades of ownership. However, the hotel continues to trade on its U2 association with the hotel website stating that the hotel is 'also known as the 'U2 Hotel' or 'Bono Hotel' in Dublin'.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egyptian government reviews ICON's development plan for 7 state-owned hotels
Egypt's Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly has reviewed development plans by the Arab Company for Hotel and Tourism Investments (ICON) for seven historic hotels, following the finalisation of a deal valued at up to $800m for a controlling stake in the portfolio. The Prime Minister held a meeting to follow up on the plans for the hotels, describing them as having significant cultural value and promising market potential. He affirmed the meeting's purpose was to track the implementation of development strategies in partnership with the private sector. 'We are following up on the development plans for these historic hotels to raise their operational efficiency and maximise the return from these tourism assets in partnership with the private sector,' Madbouly stated. The meeting was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, Minister of Public Business Sector Mohamed Shimy, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib, and Hisham Talaat Moustafa, CEO and Managing Director of Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (TMG). ICON, a subsidiary of TMG, has signed final agreements to acquire a 39% stake and full management rights in Legasi Hotels, a new company that owns the portfolio of seven hotels. The stake is set to increase to 51% within a specified contractual period, at which point the deal value will reach $800m. The acquisition will be financed through ICON's internal resources and a capital increase of $882.5m from an international strategic investor, who will acquire a minority stake in ICON. TMG will retain its majority stake in the company. TMG Holding has previously stated it expects revenues from the seven-hotel portfolio to double and exceed $250m by 2024. The hotels included in the portfolio are Marriott Mena House Cairo, Marriott Omar Khayyam Zamalek, Mövenpick Resort Aswan, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, Steigenberger Hotel Tahrir, and Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria. Cabinet spokesperson Mohamed El-Homsany said the meeting reviewed ICON's plans for the hotels, which were part of the state's public offering programme. The initiative aligns with the government's 'State Ownership Policy Document' to maximise the value of state-owned tourism assets. The spokesperson added that the ongoing development and modernisation work was discussed, which is part of a plan aimed at restoring the hotels while preserving their unique architectural and historic character. The efforts seek to enhance the properties' tourism value and attract a wider segment of tourists, supported by strong regional and global promotion. El-Homsany added that the presented plans reflected significant investments being channelled into the hotels. He noted that the current phase represents a major step in renovating the properties and improving services to meet international hospitality standards, with significant returns expected for the state and investors. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Hospitality Net
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens presence in Gujarat with the signing of Holiday Inn Ahmedabad
IHG®Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Atithi Gokul Hotel Inns Pvt Ltd (Part of AG Group, Ahmedabad) to develop a new hotel, "Holiday Inn Ahmedabad". Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2028, the hotel reflects IHG's strategy to expand its presence in high-potential markets across India, offering guests trusted, quality hospitality in key urban, commercial and leisure centers. Renowned globally with over 1,200 open hotels, IHG's Holiday Inn® brand has consistently evolved over the years to meet the needs of modern travellers. Known for its warm and welcoming service that helps guests make the most of their journey and its consistent offerings, the brand remains a preferred choice among both business and leisure travellers. The Holiday Inn brand family has received exceptional response in India and the latest signing reflects a great brand fit for travellers and owners alike. Holiday Inn Ahmedabad, the 150-key hotel will form part of Highline - a mixed use development comprising residential and commercial spaces. Positioned strategically along the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, will benefit from excellent connectivity to government institutions, educational hubs, corporate offices, and IT parks, making it an ideal choice for business and transient travellers visiting the city. Guests at the hotel will have access to well-appointed rooms and suites, three vibrant dining options including an All-Day Dining restaurant and Lobby Lounge, as well as a ballroom, fitness centre, swimming pool, and ample parking, delivering on the Holiday Inn brand promise of making travel more relaxed and enjoyable. Recognised as one of India's major commercial and manufacturing centres, Ahmedabad plays a crucial role in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petrochemicals, and automobiles. It is the second-largest cotton producer in India, a leading exporter of gems and jewellery, and the largest denim supplier in the country. As the state capital of Gujarat and the seventh-largest metropolis in India, Ahmedabad offers a vibrant mix of industry, culture, and commerce making it an ideal market for IHG's expansion. IHG® currently has 50 hotels operating across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, voco™ Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 63 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years. Hotel website
