This event is a golden ticket for industry leaders to mingle, collaborate, and redefine the future of hospitality in Africa.

Marrakech – The 3rd edition of Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa will take place on December 4-5 this year  at the lavish JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai, GBB Venture announced today in a press release shared with Morocco World News.

Over 350 of Africa’s hospitality rock stars, including hoteliers, developers, and designers, gather to explore the latest trends and unlock exciting opportunities in the continent’s booming hospitality scene.

This event is not just another date on the calendar; it’s a strategic gathering at a pivotal moment for Africa’s hospitality sector, which is currently experiencing meteoric growth.

Africa’s hospitality boom

According to the press release, Africa’s hospitality sector is on fire! With market projections soaring from a sizzling US$12.10 billion in 2024 to a whopping US$14.83 billion by 2028, there’s no slowing down.

This growth is fueled by a pipeline of over 92,000 new hotel rooms across 41 countries. 

As Africa positions itself as a major player on the global stage, this summit is the perfect platform to tap into all this promising potential.

A networking nirvana

The 3rd edition of Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa is a game-changer for industry leaders, providing a unique platform to forge connections, collaborate, and explore new horizons.

This exclusive event hosts a by-invitation-only forum for decision-makers, ensuring that attendees engage in high-quality pre-matched meetings tailored to their needs.

Participants will have the chance to showcase pre-qualified projects and gain insights from global suppliers, enriching their perspectives.

Expect dynamic discussions spearheaded by industry experts, diving into the latest trends and innovations shaping the hospitality landscape.

To enhance networking, the summit harnesses cutting-edge AI-powered matchmaking technology, facilitating seamless interactions among relevant stakeholders.

Plus, the Exclusive Investor-Developer Roundtable offers a premium networking opportunity where investors and developers can examine pioneering hospitality projects, nurturing collaboration and propelling the sector forward.

Insightful discussions – What’s hot in investment?

One of the most eagerly awaited segments of the summit is a fireside chat focused on the investment climate across Africa. 

This engaging discussion will shine a light on the most promising opportunities and areas of concern, exploring the latest trends; what’s trending and what’s not, and offering strategies for investors looking to maximize their returns in this dynamic region.

Moderated by Turab Saleem, Partner and Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory Services at Knight Frank, this session will feature insights from distinguished speakers like Abbas Azzouzi, CEO of Experienciah, Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Investments, and Sydney Pierre, CEO of Hospitality & Conservation at Janus Continental Group, each sharing their expertise on navigating the continent’s evolving investment landscape.

The conversations will also extend to the importance of global partnerships and the collaboration between owners and operators. 

Esteemed industry figures, including Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President & Head of Development for the Middle East, India, and Africa at H World International; Karim Cheltout, Regional Vice President for Lodging Development at Marriott International; Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director of Sarovar Hotels and Director at Louvre Hotels India; and Mohamed Abudagher, Executive Director of Hospitality (Owner Representative) at Talaat Moustafa Holding Group, will take part in this dialogue.

This session will be moderated by Lee-Anne Singer, Partner at HVS, promising rich discussions that can pave the way for future collaborations and innovation within the hospitality sector.

“At GBB Venture, we believe that the future of African hospitality lies in fostering strong global partnerships,” stated Ravi Kumar Chandran, Managing Director of GBB Venture.

“Our Hospitality Innovation Summit is designed to bridge the gap between international expertise and local opportunities, creating a platform for collaboration and growth. By fostering dialogue between global expertise and local knowledge, we aim to spark partnerships that propel innovation and elevate African hospitality to new heights.” 

Designing authentic African hospitality

As Africa steps into its “Africa Rising” era, the continent is set to provide travelers with truly unique and unforgettable hospitality experiences.

A standout feature of the summit will be a captivating discussion on creating these one-of-a-kind African hospitality experiences.

Leading design experts, including Ira Sundukova and Olya Sundukova from S+S Studio, Dipo Adebo, Senior Partner and Principal Architect at DAA Architects Ltd., Diane Thorsen, Design Principal and Global Hospitality Lead at Gensler, Mardre Meyer, Creative Director at Source, and Shadi El Ghoneimi, Partner and Head of Design at El Ghoneimi, will come together for this engaging session, moderated by Tarek Hegazy, Principal and Creative Director at Living Design.

Additionally, the summit will feature an enlightening panel on the transformative impact of global partnerships within the African hospitality sector.

JS Anand, Founder and CEO of LEVA Hotels, alongside moderator Victor Oluwole, Head and Editor of Business Insider Africa, will examine how strategic planning, innovative design, and thoughtful procurement are revolutionizing the hospitality value chain.

The panelists will offer insights into how international collaborations are driving growth and fostering innovation, ultimately enriching Africa’s vibrant hospitality landscape.

GBB isn’t your typical business networking event. In fact, they’ve turned the traditional model upside down. 

Instead of simply gathering people in a room and hoping connections naturally unfold, GBB takes a proactive approach, making it their mission to connect event participants with pre-qualified, high-value opportunities from the start.

Through the 3rd edition of Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa serves as a vital platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and influence the future of hospitality on the continent.

With a keen emphasis on global partnerships, investment, and innovation, this summit is set to propel the growth and development of Africa’s hospitality sector into new heights.