REI Partners with GBB for successful 3rd edition of the Hospitality Innovation Summit at JW Marriott, Dubai

The 3rd edition of the Hospitality Innovation Summit (HIS), held at the JW Marriott in Dubai, proved to be an outstanding success, further cementing Africa's growing prominence in the global hospitality market.

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Hosted by GBB with REI as strategic partner the summit brought together key players from the hospitality, tourism, and investment sectors to discuss the evolving landscape of the African hotel industry and explore new opportunities for global partnerships.

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A Growing Market: Africa’s Hospitality Potential

Africa's hospitality sector is poised for significant growth. With the hotel market in Africa expected to rise from US$12.10bn in 2024 to US$14.83bn by 2028, the continent is attracting substantial investment. The region boasts an impressive pipeline of over 92,000 rooms across 524 hotels in 41 countries, setting the stage for a thriving hospitality market.

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As the global tourism industry is projected to hit a staggering US$731.4bn by 2032, Africa is emerging as a key growth region. HIS Africa provides a vital platform for industry leaders, hotel owners, and project developers to connect with innovative solution providers from around the world. The summit enables valuable partnerships that are transforming the African hospitality landscape, providing a pathway for local and international brands to collaborate and grow.

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REI’s Involvement: A Strategic Partnership Driving Change

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Neale Petersen, from REI, a strategic partner of the summit, played a pivotal role in moderating the popular and highly anticipated panel discussion on

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"Transforming African Hospitality with Global Partnerships"

The session focused on critical aspects of hospitality development, including planning, designing, procuring, and developing hotels in Africa. It brought together a distinguished group of experts from diverse regions, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Dubai, and the Middle East, all united by a shared vision for the future of African hospitality.

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Notable panelists included JS Anand, Founder & CEO of LEVA Hotels, Ezana Kirubel, Owner of Anyana Hospitality, Chike Ogeah, Managing Director of Mac-Folly Hospitality Ltd, Alban Mabille de Poncheville, Head of Business Development – Middle East & Africa at United Hospitality Management, and Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels. These thought leaders emphasized the immense potential of Africa as a hospitality hub, with a focus on local labor, services, and the importance of investment in training and education.

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Global Partnerships for Transformative Growth

The panel discussion highlighted the vital role that global partnerships play in Africa’s hospitality transformation. By sharing insights and experiences, the speakers underscored how collaboration across the value chain—from project planning to design, development, and procurement—can pave the way for successful hotel projects. The focus was on creating a sustainable and mutually beneficial ecosystem for hospitality growth, which includes empowering local communities and fostering talent development within the industry.

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Networking Opportunities: A Key Takeaway

The summit's networking sessions were a standout feature, providing attendees with the chance to connect with influential leaders and decision-makers. It was a prime opportunity for companies seeking to enter or expand in the African hospitality market. Ravi Cumar Chandran, CEO of GBB, reflected on the success of the event, stating that this summit was the most successful to date and that planning for the next edition is already underway.

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The Future of African Hospitality

With increasing international interest and investment in Africa’s hospitality sector, the future looks exceptionally bright. The HIS Africa summit served as a powerful reminder of the opportunities that lie ahead for businesses, investors, and hospitality operators. As the industry continues to evolve, Africa is poised to become one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, driven by innovation, global partnerships, and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.

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In conclusion, the 3rd Edition of the Hospitality Innovation Summit proved to be a milestone event, showcasing the power of collaboration and the immense potential of the African hospitality market. As the industry gears up for the future, REI’s involvement and the insights shared during the summit will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the next chapter of hospitality innovation in Africa.

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