Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

Brooke Friswold, Conservational Biologist at Bring the Elephant Home, shares a compelling vision for how conservation, science, and hospitality can work together to create sustainable ecotourism models. In this episode, she outlines efforts to rewild South Africa’s captive elephants, develop data-driven policies to protect elephant wellbeing, and launch immersive conservation tourism programs that fund research and uplift communities. Whether it’s community-led chili farming in Thailand or luxury lodges funding scientific initiatives in Africa, Brooke makes the case for a future where...

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

What does it take to build a hospitality brand rooted in African identity and driven by community impact? In this FHS Africa podcast episode, Matthew Weihs is joined by Tadiwos Belete, CEO and Founder of Kuriftu Resorts, to unpack his extraordinary story — from leaving Ethiopia as a teenage refugee to founding Boston Partners PLC and igniting tourism development in his home country. Tadiwos reflects on the challenges of returning to a market with decades of halted progress, and how he created a model where 83% of staff are the same people who built the resorts. He outlines his ambitious...

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Khalil Manji, CEO of CHIC, to explore the future of hospitality investment across Africa — with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other emerging markets. Khalil shares insights into why destinations like the DRC are becoming increasingly attractive to investors, the challenges of pioneering in untapped regions, and how strategic partnerships and local knowledge are critical for success. He also discusses the broader trends shaping Africa’s hospitality landscape, the evolving role of private capital, and what opportunities he...

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

With over 4,200 hotels across 100 destinations, BWH Hotels has transformed from a midscale brand into a global player covering everything from luxury to glamping. In this episode of the FHS Africa Podcast, we sit down with Ron Pohl, President of WorldHotels and Head of International Operations at BWH Hotels, to explore the group's evolving strategy. From expanding in Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil to the rise of independent hotels and the demand for experiential travel, we dive into the key trends shaping the future of hospitality. Ron also shares insights on how BWH balances brand standards...

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

In this episode of the FHS Africa Podcast, Matthew Weihs speaks with Wesam Okasha, Managing Director of TUI BLUE, about the brand’s ambitious expansion across Africa. With recent triple-branded developments in Kenya, a growing presence in Zanzibar and South Africa, and a focus on sustainable tourism, TUI BLUE is redefining hospitality across the continent. Wesam shares insights into the brand’s strategy, from integrated resort clusters to AI-powered operations and eco-friendly initiatives. 💡 Key takeaways: ✔️ TUI BLUE’s 1,000-room expansion in Kenya ✔️ The rise of luxury...

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

This AHIF podcast episode dives into Africa’s dynamic hospitality market with expert insights from political economist Daniel Silke. Hosted by Matthew Weiss, the discussion explores the continent's growth drivers, key market trends, and investment opportunities that are shaping Africa’s hospitality landscape. From economic resilience and demographic shifts to air connectivity and sustainable tourism, this conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the future of African hospitality. Tune in to understand why Africa is the next frontier for hospitality investment.

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

In this podcast, Matthew Weihs hosts Jameel Verjee, CEO of City Blue Hotels, and Claire Van Enk, founder of Farm to Feed, exploring their innovative partnership in tackling food waste and promoting sustainability across Africa. Claire introduces Farm to Feed's mission as a B2B marketplace for surplus produce, addressing significant food loss issues in Kenya. Jamil discusses City Blue Hotels' commitment to sustainability and their synergistic collaboration with Farm to Feed to integrate these practices into hospitality operations across East and West Africa. Together, they highlight their...

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

In this episode of the AHIF podcast, Wayne Godwin, co-CEO of JLL in Africa, provides a comprehensive overview of the hospitality investment landscape in Africa. He discusses the significant surge in transaction activity, surpassing 2019 levels, and highlights the growing interest in leisure properties across the continent. Wayne explores the opportunities and challenges facing investors, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach in navigating the market. From the impact of COVID-19 on development costs to the rise of branded residences, Wayne offers valuable insights and actionable...

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

This episode of the AHIF podcast features Erwan Garnier, Development Director for Africa at Radisson Hotel Group. Erwan discusses Radisson's extensive presence across the continent, with over 100 hotels operational or under development in 32 African countries. He highlights their strategic focus on key markets like Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt, while also pursuing opportunities in emerging markets. Erwan emphasizes the growing demand for serviced apartments and resorts alongside traditional business hotels. He underscores the importance of thorough due diligence, with a focus on...

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast

In this AHIF podcast episode, Matthew Weihs sits down with Wesam Okasha, Managing Director of TUI Blue, to delve into the brand's remarkable journey since its establishment in 2016. Okasha sheds light on TUI Blue's ambitious growth targets, surpassing expectations by opening 97 hotels in their initial three years. He discusses their strategic expansion into new markets, including Africa and Asia, highlighting their innovative approach to delivering authentic holiday experiences. Furthermore, Okasha emphasizes TUI Blue's unwavering commitment to sustainability, detailing their initiatives to...