Episode 72 : Wytze Van Den Berg, Vice President EMEA BWH Hotel Group®
Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast
Release Date: 05/26/2023
Transforming Congo: Hospitality, Investment, and Opportunity with CHIC
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...
info_outline
Episode 92: BWH's Global Footprint: Independent Hotels, New Markets, and the Future of Travel
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...
info_outline
Episode 91: Expanding Horizons: Tui Blue's Growth Strategy Across Africa
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...
info_outline
Episode 90: Navigating Africa’s Hospitality Market: Insights on Economic Shifts, Connectivity, and Investment
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.
info_outline
Episode 89: Jameel Verjee, CEO, CityBlue Hotels (a member of The Diar Group) & Claire van Enk, Founder / CEO, Farm to Feed
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...
info_outline
Episode 88: Wayne Godwin, Co-Chief Executive Officer, JLL Africa, Head, JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Africa
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...
info_outline
Episode 87: Erwan Garnier, Senior Director Development Africa, Radisson Hotel Group
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...
info_outline
Episode 86: Wesam Okasha, Managing Director | Board Member Head of Global Development Asia, Greater China & EMEA Regions, TUI BLUE Hotels LLC
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...
info_outline
Episode 85: Wytze Van den Berg, Vice President International Operations EMEA/ Vice President EMEA World Hotels, BWH Hotels,
Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast
Discussion with Wytze van den Berk, VP of International Operations for BWH, highlighting BWH's growth post-acquisition of World Hotels, expansion plans in Africa, diverse brand portfolio, and opportunities and challenges in the African market.
info_outline
Episode 84: Trevor Ward, Managing Director, W Hospitality Group
Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast
In the latest episode of the AHIF podcast, Matthew Weihs and Trevor Ward delve into the intricacies of Africa's hospitality market. With a focus on the annual Hotel Chain Development in Africa pipeline report, they explore the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the continent's hotel industry. From the surge in resort developments to the impact of currency devaluation on project viability, this conversation offers valuable insights for investors and industry players alike.
info_outlineBest Western's Strategic Approach to Growth and Expansion in Africa and Beyond
Best Western Hotel Group's recent acquisition of World Hotels and expansion into the luxury market is a reflection of their CEO's global growth strategy. With a goal of having 80 hotels in Africa by 2026, Best Western is actively working with existing hoteliers and owners to rebrand and expand their footprint on the continent.
Wytze Van Den Berg, the Vice President EMEA, explains how Best Western has integrated the World Hotels team into their own, adding experienced professionals in the upper upscale and luxury segments to their team. Best Western will continue to use all of their brand names for consumer marketing purposes, but for B2B sales, they will reach out to clients as BWH Hotels.
In addition to growth and expansion, Wytze also highlights the importance of cost savings and competitiveness in the industry. Rising labor, energy, and construction costs make it increasingly important to collectively source materials for construction and invest in technology to make distribution more economic. Operational cost savings through combined buying power also play a crucial role.
Best Western's strategic approach to growth and expansion in Africa and beyond is a reflection of their commitment to offering a wide range of options to keep customers loyal while remaining competitive in the current market. As the industry continues to evolve, Best Western is positioning itself for continued success and growth.