fbpx

Travel and Tourism

A positive 2023 outlook for Africa’s travel industry marketers

By our News Team | 2023

Sector must take advantage by finding fresh routes to traveller engagement and new ways of building customer experiences.

Travel and tourism industry marketers in Africa have been given a boost by the publication of a new study – the 2023 Hotel and Hospitality Industry Confidence Index – which paints a positive outlook for the local sector this year and in 2024.

Compiled by event organiser DMG Events and advisory firm Moore Global, the index indicates a faster post-pandemic recovery than anticipated.

Travel and Tourism

Photo Otsuka88 from Pixabay

This conclusion is based on input from hotel and hospitality industry personnel in 17 African countries. All said they were optimistic about business prospects, with almost 82% of respondents being positive about the next six months, while 90% felt encouraged about the sector’s outlook over the next one to two years.

“The survey paints a picture of a sector that’s largely positive in its outlook, and that’s looking to find fresh routes to traveller engagement and new ways of building traveller experiences,” says Evan Schiff, Portfolio Director at DMG Events.

Respondents to the study pointed to the potential for increased investment to bolster growth in the industry and leverage it effectively. Statista predicts a US$13.80-billion rise in hotel market revenue volume on the continent by 2027. 

Africa’s post-pandemic recovery is now on par 

An uptick in activity last year saw Africa move on par with the rest of the world in terms the pace of post-pandemic recovery, with North Africa leading the way on the continent for international tourism.

Among the expected industry trends in 2023 is that automation and intelligent technology will further shape the travel and tourism sector, enabling cost-cutting while at the same time providing exceptional service.

“Check-ins went digital, restaurant menus were accessed via QR code, and customers are happy – which is encouraging hoteliers to go even further,” notes Schiff. 

“Many apps that were once a ‘nice to have’, are now fully interactive and engaging pathways to customer engagement and interaction. This is one of the most exciting trends in the industry.”

But many challenges remain, including finding suitable staff to meet the increasing demand.

“Securing appropriately skilled staff in hospitality has proven to be a big challenge,” notes, Márton Takács, Global Sector Leader for Hotel and Leisure at Moore Global. 

“This, along with the rising costs of energy and reliable supply, construction costs and the impacts of inflationary pressures – which extend to tightening the discretionary income purse strings for travellers – have weighed heavily on the industry.”

Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing

Analysis finds social media used by less than 4% of people, while mobile phone connections are equivalent to less than 60% of Malawians.

Read More »
E-commerce

E-commerce

E-commerce giant is yet another tech company that is finding the market increasingly tough. It has already cut 18,000 jobs.

Read More »
Customer Data

Customer Data

Survey finds 60% of marketing leaders believe collecting customer data while balancing privacy and customer value is now more challenging.

Read More »
Consumer Health

Consumer Health

It is not sufficient for consumers to want to decrease sugar intake. Brands should offer appealing products that help reduce consumption.

Read More »
Influencers

INFLUENCERS

Some influencers, themselves sufferers of an ailment, give well-intentioned advice. Others are paid to do so. The consequences are concerning.

Read More »
AMC News

AMC News

High-level Chartered Marketer (Africa) programme equips marketers to operate successfully in the continent’s complex and diverse markets.

Read More »
Email marketing

Email Marketing

Analysis of more than 10-billion bulk emails sent over three years finds a ‘landscape fundamentally reshaped’ by events.

Read More »