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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.”

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Dr Kin Kariisa

Group CEO - Next Media

Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

  • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
  • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
  • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
  • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.