Hospitality & Tourism
Travel trends and top destinations for 2017
From flexible flights options to new off-the-beaten-track destinations, Cheapflights share their annual travel predictions for 2017 that travellers and the travel industry should keep an eye out for.
“Despite the uncertain global economic climate, people are still travelling and looking to explore less obvious places,” explained Andrew Shelton, managing director of Cheapflights.
“In addition to these trends, my belief is that portable travel search is set to be the biggest step change in travel. Increasingly, travellers can expect text alerts for airfare sales, to get a price from their favourite voice-based internet device, or find a flight through Facebook Messenger. We’ve launched Facebook chat, emoji, and drag and drop search functions this year, and now 60% of demand comes to us from portable devices. It really is a case of travel planning on the go,” he continued.
The top trends and destinations identified by Cheapflights include:
1. Pack light to take flight
Travellers have voted with their wallets, fuelling the growth of low-cost carriers and their “no-frills approach” and signaling the beginning of the end for all-inclusive airlines. They are becoming increasingly savvy about how to save money and how to choose the “perks” that matter enough to fork out added cash for.
Base airfares, already at a five-year low in 2016, will continue to drop as more airlines, like Delta airlines in the US, offer budget flight options on more and more routes. Locally, FlySafair travellers are offered well-priced flights but are charged for extras such as checking in bags and selecting their preferred seat pre-flight.
While such travel is still not for everyone, nostalgia for the “good old days” when airfares were all-inclusive will largely fade away, as people focus on getting where they want to go for less. Travellers looking to save on flight bookings in 2017 aim to travel with only hand luggage or is open to being allocated a seat on arrival instead of ahead of time, as some low-cost airlines charge to pre-book seats.
2. International travel on the rise
With both domestic and international airlines offering budget options even for overseas flights, international travel will be more accessible than ever.
Airlines such as Norwegian Air have introduced a narrow-body plane which the experts say results in greater fuel efficiency. Lower fuel costs help to keep airline costs low and, paired with concepts such as BYO entertainment, keep airfares in check.
With the help of major currency fluctuations, there is increased purchasing power in many popular markets for South Africans. Of course, there are some potential headwinds for South African travellers, such as the continuing effect of Brexit and uncertain political climates in major markets such as the US.
“Some will find the rise in nationalism in the political world as a reason to stay home. However, others will find travel as the antidote to the politics of the day, realising that there may be no better opportunity than the present to get out there and explore the world. Having said this, local destinations will continue to be attractive to South Africans, as an affordable option,” continued Shelton.
Top tip for South Africans for international travel – check out the non-direct routes to destinations. A few layovers not only allow a chance to explore more destinations on the bucket list but often result in cheaper fares.
3. Increased airport innovation and investment
Airport innovation and investment will continue globally, driven by increased complications at airports. Last year the US saw record-setting security and immigration lines at airports, and this is likely to increase once Donald Trump is inaugurated as president and if he implements further visa restrictions. Globally, much of the short-term improvements is funded by the airlines themselves, with United rolling out automated security screening lanes at hub airports to keep lines moving quicker and British Airways investing millions in its top US airports to refurbish check-in areas and lounges for a better passenger experience.
Other improvements to watch for include the rise in biometric-powered fast-tracked security screenings and personalised services, like food delivery to departure gates or print-your-own luggage tags.
South Africa also saw several air traffic navigation and baggage delivery system issues and increased flight delays at international airports around the country. This will be addressed at Cape Town International and OR Tambo International, both which will be expanding passenger terminals and upgrading facilities.
Locals can also look forward to cheaper local travel after the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) announced that they will be reducing passenger service charges, landing fees, and aircraft parking from April this year.
4. Portable travel search
Mobile technology has changed the face of travel planning and search. The evolution of online travel has extended well beyond the desktop and is now moving beyond the travel website. At the most basic, it’s the simple step of pulling out a phone for an impromptu vacation planning session over dinner. But increasingly, expect text alerts for fare sales and price drops, or to get a price from a voice-based internet device or through Facebook Messenger.
Coming soon: drag an online article about a team, festival or concert right into a search window and get the flight options for attending upcoming events right away.
5. Decline of the generic holiday
Travel as an experience in itself increasingly eclipses just the basics of getting away. Cheapflights has seen an uptake in people looking to travel with purpose and expects this to continue, including:
Living like a local – thanks to the popularity of homestay service like Airbnb, travellers can easily take up residence in a new city or a remote bit of countryside, whether for a few days, weeks, or months. This is giving rise to the search for a more personalised and “authentic” experience. Paired with services like local tour guide matching and at-home dining with locals, it’s far easier to get a full-immersion holiday anywhere in the world. These options add fuel to the growing solo travel market and make it easier to cut the ties to home, which is key to a digital detox experience. For the growing group of travellers motivated to deep dive into a culture, this holiday style is hard to beat.
Working vacation – while total immersion is one increasingly popular option, there is also a trend for combining work and travel in new ways. One is the so-called “bleisure” trip, combining both business and leisure, where extra time is added onto the trip and possibly an added destination or two to the work travel. Done right, this is the ultimate in multitasking – add another outfit or two to a bag and have work pick up the bulk of the travel tab. Another spin is the “have laptop, will travel” habit. For those who can work from anywhere in the world – an increasing phenomenon in today’s tech-driven, remote employee world – there’s no reason not to take work on the road. Look for more and more people exploring the world by working business hours for their day job and then exploring in their off hours.
Ecotourism – the ticking clocks of climate change and overdevelopment are getting louder and louder for many people, driving a sense of urgency for seeing destinations that are endangered and supporting tourism services that sustain vulnerable lands and species.
The other “green” tourism – with marijuana now legal or at least decriminalised in a growing number of places, expect to see a rise in this kind of “green” travel as well. The boom in pot tourism in Colorado, after the sale of recreational marijuana was legalised in 2012, underscores the pent-up demand. With places like Massachusetts, California, and Maine voting to legalise it later this year, and with Canada eyeing such a law at the national level, we can expect to see travel in this segment light up even more.
6. Hot international destinations on the rise
Cork, Ireland – Cork is a charming spot in Ireland to visit either as an extended layover or as a main destination. The most recent proof of the region’s allure is West Cork being claimed as the 2017 Great Town Award, naming it the best town in Britain and Ireland. Whether visitors prefer sights like churches, castles and old-world architecture, a bustling and scenic waterfront, or popping into pubs and fish and chips shops, Cork has everyone covered. A visit to Cork’s English Market, which dates back to 1788, is a feast for the senses. Acclaimed as one of the finest covered markets in Europe, Queen Elizabeth insisted on a stop here during her historic visit to Ireland in 2011.
Finland – with saunas, snow, the Northern Lights in winter, hiking, beaches, stunning scenery and cultured cities in the summer, Finland should be on everyone’s travel to-do list. This year may be the best year to visit, as it is their 100th birthday celebration, which runs throughout the year. Celebration spots include a giant snow castle, a snow restaurant, snow hotel and even a snow chapel. There’s also a wine festival with five 100th anniversary wines and a grand ball to mark the birthday itself.
Polynesia – if “Frozen” is any measure, even an animated movie can turn a remote location into a popular destination. Just as the “The Lord of the Rings” movies spiked interest in New Zealand, which played the role of Middle Earth, visits to Norway increased by 20% after Disney brought the winter wonderland of Scandinavia to life in “Frozen.”
Now the recently released “Moana” shines the spotlight on the incredibly scenic South Pacific, drawing inspiration from places like Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands. While this may not be the most accessible destination for travellers, there is expected to be a swelling tide of visits, first from fans and then from those who have learned more about Polynesia from the media attention.
Canada – all of Canada will be taking part in the country’s rolling 150th anniversary this year. Starting from New Year’s Eve, every event will be bigger and better; and every city and town will be getting in on the action with festivities and celebrations. Montreal will be doubling down on its celebrations, as 2017 also marks the city’s 375th anniversary. There will be 102 events throughout the city and the year, to be kicked off by lighting up the Expo 67 Biosphere. Look for everything from pop-up art galleries to seasonal festivals, and from neighbourhood celebrations to a concert featuring three orchestras and hundreds of performers. In a year when Canada is a hot spot for travel, Montreal looks to be a particularly big draw.
Mauritius – South African Airways increased the capacity of flights travelling from South Africa to Mauritius towards the end of last year. Mauritius remains one of the most popular island destinations for locals and internationals, and are refurbishing venues around the island, to meet the needs of the influx of visitors.
Cape Town – with some of the big-name movies filmed in the past in Cape Town, the city can expect to see a further influx of tourists mid-year, with another movie filmed in the Mother City. As the location for the filming of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, featuring renowned actor Matthew McConaughey, it will be no surprise that tourism numbers increase based on where the set of the movie was shot.
Source:bizcommunity
Young, upwardly mobile Africans are recognising that Residency and Citizenship by Investment Programmes can take them places. RIF Trust, part of the Latitude Group, are global experts leading the investment migration industry with their fingers to the pulse, tracking the latest developments. Here is a summary of the top programmes:
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes:
The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes are available in the Eastern Caribbean region. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia are the countries offering you the chance to invest in citizenship.
These Citizenship by Investment programmes give citizenship in return for a financial donation to the country’s economic development. Becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia enhances your global mobility, making it easier for you to visit destinations such as the UK and the European Schengen Area.
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis leaders came together virtually to sign a Memorandum of Agreement. There was no representative from St Lucia. The 4 Prime Ministers agreed to raise the Citizenship by Investment price threshold to be at a minimum of $200,000 by Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Currently, the minimum investment you can make in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St Lucia CBI is $100,000. To get Grenada Citizenship by Investment, you must make a capital outlay of at least $150,000. The minimum CBI threshold in St Kitts and Nevis, however, is $250,000.
Portugal Golden Visa:
Portugal is known for its high quality of life with stunning beaches, historic cities, and delicious cuisine, making it an outstanding place to visit or raise a family.
The Portugal Golden Visa programme offers you residency in Portugal. As the real estate option ended in 2023, the most popular route is through an investment of €500,000 in a Portuguese investment fund or venture capital fund.
The visa is valid for six years through renewals and is a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, assuming that you learn basic Portuguese. You must spend seven days in Portugal during the first year of residency and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period to maintain the visa.
It gives holders visa-free travel access to all 27 European Schengen countries. You can include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents over 55 years old as part of your application.
Spain Golden Visa:
Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations, with an ever-growing number of expats attracted to its appealing climate and laidback lifestyle.
The Spain Golden Visa programme offers Spanish residency via a minimum investment in real estate of €500,000. The visa is valid for 10 years and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship. It gives holders visa-free travel access to European Schengen countries.
Spain has a strong economy, excellent education and healthcare systems, and a rich cultural heritage. Popular sports and activities include football, golf, and beach activities, and Spain is known for its high-end gastronomy and fashionable nightlife. Living in Spain provides access to some of Europe’s most stylish cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, and stunning coastal regions.
Greek Golden Visa:
The Greece Golden Visa programme offers residency in Greece through a minimum investment in real estate of €250,000. The programme is one of the lowest-cost residency routes within the European Union (EU). It gives holders visa-free travel access throughout EU Schengen countries.
With this visa, you do not need to spend time in Greece, and you can include a spouse and biological or adopted children up to the age of 21 living within the family home in your application. Investing in real estate in Greece not only delivers you a Golden visa but also gets you to collect rent from any tenant you rent the property out to. The visa is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers non-EU citizens the chance to obtain permanent residency in Malta starting from a minimum capital outlay of €150,000.
The MPRP provides freedom of movement within the EU, including visa-free travel to the European Schengen countries. To qualify, you must either rent a property in the south of Malta or Gozo for a minimum of €10,000 per year or purchase a property for a minimum of €368,000.
This, along with access to Malta’s healthcare, education, and job opportunities and a tax-efficient system, makes the MPRP an alluring option if you’re looking to obtain permanent residency in Europe.
These are the top Residency and Citizenship by Investment options recommended for Africans in 2024 to access global opportunities and global mobility. If you would like to explore these programmes further, it is important to consult with an investment migration expert like RIF Trust. For further details, visit www.riftrust.com, call +234 (0)9123515849, or email nigeria@riftrust.com.
Nairobi’s infrastructure has grown significantly, sparking investment not only in the hospitality sector but broadly across all real estate asset classes.
Hospitality has bounced back remarkably after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as one of the best-performing asset classes in 2023. This resurgence is particularly notable in Nairobi. The strategic position of Kenya’s capital city serves as an East African hub for various industries, including corporate, government, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), embassies and tourism, which makes it an attractive destination for hospitality and residence brands. The increasing and diversifying demand for accommodation is creating meaningful opportunities for market expansion and business growth.
This buoyant view reflects the insights of the thought leaders who will explore opportunities in East Africa’s fastest growing and most resurgent sector at the 11th annual East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit Hospitality & Residences Forum on 17 and April 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum will cover key hospitality trends, from greening to financing, development, resorts, safari, and more, creating a crucial platform for stakeholders in the hospitality and residence sectors.
The event will convene at the landmark Radisson Blu Upperhill, which recently received an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency) rating, showcasing East Africa’s potential for sustainable and efficient hospitality development.
Radisson Hotel Group is the lead sponsor of the EAPI Hospitality Forum, and its Senior Director, Development – Sub-Sahara Africa, Daniel Trappler, is a guest speaker at the gathering. Looking at the hospitality market, Trappler reports that demand drivers are creating the need for accommodation in Nairobi — both short stay and long stay. “As demand continues to grow in all segments, this has balanced the influx of international and regional brands developing over the past decade, sidestepping the potential risk of oversupply. Hotel operators can continue to benefit from good business by operating hotels in the East African hub.”
Trappler highlights that hospitality is a key economic driver, employment creator and focal property type in regions throughout East Africa.
Fiona Craw, JLL’s Vice President Hotels & Hospitality Group, Sub-Saharan Africa, reports that JLL is seeing growing interest from investors, especially in markets such as Nairobi and Zanzibar. Craw also notes that private equity funds have been key in driving the transaction market in Nairobi over the past 48 months. “Hotels globally are emerging as a preferred asset class with global revenue per available room (RevPAR) recovering well, driven by strengthening urban performance. While the hospitality sector was the most severely affected by the pandemic, it has been one of the fastest asset classes to recover across Africa and East Africa.”
Even so, Craw points out that access to capital for hotel developments will remain challenging in the short term. The resultant significantly lower pipeline of new developments across the region has created a strong performance narrative for existing hotels. “This was evident in 2023 with the Nairobi hotel market achieving higher occupancies and average daily rates than in 2019 pre-pandemic,” says Craw, adding, “A key change driving demand is accessibility.”
Nairobi’s infrastructure has grown significantly, sparking investment not only in the hospitality sector but broadly across all real estate asset classes. A game changer for the Nairobi hotel market was the opening of the Express Way in 2022, creating ease of access between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Westlands, the key commercial hub. “As a result, hospitality brands have been increasing their presence over the years, with all the key operators and brands actively looking at expanding their portfolio not only in Nairobi but across secondary cities in Kenya,” reveals Craw.
This expansion is opening doors for development-focused regions to construct hotels designed and operated for high efficiency, resulting in utilities cost savings for owners, lower future regulatory capex requirements and better access to green funding. “Moreover, embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into hotel management agreements aligns the goals of the property owners and operators since investors and stakeholders are paying more attention to these aspects in the hospitality sector.” Africa is rapidly advancing in sustainable hotel practices.
Focusing on the short-term rental and residence sectors in Nairobi, Eleni Georgopoulou, Founder and CEO of YourHost Ltd, says demand is growing significantly, driven by factors such as economic growth, improved transport connectivity, the burgeoning middle class, and online booking platforms. “The likes of Airbnb, and VRBO have revolutionised the hospitality industry. People now have access to a wide range of accommodation options, including short-term rentals, making it more convenient and accessible to both domestic and international travellers.”
While demand is being met with adequate supply, and there are concerted efforts to continually improve the experiences at these properties, Georgopoulou notes that there is still room to do more. “It is crucial to ensure that there are enough properties to cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences to ensure customer satisfaction. Developers are actively constructing new properties and refurbishing existing ones to meet travellers’ changing preferences. They are introducing fresh, modern designs, prioritising and expanding their guest services, instilling guest confidence with robust security measures, embracing sustainability practices and green principles, and integrating smart technology to make stays seamless.”
Commenting on Radisson Hotel Group’s sponsorship of the event, Trappler says, “Radisson Hotel Group is proud to sponsor this year’s EAPI Hospitality Forum, which is a strong platform to display the growth of the market and further understand how its players are performing and evolving. As our group pushes more to enter both the Tanzania/Zanzibar and Ugandan markets, meeting players from these regions is hugely valuable, and not just those from the hospitality space, but also the larger real estate sector in general.”
JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today unveils its second property in Kenya with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi. Standing as the tallest hotel in the country with 35 stories in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi captures the essence of Kenya’s natural beauty and heritage, offering travellers a peaceful escape for the mind, body, and soul.
“As JW Marriott expands its presence in Africa, the brand enriches the region with a legacy of luxurious hospitality, seamlessly weaving together its dedication to holistic well-being and fostering meaningful connections throughout the continent,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands & Communications, Marriott International, Europe, Middle East & Africa. “JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi perfectly embodies the city’s contemporary yet mindful urban lifestyle. The property combines the warmth of African hospitality with serene spaces where guests can disconnect from distraction, focus on the present moment, and reconnect with what matters most to them.”
The hotel features 315 sophisticated guestrooms, five internationally-inspired dining destinations, a luxury Spa by JW, swimming pool, fitness center, and eight exceptional event spaces for gatherings and celebrations. An additional 51 spacious serviced apartments and a sky bar & lounge are slated to open later in the year.
An Urban Sanctuary – Bringing the Outdoors In
The hotel’s interior design is largely inspired by the beauty, heritage, and palette of Kenya’s great outdoors. Designed by George Wong, the property is inspired by the spirit and story of an African adventure, with an earth-toned colour palette of savannah browns, Maasai reds, cultural terracotta, and safari green incorporated throughout its spaces.
These aesthetic choices introduce a new echelon of luxury to the city, featuring intentional spaces that allow guests to connect with the essence of Africa, while enjoying the comforts of a modern urban hotel. Throughout the property a collection of unique works of art – from sculptures and handmade ceramics to wall murals and regional textiles – tell the story of the breathtaking Kenyan landscape.
The guest rooms and suites – including one Presidential Suite – offer guests a contemporary retreat to recharge and reset with breathtaking views of the city. Situated on the nine top-most floors of the high-rise tower, spacious serviced apartments will offer luxurious, exclusive experiences for long-stay guests and family groups in one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.
Mindful moments can be found at Spa by JW, which offers bespoke wellness experiences for guests during their stay, including customisable massages and beauty treatments to refresh and invigorate the body. Guests can maintain their daily routines at the state-of-the-art Fitness Center on the fifth floor, featuring a yoga studio, steam room, and an outdoor pool and terrace, offering an ideal space for ultimate relaxation.
Worldly Culinary Destinations
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi is home to a host of rich culinary experiences that elevate the city’s hospitality scene to new standards of sophistication, with the goal of creating special moments and fostering a deeper connection between guests and locals. All-day MIDI Café & Patisserie creates the ideal spot for quick breakfasts, light lunches, or afternoon coffee and cake, while Myna Restaurant showcases international cuisine with an African flair, serving sumptuous buffet-style breakfasts and family Sunday brunches, as well as lunches and dinner from its indoor and outdoor terrace setting.
Hudson Tavern Bar & Grill offers the ideal setting to relax while watching live sports, featuring an authentic grill house serving tapas, mezze, and classic American burgers. Fine dining in the capital city is enhanced with the arrival of Mughal, celebrating the esteemed cuisine and culture of the Mughal Empire. Guests can embark on a unique culinary journey immersed in sumptuous décor and stories reminiscent of a gracious, bygone era. The cocktail bar is a highlight, serving signature drinks and mocktails infused with Mughal ingredients and spices.
Slated to open later this year, Mr. Pang Sky Bar & Lounge, situated on the 31st floor of the hotel, is set to become the city’s evening hotspot, offering modern Pan-Asian cuisine and upscale mixology offerings across its indoor bar and lounge, outdoor terrace, and two private dining spaces, including a premium whiskey library.
Fostering Connections
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi offers over 1,700 square metres of exceptional meeting and event spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, catering to all occasions from corporate events and meetings to family gatherings and celebrations. The pillar-less Grand Ballroom, hosting up to 800 guests, is an inspirational venue for the city and can be adapted for a range of events including luxury weddings. The hotel also has a sustainable meeting program, which includes strategies for reducing waste, ensuring responsible waste management, and maintaining energy efficiency to reduce the carbon footprint of events.
“JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi takes pride in ushering in a new chapter of refinement to our capital city,” added Eben Nel, General Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi. “The property is perfectly situated for restful overnight stays for those visitors adventuring into the country’s magnificent game reserves. For those visiting the city for longer and needing to revitalize their souls by immersing themselves in nature, the tranquility of Nairobi National Park, the world’s only national park within a capital city, is just a short drive out of the Central Business District. We are thrilled to open our doors and offer a warm Kenyan welcome, world-class service, and generous hospitality to our guests.”
Westlands is a social and entertainment hotspot within close proximity to Nairobi’s Central Business District and a number of top local attractions, including Nairobi National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, Maasai Market, Bomas of Kenya, and Karura Forest, an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. The Nairobi expressway links the area to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive away.
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