Rising investment is helping fuel growth in Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry, with hundreds of new hotel developments underway across the continent.

According to Roy Bannister, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Africa at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa, the increase in hotel projects reflects growing confidence among investors in Africa’s expanding tourism market.

A new report by the W Hospitality Group shows that 675 hotels and resorts are currently in development across Africa. The study draws on data from 42 international hotel chains, many of which have signed management and franchise agreements for new projects.

Bannister explains that global brands such as Marriott International and Hilton are typically not the direct investors in these developments but instead provide management and branding services, while local and international investors finance the projects.

He notes that tourism in Africa is expanding faster than in many other regions, driven not only by leisure travel but also by business trips, conferences, diplomatic visits, aid work, religious travel and family visits.

–ChannelAfrica–