In today’s global village, there is increasing pressure for differentiation. There was a time when hotel chains prided themselves on the uniformity of their properties – “anywhere in the world, you’ll know that you’re in one of our hotels” – sure, but where in the world am I!

I have been travelling around various African capitals in recent months, and it strikes me that, whilst most developers are talking about constructing new 5 star hotels, they seem to be missing an opportunity in the market, that is the extended-stay hotel.  Many of the cities I visit are absolute naturals for this type of […]

I have been travelling around various African capitals in recent months, and it strikes me that, whilst most developers are talking about constructing new 5 star hotels, they seem to be missing an opportunity in the market, that is the extended-stay hotel.

I have written in previous editions about the interest that the international hotel chains are showing in Africa, seeking to expand their network in the face of increasing demand for hotel accommodation and other services.  So if there is so much increase in hotel development, why isn’t the map covered in hotel flags?  Progress is […]

I have written in previous editions about the interest that the international hotel chains are showing in Africa, seeking to expand their network in the face of increasing demand for hotel accommodation and other services.

I wrote last month about the “march of the chains” – how for the first time the international hotel companies are devoting serious resources to increasing their presence in Africa. Why? Because their presence here is still woefully inadequate, compared to the coverage they have achieved in most of the rest of the world. And […]