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By Author
Published on October 17, 2023
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), the continent's premier tourism and hotel investment conference. Scheduled from June 25 to June 27, 2024, AHIF is set to take place in the beautiful nation of Namibia. This conference attracts prominent international hotel owners, investors, financiers, management companies, and their advisors.
The event will be hosted at Namibia's Mövenpick and Mercure hotels, both of which underwent a complete renovation after being acquired in 2021 by a fund managed by Kasada Capital Management. This fund is a leading independent real estate private equity platform dedicated to the hospitality industry in Africa, and their investment is set to bring a fresh perspective to the hospitality scene in Namibia. Consequently, AHIF will proudly showcase the relaunch of these revitalized properties.
Delegates attending AHIF in 2024 are in for an exceptional experience, combining business with a touch of adventure. The weekend leading up to the conference will include various inspection trips to explore Namibia's top hospitality investment projects and tourism attractions. These include awe-inspiring desert landscapes, thrilling adventure sports, and unforgettable safaris where you can spot endangered black and white rhinos, antelopes, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, ostriches, and zebras.
These trips will be more than just educational; they will provide valuable networking opportunities. Delegates from AviaDev, Africa's premier airline route development conference, will also participate. AviaDev is scheduled at the same venue the week before AHIF, making it a strategic opportunity for networking with professionals from both industries.
In the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, Namibia's tourism sector experienced consistent growth. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, visitor numbers grew by an impressive 5% annually, from just under 1.2 million in 2012 to 1.6 million in 2019. However, the pandemic dealt a severe blow to the country's tourism industry, with visitor arrivals dropping below 200,000 in 2020.
Nangula Uaandja, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), expressed their excitement about hosting AHIF in 2024. They stated, "Securing the bid to host AHIF 2024 is not just a win for Namibia, but also an affirmation of our national potential. We are delighted to welcome the international hospitality investment community to explore the untapped investment potential of our tourism industry. Namibia is a strikingly beautiful country, with picturesque landscapes that are guaranteed to charm at first sight."
Moreover, Namibia is fully committed to attracting foreign investments that stimulate economic activity and job creation. The government's commitment is evident through their progressive regulatory and policy frameworks, a robust legal system, seamless profit repatriation, and an independent judiciary that safeguards the rights of all investors.
Olivier Granet, Managing Partner and CEO of Kasada Capital Management, expressed his pride in partnering with The Bench on AHIF 2024. He looks forward to welcoming guests to the newly refurbished Mövenpick and Mercure hotels. The extensive refurbishment of these hotel complexes and conference center reflects their strategy of enhancing the hospitality sector in key African cities.
Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, which organizes AHIF, shared his excitement about the upcoming event. He mentioned, "We are very excited that AHIF will, for the first time, go to a SADC country next year. Investing in Africa is all about uncovering and seizing new opportunities. To do that, one needs to expand one's horizons by going to different places, meeting new people, and exploring alternative scenarios. By scheduling AHIF and AviaDev on either side of a weekend in Windhoek and offering a selection of inspection trips for our delegates, we aim to do just that, along with providing unrivaled networking opportunities, a vital ingredient for any conference."
The Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Namibia promises not only insights into the hospitality investment sector but also unforgettable experiences exploring the natural grandeur of this stunning nation.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 12, 2025
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company, has continued its rapid expansion across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa (EMEA) in 2024. With 83 new contracts signed and over 50 hotels opened, the company has added more than 6,400 rooms to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in high-growth markets such as France, India, Spain, Türkiye, and Portugal.
This growth contributed to Wyndham’s 5% year-over-year increase in its global development pipeline, which now stands at a record 252,000 rooms worldwide. The EMEA region alone achieved 10% RevPAR growth, further demonstrating the strength of Wyndham’s brand portfolio and its commitment to supporting hotel owners through its Owner First™ approach to franchising.
"Wyndham's strong momentum in 2024 underscores the strength of our diverse brand portfolio and growing regional demand. We continue to strengthen our presence in key markets across EMEA while expanding into high-growth segments such as extended stay and branded residences. Our expansion in upscale segments, including Dolce by Wyndham in Europe, India, and the UAE, offers exciting opportunities for our business partners. As we grow, our focus remains on delivering long-term value through our Owner First strategies and providing exceptional experiences for travelers."
— Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham remains the largest international hotel company in Türkiye, with 120+ hotels across 40+ cities. Key 2024 openings include:
The Ramada by Wyndham brand continued its strategic expansion with notable 2024 openings, including:
Wyndham expanded its Ramada Encore brand across EMEA to cater to the growing midscale market. New openings in 2024 include:
Dolce by Wyndham, a leader in luxury and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hotels, continues to grow with two major openings:
Wyndham is bringing its Microtel by Wyndham brand to India in collaboration with NILE Hospitality. The brand will debut in 2025, with plans to open 40 Microtel hotels across Tier-2, 3, and 4 cities by 2031.
Wyndham is working with The Lakhani Group to launch new hotels, including:
Wyndham is set to launch multiple branded residences, including:
Wyndham’s growth is backed by its $325 million investment in next-gen property management systems and digital innovations. With a global network of 114 million enrolled Wyndham Rewards members, the company continues to drive occupancy and revenue for its franchisees.
As international tourism demand rises in 2025, Wyndham remains focused on strategic expansion, strengthening its presence in key markets, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Published on February 16, 2025
The Board of Directors of Avadh Sugar & Energy Limited (ASEL) (BSE: 540649 / NSE: AVADHSUGAR) and Magadh Sugar & Energy Limited (MSEL) (BSE: 540650 / NSE: MAGADSUGAR) took on record the unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024.
Q3FY25:
9MFY25:
“The sugar season 2024-25 has presented a mixed outlook, with challenges such as lower cane yields and lower recovery in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka affecting production. Despite these setbacks, we remain optimistic about long-term growth. However, rising production costs and stagnant ethanol prices call for timely policy adjustments.
At Avadh, we are focused on sustainable expansion, and with the upcoming completion of our crushing enhancement at the Hargaon unit for the 2025-26 season, we expect further value creation.”
“The industry is facing a decline in production due to lower cane availability and recovery, along with a shift toward ethanol. Despite these challenges, our ability to adapt and invest in expansion positions us well for long-term growth.
At Magadh, we are committed to sustainability and are enhancing our crushing capacity and implementing steam-saving measures at our Narkatiaganj unit, which is now operational for the 2024-25 crushing season. With the right policy support, the sugar industry can continue to play a crucial role in India's economy.”
Published on February 7, 2025
Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd. has announced its strongest quarter yet in Q3 FY25, marking a milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. With 18 consecutive quarters of profitability, Sterling’s performance in Q3 surpassed even its traditionally dominant Q1, thanks to strategic portfolio expansion that strengthened revenue streams beyond peak seasons.
The company reported a 12% YoY income growth, reaching ₹1,389 Mn. EBITDA increased by 14%, with a solid 38.8% EBITDA margin, while EBIT rose 13% YoY.
Sterling’s portfolio now spans 48 locations with 57 resorts, hotels, and retreats in the upper-mid to upper-upscale segments. Strengthening its footprint, the company added three new resorts in Q3:
Maintaining its rapid growth pace, Sterling has launched one resort per month for the past 18 months, with several more in the pipeline.
"Sterling has witnessed its strongest-ever quarter, a testament to our brand's growing preference among customers. A surge in holiday demand, coupled with our aggressive resort expansion, has fueled this success," said Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts.
Sterling’s food and beverage division has been another strong performer, recording a 20% YoY growth. The company attributes this to its enhanced dining experiences and a diverse range of culinary offerings across its properties.
Further strengthening its commitment to sustainability, Sterling has introduced Sterling Sankalp, an ESG initiative aimed at responsible tourism. The company has implemented key measures across several resorts, including:
On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, Sterling has achieved a 14% growth in income (₹3,842 Mn) and a 35% EBITDA margin, showcasing its sustained upward trajectory. With an expanding portfolio, a thriving food and beverage sector, and a strong focus on sustainability, Sterling continues to solidify its leadership in the hospitality industry.
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