This year’s event is set to be a defining moment for tourism investment
Leading players in tourism investment ecosystem are set to gather in Cape Town in South Africa on April 10 for the Africa Tourism Investment Conference, as part of WTM Africa, a leading travel trade fair.
In a press statement, the organisers of WTM Africa say that with significant investment directed toward new hotels, resorts, and infrastructure across Africa in 2025 this year’s event is set to be a defining moment for tourism investment. Backing that momentum, JLL Africa, a real estate consultancy, has come on board as the lead sponsor, reinforcing global investor confidence in the region’s growth potential.
The statement adds that industry leaders confirmed to attend include Anthony Leeming, CEO, Sun International, a leading hospitality player in South Africa, Hamza Farooqui, CEO, Millat Global Holdings, a leading investment and financial services firm, as well as top financiers from Nedbank and Kasada.
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“This is where investors gain the critical insights needed to navigate Africa’s hospitality landscape. We are not just talking about investment, we are equipping industry leaders with the knowledge to overcome challenges, secure financing, and make successful, high-impact investments in hotels, resorts, and infrastructure,” says Megan De Jager, RX Africa Portfolio Director.
The organisers say that this year’s speaker line-up reads like an investors’ power list. It says other key participants include Chris du Toit, Project Director, Tinley Leisure – Club Med, who is overseeing what is South Africa’s most exciting new resort, Anabel Bishop, Chief Economist, Investec, an Anglo-South African investment bank, Wayne Godwin, Co-CEO, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, a key player driving global hospitality deals in Africa, Tim Harris, CEO, Helm Growth, Amos Wekesa, a successful East African entrepreneur in the lodge, hotel, and safari industry, shaping regional tourism growth. Also attending are CEO and Chairman of SMIT, a key figure driving tourism investment and development in Morocco.
“This is the calibre of speaker you won’t find at any other African event. We are talking about people who’ve closed the deals from multiple perspectives,” adds De Jager.
Geordin Hill-Lewis
“Seeing the impressive programme of speakers confirmed for this year’s Africa Tourism Investment Conference, it is clear that this event means business and should not be missed,” said Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor, Cape Town.
“And, as the gateway into Southern Africa, and the region’s undisputed events capital, I am delighted that these important conversations will take place in the Mother City, in our world-class CTICC. We have only scratched the surface of Africa’s tourism potential, and I have no doubt that this conference will shift the sector into a higher gear. I wish all the visiting delegates a very productive Africa Tourism Investment Conference,” he adds.
According to the organisers, key sessions at the conference will focus on what it takes to unlock successful investments in African tourism today. One panel will tackle how investors assess risk versus return, breaking down exactly what financiers look for when backing new projects – from loan terms and equity stakes to branded operators’ impact on financing conditions. Another session will focus on the mechanics behind successful deals, with case studies from those who have led major acquisitions and developments across urban hotels and leisure destinations.
One of the most anticipated discussions will explore whether private safari lodges can become scalable investments – moving beyond boutique passion projects into structured asset classes that attract institutional funding.
Also on the cards is a fireside chat with Club Med that will offer exclusive insights into how they are structuring their highly anticipated Tinley Manor project, say the organisers.
“Tourism investment is accelerating. If you want access to real opportunities, and real decision-makers, you need to be here,” says De Jager.
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