The summit will bring together more than 450 investors, developers and hospitality leaders to assess property and tourism investment across East Africa
In a significant shift for East Africa’s tourism landscape, Kenya’s luxury hospitality sector is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by a surge in international visitors and economic stability. The upcoming East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit, scheduled for May 7–8 in Nairobi, will convene investors and industry leaders to explore emerging opportunities and address persistent challenges shaping the future of the region’s premium travel market.
In a press statement EAPI says that the summit will bring together more than 450 investors, developers and hospitality leaders to assess property and tourism investment across East Africa.
It adds that this year, the spotlight is on Kenya’s luxury hospitality sector, a fast-growing industry powered by international visitor arrivals, a stable economy, and expanding middle-class consumption.
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Kenya Tourism Board says that it has recorded a 35 pc increase in foreign tourists, with sustained interest in its urban centres and wildlife destinations.
It adds that Nairobi, a key economic hub, and the Masai Mara, a global safari hotspot, are leading the demand. The influx of leisure, corporate, MICE and government travel has drawn major players such as Aleph Hospitality, JLL Africa, Knight Frank, Radisson Hotel Group, and Marriott International.
Bani Haddad
According to statement while the market outlook is positive, challenges persist. Visa complexities, high operational costs, regulatory delays and financing constraints are slowing some developments.
It adds that solutions under discussion at the EAPI Summit include simplified visa and land processes, alternative financing models through public-private partnerships, and sustainability-focused luxury tourism.
The statement adds that operators are also prioritising personalised travel, eco-conscious resort design and infrastructure upgrades to meet evolving traveller expectations.
It adds that despite short-term pressures, experts agree that Kenya’s luxury hospitality sector is on a long-term growth path. With collaboration between government and private stakeholders, the country aims to establish itself as a premier destination for high-value tourism in Africa.
Mark Dunford
“Kenya presents a great opportunity for hospitality investment due to its unique combination of untapped potential, economic stability, strategic location, and government incentives. Add to that a 35 pc increase in international visitors and a growing middle class with disposable income. It is clear that the demand for quality hospitality services will continue to rise, offering promising opportunities for local and international investors,” says Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality.
“Jomo Kenyatta International Airport must remain a hub for Sub-Saharan Africa region with additional long-haul flights to support along with further investment in the other local airports. There are a number of issues facing the industry at present. The easiest of these issues to overcome would be the simplification of the visa/entry process to tangibly encourage visitors,” says Mark Dunford, CEO of Knight Frank Kenya.
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Fiona Craw, Vice President, Hotels & Hospitality Group at JLL Africa, notes that Kenya’s hospitality sector attracts significant investment, particularly in Nairobi and the Masai Mara area. This growth is driven by robust demand across sectors including corporate, leisure, MICE and government.
Daniel Trappler
“The ongoing infrastructure development in Kenya, especially in Nairobi, is enhancing accessibility and supporting the country’s efforts to establish itself as a leading MICE tourism destination. This strategic positioning is driving demand for high-quality accommodation and state-of-the-art meeting facilities,” says Craw.
“Kenya’s hospitality industry, while exhibiting resilience and growth, faces several challenges such as security concerns, regulatory hurdles, supply chain disruptions, and human resource challenges. The high cost of financing and inflation-driven operational costs further strain businesses,” says Haddad.
“For Kenya to solidify its position as a premier global investment destination, collaboration with government and private sectors is key to improving infrastructure and security. Streamlining land acquisition and development approvals will cut delays and costs, making business easier. Diversifying suppliers can ease supply chain issues while investing in talent retention will boost efficiency and service quality,” Haddad added.
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Jugal Khushalani
“There is indeed an oversupply of hotel rooms in some parts of urban Nairobi. However, there are specific nodes that still hold untapped value. With the right brand and strategic location, these areas could easily capture market share and attract guests, particularly in segments where Radisson Hotel Group is not yet operational. Investors with access to the right capital are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. Our entry-level luxury brand, Radisson Collection, and our lifestyle upscale brand, Radisson RED, offer strong return potential if developed in the right locations. We are actively looking to expand our presence in Nairobi,” says Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development, Sub-Sahara Africa, Radisson Hotel Group.
“There remains an increased appetite for high-end experiences in the market, positioning us to further expand our portfolio of luxury brands through urban hotels and safari lodges. Kenya is positioned for sustained growth across all segments, and we remain committed to growing our footprint in the country and supporting the growth of its tourism sector,” says Jugal Khushalani, Senior Director for Development in the East Africa region, Marriott International.
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