African investment opportunities and challenges in the spotlight in Sandton from 31 October to 2 November

The annual Hospitality Investment Conference Africa (HICA) hosted by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is being held at the Sandton Sun hotel in Johannesburg from 31 October to 2 November.

This year’s theme is: “Sustainable growth of Africa’s market share”. The programme includes two new features: “The investment kraal” and “Ask the experts at HICA”.

“The investment kraal” is an opportunity for small entrepreneurs to pitch their projects and ideas to industry experts, including bankers, investors and developers in attendance. “Ask the experts at HICA” provides a platform for delegates to ask the experts present questions pertaining to their specific businesses or experiences. Discussions will include a beginner’s session, how to structure management agreements, and project finance, among others.

The two main days of conference, 1 and 2 November, include a range of local and international speakers looking at investment in the conference from a number of different aspects. Panel discussions, breakaway sessions and networking breaks encourage interaction between delegates.

The conference will tackle the difficult hospitality and tourism industry conditions that have prevailed during the past few years of recession, and provide insight into how to conduct business during tough times and during a downturn.

Other topics include: identifying gaps in the market; return on investment analysis; macro-economic outlook; environmental issues and eco-tourism; pricing and revenue management; conversions versus new builds; Zimbabwe; structuring partnerships; opportunities post-2010 Fifa World Cup; and creating reliable hospitality statistics.

Sightseeing trips and tours have been arranged for delegates and HICA awards will be made during the conference in four categories: Best New Hotel Investment; Best New Non-Hotel Accommodation Investment; Upcoming Industry ‘Mover and Shaker’; and Excellence in Travel and Tourism Reporting.

Sponsors to date include: the Department of Tourism, FNB, The Rezidor Hotel Group, Pam Golding Properties and Grant Thornton. Current supporters of the event include: World Travel & Tourism Council, UNWTO, Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa and the Department of Trade and Industry.

For more information, go to www.hica.co.za.