Hotel Investment Conference Africa in Durban from 9-11 May

Online registration is now open for the sixth annual Hotel Investment Conference Africa (HICA), taking place from 9 to 11 May 2012, at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel in Durban, South Africa. Convened by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism KZN (DEDT KZN), Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) and Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN), HICA is an established business networking platform for investors, developers, owners and operators within the sub-Saharan Africa hotel sector. The conference attracts financiers, entrepreneurs and intermediaries such as architects and transactional advisors, as well as government leaders and officials.

Inspired by the theme “Recharge and Refocus”, this year’s conference discussions are intended to encourage the industry to be re-energised and to bring life back into the sector amidst the ongoing economic uncertainties. “This year, HICA will have a strong focus on the ‘how to’ aspects of operating a hotel business in a more sustainable manner,” says Mmatšatši Marobe, CEO of the TBCSA.  “We invite all the relevant stakeholders – private hotel owners, hospitality consultants, financiers and tourism organisations across the region to register online and join this important dialogue.”

The conference programme features, among others, sessions specifically designed to share ideas on managing businesses in distress and improving their operational efficiencies. It includes topics ranging from restructuring hotel debt, re-engineering hotel operations and understanding changing consumer behaviour and travel patterns. The event also provides many and varied opportunities for those in the hospitality industry to network with each other (as pictured above at a previous HICA) and share ideas.

HICA will provide the platforms for delegates to share ideas and international best practice with a slight emphasis on solutions for the benefit of delegates. It is also the conference to attend to gain further knowledge on the opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike, and for public sector officials and policy makers to better support the sector. All interested organisations are encouraged to register their attendance and take advantage of the ‘early bird’ rates on offer. For further information please phone TBCSA offices  on +27(0)12 654 7525 or visit our website www.hica.co.za.