The influential Africa Hotel Investment Forum has unveiled the agenda for its 2017 conference, packed with contributions from industry leaders, that confirms its reputation as the leading event of its kind for investors and developers.

The seventh edition of AHIF takes place in Kigali, on October 10th-12th, and, like last year, runs alongside AviaDev, bringing together some of the leading executives from the world of aviation and hotels, with top government officials and politicians.

Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench Events, the conference organiser, said: “Our line-up this year is comprehensive and exciting - everything from sustainable development and hard economics, to first-hand practical advice from leaders in their field, plus unique networking opportunities.”

He continued: “With AviaDev, an airline route development conference, taking place simultaneously in the same venue, it’s a joint forum that provides a valuable opportunity to look at the expansion of travel across the continent from a strategic perspective.”

AHIF attracts more than 500 high-calibre executives from 45 countries making it the premier hotel investment conference in Africa.

With AviaDev, the forums have already seen many new deals made.

This year, the theme for AHIF has been set as ‘Inspiring Fresh Perspectives.’

The theme is inherent within all the sessions, giving attendees a fresh perspective on existing challenges and opportunities within the market.

AHIF gets underway the evening before the official opening with roundtable discussions that address topical issues.

That’s followed by speed networking where delegates can make 20 new contacts even before the conference begins.

The opening day sees the impact of global economic trends on Africa high on the agenda.

How to meet the current challenges within the sector will be discussed by leading figures including Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, as well as Daniel Silke, one of the world’s most renowned futurists, from the Political Futures Consultancy.

Further highlights include detailed analyses of hotel revenue performance from Thomas Emanuel, STR and hotel development activity from Trevor Ward, W Hospitality Group – both invaluable reports for any business investing in the region.

In addition, there will be an African market focus – region by region, with senior executives who have deep local knowledge, alongside breakout sessions tackling development, operating models, costs, gaps in the market, new projects looking for finance and much more.

The last day kicks off with innovations and trends in hospitality – from international to local; mainstream to boutique.

There’ll be a stakeholders’ roundtable – balancing the needs of owners and operators, plus a valuable closing session on finance, covering major transactions of the last year and new sources of funding and how to obtain it.

With an anticipated speaker line-up of over 90 senior industry professionals from leading hotel chains, consultancies, designers, local owners, AHIF provides a focused forum to meet the right decision makers and secure deals for investment projects within the region.

World Travel Awards

Taking place alongside the African Hotel Investment Forum, the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2017 will welcome industry leaders to Rwanda.

The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali on Tuesday, October 10th.