HICA is convened and managed by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) in partnership with KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Economic Development, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN). The conference also enjoys support from its founding associate, Pam Golding Hospitality.
The conference theme is RECHARGE & REFOCUS - Navigating the changing hospitality landscape.
Featuring for the first time on the HICA Conference Programme will be sessions on:
- Airlift and Air Access in sub-Saharan
- Travel, Tourism & Hospitality policy in sub-Saharan
- Challenges in the Safari Lodge industry
HICA 2012 will provide opportunities for networking and dialogue between government leaders and the private sector role players; provide insight into trends and global best practice in the hotel sector; and provide an opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to learn from experienced role players and find partners
Topics to be discussed are varied and provisionally the lectures, workshops, plenary sessions and breakaway sessions include:
Travel, tourism & hospitality policy in sub-Saharan
A discussion on the role of government in supporting the hotel and hospitality sector during the bad and good times.
Airlift and air access in sub-Saharan
A discussion on the role of the major airlines in the region and what they are doing to support tourism growth in the sector. What strategies do they have in place? Which ingredients do they require from the hotels to support growth in arrivals? What policy interventions do they require to support the hotel sector?
Where are we on the economic recovery – global vs. sub-Saharan
A global and sub-Saharan
Hotel & hospitality barometer – leaders’ panel
What is the outlook for the hotel sector globally and in sub-Saharan
Growing the domestic and regional markets
Considering the changing global economy, the importance of developing and growing the ability for locals and regional tourists to support the sector instead of depending on overseas arrivals is discussed, as well as the strategies required and implementation.
Understanding changing consumer behavior & travelling patterns
The latest consumer trends in travel on a global, regional and local level. Consider their changing travel patterns and what this means to hoteliers? The forecasted travel patterns of key source markets for southern Africa, i.e.
Understanding various financial options available
A discussion on the various financial options available in the market for potential hotel developers and entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector. Advice from the panel speakers made up of members of developmental financial institutions, commercial banks, and institutional investor.
The importance of feasibility studies, research & how to conduct them
A discussion on the importance of conducting feasibility studies, their role in hotel development and how to conduct them, as well as the importance of researching the market before developing and building hotels.
Dealing with distressed hotels
The scene for the discussion is set by asking the question - Do we have distressed hotels, and if so, why do we have them and how to rescue them?
Restructuring hotel debts - recapitalisation, repositioning, receivership and recovery
How best to deal with a distressed scenario where the loan is coming due? What rescue options are available? Assessing what amount makes sense to reinvest in the asset and what will the brand say in terms of deferred capex?
Re-branding and distribution
The advantages and disadvantages of re-branding and the various situations in which the strategy of re-branding and/or changing a property name can be used by hotel developers and operators.
Re-engineering hotel operations – increasing efficiencies
A discussion on the issues relating to hotel operations and the aspects that require attention to achieve efficiencies that are necessary for cost saving and for saving hotels in distress. Key areas needing focussed attention are discussed - from building costs all the way to guest services and general maintenance of the hotel.
Budget hotels, five star hotels – challenges and opportunities
The merits and demerits of building luxury/five star hotels as opposed to budget hotels in the current economic climate. Is there a place for budget hotels in
Building and operating green hotels
Exploring the growing trend of building and operating “green hotels” – what materials are needed? What are the cost implications? Will financiers support such projects, and if so, what are their requirements? What does it take to build such hotels in
Trends in architecture and hotel designs
Understanding the role of architecture in the development and operation of hotels. The overall cost of building hotels will come under the spotlight, as well as understanding design trends that contribute to reducing the costs of building and operating hotels.
Travel and tourism - embracing green initiatives
Understanding the decisions made at COP17 and the implications for the hotel sector in sub-Saharan Africa and
Expanding strong African hotel brands into the continent
Lessons from the retail sector on establishing brands across the continent.
For more details on HICA 2012, please visit their website. Here you will find information on registering for the conference, accommodation options, the finalised programme and more.
