Minor Hotels plans expanding Southern Africa footprint

Minor Hotels, a renowned hospitality brand, is strategically planning to expand its footprint in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, amidst a promising tourism recovery outlook. Senior Vice President of Operations for the Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels, Amir Golbarg, recently shared insights on the company's growth plans in an exclusive interview from Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. Golbarg highlighted the remarkable recovery of the tourism sector in Mozambique, especially in locations like Bazaruto and Pemba, where the numbers are surpassing pre-pandemic levels. He attributed this success to the strong support from domestic and regional markets, along with the pent-up demand for travel experiences, also known as 'revenge travel'. The positive sentiment towards the tourism industry in Mozambique, backed by the recent oil and gas conference in Maputo, signals a bright future for the country's economic growth. The company's joint venture structure in Mozambique has paved the way for not only enhancing existing properties but also adding new ones to cater to the growing demand. Golbarg emphasized the importance of collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to drive foreign direct investment, boost tourism, and attract global investors to the region. With a focus on strategic growth, Minor Hotels is eyeing expansion opportunities in other African nations, such as Zambia, Botswana, and potentially South Africa. Golbarg discussed the recovery trends in these countries, emphasizing the significant impact of tourism on the local economies and job creation. The company aims to capitalize on the rising interest in African destinations and is exploring options to establish a presence in key hubs like Cape Town and Johannesburg. While reflecting on the evolving travel patterns, Golbarg highlighted the need for improved airline connectivity across the continent to facilitate seamless travel experiences for tourists. He emphasized the importance of destination tourism in driving airline connections and breaking traditional travel patterns. Golbarg expressed optimism about enhancing connectivity to unlock the full potential of African tourism. In conclusion, Minor Hotels is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the resurgence of tourism in Southern Africa, leveraging its expertise and partnerships to drive sustainable growth in the region. The company's expansion plans and focus on enhancing guest experiences align with the positive outlook for the tourism industry in Mozambique and other African countries.