Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026: A platform for growth in the hospitality sector
The Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 is set to meet rising procurement demand across Africa.
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Africa’s burgeoning hospitality sector is driving significant procurement activity, prompting the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 to expand its footprint at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) to accommodate the rising demand for sourcing across the region. The latest figures underscore the continent's rapid expansion, with the hotel development pipeline reaching 577 hotels and over 104,000 rooms, marking a 13.3% year-on-year growth. South Africa’s market, in particular, is showing steady momentum, valued at USD 11.49 billion in 2025 and projected to climb to USD 12.19 billion in 2026.
This upward trend is fueled by factors including rising international tourism, recovery in global travel, and government initiatives like the Tourism Recovery Plan. Scheduled for 10 to 12 June 2026, the three-day exhibition is positioning itself as the premier procurement-led platform for South Africa, connecting over 150 exhibitors with more than 5,000 trade visitors. The event aims to support practical sourcing and decision-making for new developments, refurbishments, and operational upgrades across hotels, restaurants, bars, and foodservice businesses. Margaret Peters, Event Director for Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa, emphasised the event's local focus.
“South Africa-led procurement is the lifeblood of our hospitality sector’s growth,” she said. “This expo is designed to support that demand by bringing buyers and suppliers together in a focused sourcing environment, and our expansion at the CTICC reflects the value the industry places on meeting face-to-face.” The 2026 edition will be co-located with the Africa Food Show, creating a broader platform to connect hospitality operators with food and beverage suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. Attendees will also benefit from a programme of industry presentations, panel discussions, and workshops sponsored by Santam and Kwikot, which will address key topics shaping the African sector. Santam’s involvement includes sponsoring a workshop and hosting the exclusive VIP Lounge, underscoring strong industry backing for the event.
Zurina Rinquest, Business Development Manager at Santam, commented on the value of their participation. “Engaging with events like this helps us connect with partners in the industry and gives us an opportunity to really listen to our partners and understand where the needs are and what is required in terms of insurance for this unique, dynamic and thriving industry,” Rinquest explained. Industry professionals interested in sourcing new products, exploring partnerships, and gaining insight into Africa’s hospitality and foodservice sectors can register for the event starting on 18 March 2026.