Cape Town: Africa’s premier hospitality expo returns to Cape Town. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth – Alderman James Vos delivered the opening address as a chief guest at the Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa that took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
At present it is in its ninth year. The expo brings together the hospitality industry suppliers and buyers from across Africa for a packed programme that includes workshops, panel discussions and business to business engagements.
In his address Alderman Vos stated that this gathering brings together the people who create experiences, build businesses, welcome visitors, employ thousands of people and help in shaping how the world sees the city and the continent. Hospitality is far more than hotels and restaurants. It is one of the most powerful economic multipliers that they have. Every guest who checks into a hotel supports a value chain that stretches across transport, attractions, food productions, retail, technology, events, cultural experiences and countless small businesses.
Hospitality is a core category within tourism. According to Cape Town Tourism (CTT), the industry employed 106,358 Capetonians in 2025. CTT’s newly released 2025 Economic Value of Tourism report further revealed that the industry generated R24.5 billion in direct tourism spend last year.
Alderman Vos added that the travellers today are more discerning than ever before. Increasing the stats, visitors are choosing places that demonstrate care for people, communities and the planet. That is why responsible tourism will feature strongly in the new tourism strategy.
They want to ensure that growth is sustainable, that destinations are managed responsibly, and the products and experiences they offer remain world-class for generations to come. That is exactly why this expo excites them.
They see businesses on this exhibition floor that are embracing innovation, improving quality, adopting greener practices, enhancing guest experiences and raising industry standards. What is on display here, is far more than products and services. It is a glimpse into the future of hospitality, said James Vos.
The Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa is running in conjunction with the Africa Food Show from June 10 to 12, 2026 and is geared primarily towards trade professionals. While access is free and registration is essential to enter the expo.