Ethiopia Welcomes the Return of Africa Hotel Investment Forum

Addis Ababa ENA July 24/2019 Ethiopia affirmed to welcome the return of Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) to Addis Ababa, which is the premier tourism and hotel investment conference in Africa.

Addis Ababa will host the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) for the third time at the end of September 2019.

AHIF returns to Addis Ababa at the end of September, is expected to bring over one and a half million dollars in direct benefit to the local economy, an additional two million dollars in indirect benefit and over a quarter a million in tax to the Ethiopian government.

Ethiopian Investment Commission jointly with Calibra Hospitality Consultancy and Business PLC and Bench Global Business Events gave a press conference today voiced an approval to host Africa’s premier hotel investment conference in Addis.

 The forum is anticipated to attract thousands of international hotel owners, investors, financiers, management companies and their advisors, it was indicated.

Briefing journalists, Neway Berhanu, Managing Director of Calibra Hospitality Consultancy and Business said the 2019 Africa Hotel Investment Forum will be a great indicator that Ethiopia is becoming the right place for hospitality industry.

“We will confidently testify to the benefits and value of hosting in this prestigious event particularly to local players in the hospitality industry,” he stated.

Noting that Calibra had played a crucial role in facilitating the successful hosting of AHIF in Addis Ababa in 2014 and 2015, the general manager said the forum has been substantially instrumental in making difference in the hotel investment.

Deputy Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment, Temesgen Tilahun, said on his part that AHIF will provide tremendous opportunity to welcome the cream of hotel industry to Ethiopia.

Appreciating the untapped potential for the tourism and hospitality industry, Temesgen said the forum will enable to attract more investment in the sector.

“Our aim is to show them our assets and thereby attract more international-standard hotels and resort brands to be established close to our historical and natural tourist sites,” he noted.

Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of Bench Global Business Events said Ethiopia has been chosen due to the country’s tremendous potential and market for hotel investment.

The first Africa Hotel Investment Forum was held in Casablanca in 2011 and Addis will host the forum September 23-25, 2019.