Paula Luckhoff24 June 2025 | 20:14
Global group believes SA needs more luxury hotels: It's a stamp of approval, says TBCSA chief
The Money Show talks to the Tourism Business Council of SA's Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa about the view that South Africa is one of the most underserved luxury hotel markets on the continent.
Guests at hotel pool. Pexels/julie aagaard
A global hospitality group has identified South Africa as one of the most under-served luxury hotel markets on the continent.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is eyeing expansion in Africa with plans for an additional 35 hotels over the next three years.
The owner of brands like InterContinental and Holiday Inn currently operates eight hotels in South Africa and 38 across the continent.
Stephen Grootes discusses the domestic luxury hotel market with Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA).
IHG's conclusions serve as a stamp of approval for tourism here, says Tshivhengwa.
"They've done their studies; they're probably looking at all corners of the world and they can say that there is a space for luxury products that will sell, not only to the domestic market but the international markets."
Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO - Tourism Business Council of SA
"I do believe in what they're saying because we've projected that we need to grow our tourism numbers from an international inbound perspective from more than 15 million by 2030, and therefore there will be a market and we are a future destination."
Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO - Tourism Business Council of SA
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview