A grim picture has recently been presented in a survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS); that of a whooping seven million Kenyans currently unemployed with only 1.4 million desperately looking for work. The dire times have resulted in the other 5.6 million giving up on job hunting altogether.
This hotel donates all its earnings and has some of the best ratings on Tripadvisor in the city.
"A positive picture for the Nairobi hotel sector emerges when conducting an analysis of STR figures for first quarter 2018," says Wayne Troughton, CEO of African-based specialist hospitality, real estate and leisure consulting company, HTI Consulting.This statement comes after recent indications, in 'The 2017 Year in Review' released by HTI, that occupancy in Nairobi, as published by STR Global, had declined by 11.1% in 2017, largely driven by increases in room supply (478 rooms) and a reduction in guest demand due to violence surrounding the 2017 elections.In an encouraging turnaround, however, occupancy rates to March 2018 now indicate an increase of 1.8%, despite a 10% increase in the number of rooms available (rooms that have entered the market in 2018 include the Mövenpick Hotel in Westlands (276 rooms), Hilton Garden Inn Jomo Kenyatta (171 rooms) and The City Lodge Two Rivers Mall is also gradually opening rooms as they become ready)."Most positive of all in the Nairobi analysis is the increase in rooms sold of 9.7% for the first three months of the year, in comparison to the 3.3% decline in rooms sold in 2017," says Troughton. "It's a strong indication that markets are returning to Nairobi after the challenges of the election year."Interestingly, tourism arrivals to Kenya as a whole increased in 2017, despite it being an election year. Much of the growth was, however, driven by regional African markets, as well as China. Traditional European and North American markets, who usually utilise Nairobi hotels for business or as a stopping point en-route to other desti nations, declined in 2017, with a resulting knock-on effect for Nairobi hotels. Total tourism arrivals indicated by the Ministry of Tourism in 2017 amounted to over 1.4 million."When compared to the peak benchmark year of 2011 (1.8 million tourism arrivals) it is evident that Kenyan (and Nairobi) tourism demand has still not fully recovered from the terror attacks that followed this peak tourism year," explains Troughton. "However, provided the positive sentiment around Kenya continues in the short to medium term, a full recovery in demand can be anticipated. This degree of growth is required if hotels in Nairobi are to continue to absorb the new supply coming online," Troughton emphasises.Though occupancy rates are currently increasing in Nairobi, the new supply in the market is continuing to negatively impact rates. Average Daily Rates (ADR) declined by 8.4% at the end of 2017, according to STR, whilst the first quarter of 2018 indicates a decli ne of 6.0%. "This is to be expected in a market that has grown by almost 2,000 rooms over 3 years," explains Troughton. "It's also important to note that, although this is a challenging environment, several individual properties are thriving through strategic management. Those properties where the 'quality-to-value' ratio is perceived as low by the market will be most affected by current market conditions."
Kenya lies along the eastern coast of Africa. An estimated (2016) 46 million people reside in Kenya with a population increase of around one million people per annum. Kenya is establishing itself as an important gateway to the high growth East Africa region. In November 2016, Kenya was in the top 10 most improved economies in the annual World Bank report on the ease of doing business. The country moved up 21 places from 113th to 92nd. Kenya is outperforming most of its African counterparts in terms of infrastructure with a number of large projects expected to continue attracting foreign investment. In addition, the country has just completed the SGS acquisition of compliance certification in the Oil and Gas sector and the oil sector is thus expected to become a significant economic driver. ECONOMIC INDICATORS - KENYAKenya has made significant structural and economic reforms that have contributed to sustained economic growth. The country has received support of the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund and other development partners and they have brought positive economic changes to the country. The new constitution and improved court system pushed investor's confidence and improved the political situation in the country.
The Kenyan domestic travel market is incessantly making a visible mark, contributing 59% of domestic spending according to Jumia Travel Kenya Hospitality Report 2017. A big percentage constituting the domestic travelers are the millennials. In its report "How Kenyan Millennials Travel", Saffir - a travel destination marketing company - refers to this group as netizens who are less conservative, well educated, tech savvy and highly reliant on the mobile phone.
Marriot International, Inc. today announced the opening of its second hotel in the "World"s Wildlife Capital", Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, further consolidating its presence in Kenya. Strategically situated within the main complex of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the hotel is within easy reach from major highways and overlooks the famous Nairobi National Park. It perfectly complements the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham, located in the city"s central business district which opened earlier this year.
Kenya is set to undergo a major surge in available hotel rooms. In fact, according to numbers from the TOPHOTELPROJECTS database, there are currently 17 hotel projects underway in the country and once completed they will add nearly 3,500 rooms to the hospitality industry in the nation. Much of this growth is taking place in the city of Nairobi, with some properties also coming to Rift Valley, Nanyuki, Masaai Mara, Maindi and other locales.
With diminutive effect from the elections anxiety, Kenya's tourism sector has withstood the pressures of uncertainties that resulted to some tourists having to hold their travel plans. As one of the most volatile sectors, tourism stakeholders remain obliged to Kenyans for choosing peace during a considerably fraught time. This, according to Cyrus Onyiego, Jumia Travel's Kenya Country Manager, is a factor that has saved the industry a major blow as compared to previous election periods.
Areen Design's award-winning hospitality division has been working on two new hotels in Nairobi, both under Marriott's Four Points by Sheraton brand. At Nairobi's international airport, the new 172 room hotel is scheduled to open later in the year and is expected to set a benchmark of contemporary design, with all the quality and functionality expected by international travellers and residents alike. Areen Design is responsible for the concept design of all the public areas, including a reception with a double height feature wall, the Lobby Café with a display that changes from day to night and the rooftop pool with views out towards Nairobi National Park.
Kenya's idyllic coastline has seen tourism numbers swell over the Easter weekend, mainly thanks to local visitors taking advantage of the ongoing school holidays. The East African country's coast beckons tourists not only from Kenya, but also from neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi and the faraway shores of China and Korea, all flocking to Kenya's pristine white beaches and the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Kenya benefits from 536 km of beautiful coastline and has long been a desirable destination for those charmed by age-old tales of traders and sailors arriving to the continent.
In East Africa alone the brand is set to open three more hotels later this year with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Four Points by SheratonDar es Salam and Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
In East Africa alone the brand is set to open three more hotels later this year with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salam and Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
A new Kenya Hospitality Industry Report by Jumia Travel, Africa's leading online hotel booking site sheds light on major travel trends in the country, looking at how the local sector compares with counterparts on the global map; it's rapid development, impending barriers and the impact of technology on the changing domestic travel landscape.
Villa Rosa Kempinski has announced the appointment of hospitality guru, Mr. Kees Heuveling, as the new General Manager, replacing Mr. Manish Nambiar who moved to the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast Accra, Ghana. Kees’s immediate former position was as a General manager of the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania, for three years. The career hotelier has over 30-year experience working with some of the world’s finest hotel brands spanning in three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Guestline solutions have been successfully implemented into Kenya, with The Tribe Hotel in Nairobi. With 215 rooms, the Tribe Hotel wanted a system that could serve as a multi property PMS with integrated Conference and Banqueting and EPoS all hosted in the cloud. They were looking for a company that offered support, development of the software and accessibili
Today Swiss International signed a management agreement with Mlima Kenya Holiday Homes Ltd to co-develop and manage a "one-of-a-kind" resort, located at the scenic foothills of Mount Kenya at Naro Moru.
Swiss International Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the opening of the Swiss International Lenana Nairobi in the heart of the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi. The signing of the management agreement with Nairobi based China Zhong Tian Investment Limited, took place on Sunday the 9th of October 2016. With Swiss International Lenana Nairobi, this global chain further builds its presence on the African Continent, with a second hotel to open in East Africa's robustly growing country of Kenya.
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts (BestWestern.com) adds another hotel to its East African portfolio. The newest addition is BW Premier Collection The Alba, located in Nairobi, Kenya. Centrally located, with easy access to businesses, offices, banks, shopping and tourist attractions, it is the ideal place to stay in Nairobi for either business or pleasure.
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) has signed a management agreement with Jabavu Village Ltd to open a 255 guest-room and suite hotel in Kenya's capital. The hotel is set to open in 2020 and joins 50 Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties trading or under development in 17 countries across Africa."In recent years Upper Hill has grown to become a hub for international businesses and organisations, with a number of embassies and organisations setting up their regional offices in the district, including Cisco Systems, World Bank and the IMF," said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide. "The striking new- build property will pierce the skyline of Upper Hill and will be well placed to meet this growing demand in one of Nairobi's most exciting and colourful areas."Kenya is one of Africa's fastest growing economies with strong growth in agricultural, tourism, construction and telecommunication sectors. The country's diversifying economy means it is a popular destination, busy with leisure and business travellers.Mr Mahat Noor, Project Director of Jabavu Village Ltd, said, "Hilton Nairobi Upper Hill is our first project with Hilton and we are tremendously excited to be collaborating with them on this spectacular development. Hilton Nairobi Upper Hill and the larger mixed-use development, which will include a residential, retail and entertainment complex, as well as an adjacent office tower, will be Africa's tallest building, standing at 330m."Co-developed by Jabavu Village and White Lotus Projects, Hilton Nairobi Upper Hill will comprise of an Executive Lounge and five food and beverage outlets, including a relaxing poolside bar, speciality smokehouse and grill restaurant, lobby dining area with landscaped deck and a boutique rooftop bar with unbeatable vista views of the Nairobi skyline on the 43rd level.Business travellers will have a wide choice of professional facilities to choose from including a ballroom and meeting rooms of approximately 1400sqm. Guests will also have access to an outdoor pool and fitness and spa centres."The iconic Hilton Nairobi Upper Hill will be our 50th Hilton Hotels and Resorts property trading or under development in Africa," said Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands, Hilton Worldwide. "Reaching this milestone is a testament to Hilton's love of hospitality, which has helped drive the brands growth across the continent since first introduced with the opening of Hilton Addis Abba (http://APO.af/HzCX1r) and Hilton Nairobi (http://APO.af/JsgQmh) in 1969."Hilton is set to double its presence in Africa in the next three to five years and is focused on further development prospects all over the continent, entering new countries but also growing in areas with an existing Hilton presence.Hilton Nairobi Upper Hill joins one other Hilton Worldwide hotel under development in Kenya. Hilton Garden Inn Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (http://apo.af/NglrKp) will be situated just 2km from the capital's airport and is set to open next year. Hilton Nairobi Upper Hill will be situated 16km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, on Upper Hill Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya.For more information about Hilton Hotels & Resorts visit www.Hilton.com. View more news and access images at news.Hilton.com.
For a long time, Africans have perceived traveling as non essential especially within the continent thus only reserved for the high net-worth persons. Attributed mostly to their supposedly low spending power, Africans are said to believe that money should be spent on 'more important priorities' which exclude traveling (in this case considered as leisure). Therefore, spending on travel is only for purposes of unavoidable occasions such as burial or wedding ceremonies either within or without the home country.