
TravTalk conducts panel on ‘Wellness and Celebratory Tourism'
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SanJeet Director DDP Group moderated an insightful session titled, 'Wellness and celebratory tourism' with three industry experts at the Arabian Travel Market. Paul Stevens, COO, MEA and Turkiye for Accor Hotels and Resorts Management, Eddy Tannous – COO – Rotana Hotels and Kathryn Moore – Managing Director Spa Connectors joined in the panel discussion where it was shared the growth of the industry, the many revenue aspects surrounding this multi-billion dollar business which happens to still need a new interface in the age of discovery and to be relevant to the customers.
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Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Investing in South African commercial property: Top tips for 2025
In 2025, it's not just about visibility or accessibility; it's about anticipating where investment is heading and aligning with that momentum. Strategic location remains the cornerstone of successful commercial property investment in South Africa — but the game has changed. From mixed-use nodes like Cape Town's Century City to the transformative Westown precinct in KwaZulu-Natal, investors are looking beyond the traditional 'position, position, position' mindset. They're following infrastructure, governance quality, and development incentives as key indicators of long-term growth. Whether you're a seasoned investor or exploring development opportunities for the first time, understanding what to look for – and what to avoid – is essential in building a resilient and profitable portfolio. Paul Stevens, chief executive officer of Just Property, outlines the key considerations when investing in commercial real estate: 1. Where investment flows, growth follows Commercial property can offer significant long-term returns and portfolio diversification, but success in this market is rarely accidental. Look out for areas undergoing infrastructure upgrades, precinct developments or special economic zone designations. The Westown precinct in Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal, for example, is transforming into a major lifestyle and commercial node with the support of eThekwini Municipality and the private sector. Projects like these bring in roads, fibre connectivity, water security and power infrastructure – the kind of groundwork that makes a location viable for decades. Cape Town continues to outperform much of the country in terms of governance, safety and service delivery. The Western Cape government's consistent investment into transport corridors, clean energy and urban regeneration has translated into increased investor confidence and steadily declining vacancy rates in prime office and mixed-use nodes. 2. Demand and supply: read the vacancy rate, not the hype Vacancy rates are a leading indicator of demand. High vacancies put pressure on rental growth and may suggest an oversupplied or underperforming submarket. Conversely, low vacancy rates can support stronger rental escalations and indicate a more competitive tenant pool. In the office sector, for example, we're seeing a recovery in key urban centres. Prime office space in Cape Town's CBD and decentralised nodes such as Century City are approaching historically low vacancy levels, after a sustained period of contraction and hybrid work adjustments. In contrast, retail is becoming increasingly bifurcated (split into separate and distinct parts). High foot-traffic neighbourhood convenience centres remain resilient, but large-format shopping malls are under pressure from changing consumer behaviour, e-commerce and rising operating costs. If you're considering investing in retail, look for assets that offer a mix of essential services, grocery retail and lifestyle offerings – and pay close attention to tenant composition and turnover. 3. Industrial property: logistics still leads If there's one segment that's consistently outperformed over the past five years, it's industrial. The pandemic-era acceleration of e-commerce created a structural need for warehousing, last-mile logistics and flexible distribution facilities. That demand hasn't waned. In fact, it has matured into a broader trend. According to the Rode Property Report, as reported in Property Wheel, 'nominal gross market rentals for South Africa's industrial space of 500m² grew by 6.7% in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023 with rentals approximately 23% higher than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019'. The take-up was driven by logistics providers, FMCG distributors and manufacturing operators seeking modern, energy-efficient premises close to key transport routes. When assessing industrial property opportunities, proximity to arterial roads, ports and freight hubs is vital. So too is flexibility of use – a building designed for one tenant type is more risky than a multipurpose facility that can serve several industries. Green features like solar PV and rainwater harvesting are increasingly not just value-adds, but requirements. 4. Zoning, bulk and development potential Development-led investors should be looking for land with the right zoning already in place – or with realistic prospects of rezoning. Land banking in areas earmarked for future expansion can yield strong returns, but only if the right groundwork has been done. Understanding bulk rights, building lines, parking ratios and environmental overlays is essential. So is engaging early with municipal planning departments to understand precinct plans, transportation frameworks and timelines for service rollouts. The redevelopment of underutilised commercial buildings is another emerging trend, particularly in older business districts. However, retrofitting comes with its own risks – compliance with new energy and fire regulations, heritage approvals or the cost of upgrading old systems to modern standards. These projects can be highly lucrative, but they require detailed feasibility studies and the right professional team. 5. Follow the money: where are building plans being passed? Municipal data on building-plan approvals can offer a leading insight into where private developers are placing bets. If you notice an uptick in industrial plans being passed in a particular node or mixed-use precincts gaining traction in a suburban area, it's a sign of confidence and forward-looking demand. At the same time, it's worth noting where plan approvals are declining – especially in overtraded sectors. For instance, many municipalities are seeing a slowdown in office-building approvals, reflecting the oversupply that followed the 2020–2022 remote work trend. That said, the market is recalibrating, and demand is returning for smaller, flexible, high-spec office environments, often in mixed-use or lifestyle precincts. 6. Economic signals: interest rates and lending appetite Commercial real estate is capital-intensive and the cost of debt plays a central role in determining feasibility. While the South African Reserve Bank initiated a rate-cutting cycle in late 2024, recent global economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures have led to a more cautious approach. The prime lending rate is expected to remain relatively stable through 2025, with potential modest declines contingent on favourable economic developments. Banks remain cautious in their commercial lending practices. Loan-to-value ratios are typically capped at 65%–70% for new developments, with lower ratios for speculative projects. Having equity or access to patient capital is a competitive advantage in this environment. It also underscores the importance of robust due diligence, clear business cases and tenant pre-commitments when seeking finance. 7. Keep an eye on the cycle Commercial property is cyclical, and timing matters. Different asset classes perform differently depending on where we are in the cycle. Right now: - Offices are moving into recovery mode, particularly in decentralised nodes with high-spec buildings. - Retail is holding steady in neighbourhood and convenience formats, but faces structural headwinds in large regional centres. - Industrial continues to outperform, especially in logistics-driven corridors. - Hospitality and student housing are attracting renewed attention as tourism rebounds and tertiary institutions return to in-person learning. Understanding these dynamics can help investors ride the upswing and avoid being over-exposed in downturns. 8. Regulatory clarity and operating risks Finally, make sure you understand the regulatory environment – from the basics of building compliance and zoning, to the tax implications of owning and operating commercial property. This includes being aware of legislation such as the Property Practitioners Act and municipal bylaws, which affect everything from agency mandates to electricity resale. Operational risks, too, must be factored in. Load shedding, water insecurity and municipal inefficiencies remain real challenges in parts of the country. Where possible, invest in buildings or precincts with backup power, water storage, and proactive management. Tenants increasingly demand these features – and they impact rental growth and tenant retention over the long term. The commercial property market rewards insight, not speculation. Success lies in doing your homework: understanding market cycles, selecting growth areas with strong fundamentals and partnering with experienced commercial brokers who can help you unlock long-term value. If you're willing to take a measured approach – guided by real data, local knowledge and sector trends – there are excellent opportunities to be found in 2025 and beyond. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Tourism Breaking News
4 days ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Arabian Travel Market underscores the vital role of Asia Pacific in the future of tourism as international travel is set to reach US$2.5 trillion by 2029
Post Views: 28 According to a recent report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of ATM, tourism nights from Asia Pacific and Africa are on track to more than double between 2025 and 2030. The number of tourism nights, specifically from China to the Middle East, is expected to grow by 189% through 2030, and APAC source markets are set to account for the largest share of business nights in the region, with India, in particular, gaining importance. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'More than 60% of travellers are booking trips around concerts and sporting events, while over 40% are influenced by digital platforms such as TikTok. Interestingly, film and television are also playing a significant role, evidenced by a rise in bookings to Thailand following the popularity of The White Lotus.' The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised for significant tourism growth, with spending on international travel forecast to hit US$2.5 trillion and domestic travel to reach US$4.3 trillion by 2029, according to the latest data from Euromonitor International. Outbound travel from APAC is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7%, with intra-regional journeys expected to account for 61% of all trips by the end of 2025. By 2029, one in three trips is anticipated to be outside the APAC region, with 75% of bookings set to be made online. The Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, is key to ensuring the emirate's strategic success in APAC markets, with a focus on market segmentation and storytelling. By tailoring messaging for platforms such as the video-sharing website Bilibili and the social networking and e-commerce platform Red Note, and leveraging strong air links through carriers like Emirates and flydubai, Dubai's tourism authorities continue to position the city as a relevant, accessible, and aspirational destination for travellers across Asia. As a newcomer to APAC tourism markets, Saudi Arabia has adopted a highly localised approach, as outlined during the discussion. Recognising the diversity of the region, which comprises 49 distinct countries, tourism authorities in the Kingdom study each source market closely, from dietary preferences to cultural nuances, tailoring travel experiences accordingly. This strategy is supported by partnerships with media, trade, and research bodies to ensure that Saudi Arabia's offerings resonate authentically with travellers across the region. Curtis added: 'Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in travel decision-making across the APAC region, with consumers relying heavily on digital tools, social media, and AI. Mobile-first planning is transforming how travellers research and book trips, although the digital landscape varies significantly from country to country. One constant across the region is the importance of trust, particularly in peer-generated content, which continues to influence traveller choices at every stage of the journey.'


Tourism Breaking News
5 days ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Accor unveils First Roland-Garros Themed Room in the Middle East at Pullman Downtown Dubai
Post Views: 48 Accor has introduced a unique hospitality experience by launching the first Roland-Garros themed room in the Middle East, located at the Pullman Downtown Dubai. The immersive concept brings together sport, culture, and travel in a distinctive setting designed to appeal to tennis fans and global travellers alike. Speaking at the unveiling, Paul Stevens, COO – EMEA at Accor, emphasized the group's commitment to creating memorable and culturally enriched guest experiences. 'We aim to go beyond traditional hospitality by integrating elements of global events and culture into our offerings. This themed room is a celebration of the Roland-Garros legacy, offering guests a chance to engage with the spirit of the tournament in a completely new way,' he said. The Dubai installation marks the first of its kind in the region, with three more themed rooms set to debut in São Paulo, Tokyo, and France. Through this initiative, Accor continues to push the boundaries of experiential travel, creating spaces that resonate with passion and purpose.