Swiss-Belhotel International Highlights Its Expanding African Portfolio at Magical Kenya Travel Expo

International

Strong regional presence underscores the group’s commitment to Africa’s growing hospitality landscape

Swiss-Belhotel International, a leading global hotel management company, showcased its expanding African portfolio at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2025, held from 1 to 3 October in Nairobi. Recognised as Africa’s premier travel trade event, MKTE serves as a key platform for connecting tourism professionals, investors, and destinations across the continent.

The 2025 edition attracted leading African tourism boards, hospitality brands, tour operators, and investors. Swiss-Belhotel International made a prominent appearance with its own booth, represented by the Group Sales and Marketing Department, the EMEA Regional Sales Office, and teams from its Kenyan properties — Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel and Swiss-Belinn Nairobi.

Africa as a strategic growth market

“Africa remains a key focus market in our global growth strategy,” said Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEAI, and Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development at Swiss-Belhotel International.

“Our participation at MKTE 2025 reaffirms our long-term commitment to this dynamic and diverse region. The event allowed us to strengthen existing relationships and engage with hotel owners and investors seeking trusted international partners with regional expertise.”

Representing the brand’s commercial leadership, Priyanka Kapoor, Group Director – Sales, Marketing, Branding and Communications, and Senior Regional Director – EMEA Sales and Marketing, added:

“This was our first participation at MKTE, and the engagement exceeded expectations. The meetings were productive and confirmed the immense potential of the African hospitality market. Having a dedicated booth significantly increased our visibility in this important growth frontier.”

Expanding footprint across East Africa

Swiss-Belhotel International entered East Africa with Swiss-Belinn Nairobi, located in the serene Kileleshwa district and managed by NIBS Resort Company Limited. Shortly after, the group rebranded the iconic Nairobi Safari Club under its management.

In Tanzania, expansion continues with Swiss-Belresort Zanzibar, developed in partnership with Crown Hotel and Resort Limited, and the upcoming Swiss-Belboutique Masaki Dar es Salaam, a five-star property by Astra Capital Limited, located on the Msasani Peninsula.

The group continues to explore new markets across Africa, recognising the continent’s growing mix of leisure and business travel. Each property is designed to blend local character with international hospitality standards, creating meaningful and authentic guest experiences.

About the Magical Kenya Travel Expo

Organised annually by the Kenya Tourism Board, the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) is East and Central Africa’s largest travel trade exhibition. The event draws exhibitors and buyers from across the continent and beyond, serving as a key meeting point for networking, partnerships, and showcasing Africa’s most distinctive travel experiences.