Hospitality Marketplace

24/10/2025

💡 Hotel Tech Myths, BUSTED! 💡

Think that buying the newest tech will fix all your hotel’s problems? Or that consultants are only for big chains? 🤔 Think again.

As Benjamin Verot, Founder of HotelMinder, explains, success in hospitality isn’t about owning more technology—it’s about using the right tools, the right way. From choosing ROI-driven systems and maintaining clean, structured data, to investing in expert guidance when needed—smart strategy always beats shiny software.

✨ The takeaway? Don’t chase trends. Understand your challenges, train your team, and use technology to enhance, not overwhelm, your operations.

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/10/24/op-ed-hotel-operations-mythbusters-the-truth-about-tech-consultants-and-ai/

Hotel technology expert Benjamin Verot of HotelMinder debunks common myths about operations, consultants, and AI in hospitality. Learn how smarter tech use, quality data, and expert guidance can transform hotel performance.

24/10/2025

✨ The Subtle Art of First Impressions in Hospitality ✨

Before your guests ever taste your cuisine or experience your service, they’re already forming opinions—through what they see and smell. 🌿

Crisp white linens and thoughtfully chosen fragrances do more than signal cleanliness—they communicate trust, care, and professionalism. From spotless sheets to a hint of fresh citrus or soft floral notes, these sensory details create an atmosphere that feels both pure and welcoming.

As Jeffrey Madkins of Unilever Professional puts it: “White linens and fragrance aren’t just about hygiene—they’re about building guest confidence and loyalty.”

💡 Because in hospitality, cleanliness isn’t a checkbox—it’s your brand’s silent ambassador.

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/10/23/the-silent-language-of-cleanliness/

Discover how white linen and fragrances shape guest perceptions in hospitality. Unilever Professional’s Jeffrey Madkins explains how cleanliness cues build trust, loyalty, and lasting brand impressions

24/10/2025

🌍✈️ The Future of Travel is Here

As we look ahead to 2026, the way we explore the world is being reshaped by technology, flexibility, and conscious choices. From AI-powered travel concierges and hyper-personalised stays to digital detox retreats and family-first travel, the journey has never been more tailored—or more intentional.

🧭 Travellers are blending innovation with authenticity—trusting local insight as much as algorithms, and valuing comfort, connection, and control over every experience.

✨ Whether it’s flexible bookings, seamless connectivity, or simply the joy of discovering something new, one thing’s clear: the future of travel is personal.

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/10/22/travel-trends-2026-tech-flexibility-and-conscious-choices-shape-the-journey-ahead/

Discover the top travel trends for 2026—from AI-powered itineraries and flexible bookings to conscious travel choices and personalised experiences—highlighted by ANEW Hotels & Resorts.

20/10/2025

Here’s to the chefs who inspire, create, and connect us through food — one dish at a time. 🍽️💛

This year’s theme, , celebrates the power of fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients — and the chefs who use them to shape a healthier, more sustainable future. 🌱

Today, we celebrate YOU — the heart of hospitality! 💫

14/10/2025

🎉 Hostex turns 40 — and the celebration is just beginning!

From 8–10 March 2026, Hostex returns to the Sandton Convention Centre, marking four decades of opening doors for South Africa’s hospitality, food, and beverage industries.

The six Hostex 2026 Ambassadors are industry leaders driving innovation, growth, and collaboration across tourism, culinary arts, hospitality, and more. 🌟

Get ready for three days of collaboration, inspiration, and celebration as Hostex continues to champion the growth and excellence of South Africa’s hospitality industry.

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/10/14/hostex-2026-unveils-ambassadors-leading-south-africas-hospitality-conversation/

Six industry leaders announced for Hostex 2026 when the show returns to the Sandton Convention Centre from 8 to 10 March 2026.

12/10/2025

A big happy birthday to you Chef Manfred Muellers@

Happy Birthday to the incredible Chef Manfred Muellers, Honorary President of SA Chefs!

Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and all your favorite flavors. Here's to another year of culinary excellence and making memories with the SA Chefs family!

09/10/2025

🎨🍷 Where Art Meets the Vine! 🍇✨

The Dunstone A.R.T ‘Wine Exhibition returns on Saturday, 1 November 2025, inviting you to celebrate the best of Wellington’s wine, art, design, gastronomy, and music — all in one unforgettable day at Dunstone Country Estate. 🌿

Highlights include a five-course tasting journey, art walks through the vineyards, and the vibrant Art@Africa Kunye Collaboration exhibition — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hawequa Mountains.

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/10/08/dunstone-a-r-t-wine-exhibition-returns-to-wellington-this-november/

08/10/2025

07/10/2025

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month 2025 is here — and it’s Purely, Queerly, African! 🌍

This October, the Pride of Africa Foundation celebrates identity, expression, and empowerment across the continent — culminating in the Johannesburg Pride March on Saturday, 25 October 2025. 🎉

Led by founder Kaye Ally, this year’s theme is a declaration of African pride and q***r visibility — reclaiming space, celebrating diversity, and uniting communities under one vibrant banner.

With support from the City of Johannesburg and partners like Google, Jägermeister, Amazon, and Mercedes-Benz, this year’s Pride promises to be the most empowering yet. 💪

📍 Join the march on Katherine Street, Sandton from 14:00 – midnight
💖 Be bold. Be seen. Be Purely, Queerly, African.

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/10/07/johannesburg-pride-2025-celebrates-purely-q***rly-african/

Johannesburg Pride 2025, led by the Pride of Africa Foundation, celebrates the theme “Purely, Queerly, African” through a month of inclusive events, culminating in the city’s iconic Pride March on 25 October.

06/10/2025

🌍 Driving inclusive growth in South Africa’s tourism sector! 🇿🇦

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) is transforming tourism through its Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) — empowering black-owned and women-led tourism businesses to grow, create jobs, and bring local culture to life.

Since 2017, the TTF has approved over R270 million in funding, supported 23 enterprises, and helped sustain 1,000+ jobs across all nine provinces. From The Amber Venue in East London to Graskop Gorge Lift Co. on the Panorama Route, these businesses are reshaping how visitors experience South Africa. 🏞️

This is what sustainable transformation in tourism looks like — inclusive, impactful, and proudly South African. 🇿🇦

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/10/06/nefs-tourism-transformation-fund-drives-inclusive-growth-across-south-africa/

The National Empowerment Fund’s Tourism Transformation Fund has invested over R270 million into black-owned tourism enterprises, supporting more than 1,000 jobs and driving inclusive growth across South Africa.

01/10/2025

☕🌱 A coffee revolution is brewing on the KZN South Coast!

With 60% of the world’s coffee grown by smallholder farmers, KwaZulu-Natal is stepping up to grow its own legacy. The Ugu District Social Compact, launched by MEC Musa Zondi, is uniting government, business, and communities to expand coffee farming, create sustainable jobs, and unlock agri-investment opportunities.

From pioneers like Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and Mpenjati Coffee Farm to the RedBerry Coffee Collective, local farmers are proving that coffee isn’t just a crop—it’s a catalyst for transformation, rural development, and tourism.

🇿🇦 Instead of importing billions of rands worth of coffee, South Africa has the potential to become a global coffee player—empowering small farmers, creating 50,000+ jobs, and pouring opportunity into every cup.

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/09/29/kzn-south-coast-coffee-sector-gets-provincial-boost/

Sixty percent of the world’s coffee supply comes from smallholder farmers*. Those with access to quality trees suited to their […]

27/09/2025

👨‍🍳 For Boardwalk’s Executive Chef Willie Mcotoyi, the kitchen isn’t just a career – it’s a lifelong passion. From his first days at the Cape Sun Hotel to leading teams of 45 chefs at Boardwalk Hotel & Casino, Willie’s journey is one of dedication, authenticity, and inspiring the next generation.

📌 His philosophy? Keep it simple. Love what you do. Lead with honesty. And let the world experience Africa through food.

🍲 Try Chef Willie’s Braised Oxtail & Dumplings recipe and taste the tradition for yourself.

https://hospitalitymarketplace.co.za/2025/09/23/boardwalk-executive-chef-leads-with-heart-and-celebrates-south-african-heritage-on-the-plate/

The kitchen is more than just a career for Willie Mcotoyi, it’s a lifelong passion Behind every great dish is […]