With 12 properties in South Africa, do you have plans to expand?
We are expanding nationally, with The Capital Boardwalk in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) currently under construction. We are working on a pipeline of various additional sites, all in South Africa, which is our current focus. It’s difficult to raise debt for property in other parts of Africa and there are more than enough opportunities within South Africa.
What proportion of your footprint is given over to each of the three categories: hotels, apartments and resorts?
All our properties have apartments, except for the SEVEN Villa Hotel & Spa in Sandton. We have one resort under our portfolio which is The Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito.
Your website describes “hybrid hotels”: is flexibility your unique selling proposition?
Flexibility has always been at the heart of The Capital Hotel Group’s DNA. From the onset, we pioneered the hybrid-hotel model in South Africa, becoming the first group to offer apart-hotels in the country. It was our founding concept.
Today, we remain the benchmark for this approach to hospitality, offering guests the convenience of hotel services with the flexibility and space of apartment-style living.
Is the hybrid model more difficult to manage?
Our rooms are intentionally designed as modular components, allowing them to be easily adapted for different guest needs and purposes.
This built-in flexibility is a core part of our operating model. Our management teams are trained and equipped to handle this dynamic inventory with agility, enabling us to maximise occupancy and guest satisfaction without compromising on efficiency or service.
Your website states that hotels are better than Airbnbs in South Africa. Why?
Tourism is built on experiences and standards are how we ensure that the experiences we provide leave a lasting mark. That means cleanliness and safety are not just buzzwords, but key pillars in how we market this country. At The Capital Hotel Group, we provide consistent quality, cleanliness, professional service and amenities. Our properties provide jobs and help boost the local economy through supplier partnerships.
While Airbnbs can provide a cheap and cheerful alternative to a luxury hotel experience, their varying standards and questionable track record with guest safety can leave a lot to be desired. The lack of regulation around Airbnbs, especially in tourist hotspots such as Cape Town, doesn’t just hurt businesses, it compromises the guest experience.
How is the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) part of your business doing?
MICE is performing exceptionally well and remains a significant contributor to our overall business. We’re well-positioned to cater to this segment, with standout offerings such as one of the largest conference venues in Sandton. In addition, our properties are uniquely versatile – one of our hotels even accommodates full-vehicle activations in the lobby. And of course, The Capital Zimbali remains one of South Africa’s most iconic resort destinations, attracting high-end events and corporate retreats alike.
Are you noticing trends related to the trajectory of the SA economy?
The GNU has definitely improved sentiment, and we are seeing increased positivity in both domestic and international travel as a result. However, there is a fundamental shortage of modern, high-standard accommodation in South Africa, with the last major wave of hotel development having taken place in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup. So, although the economy is not particularly strong, there is also no new supply and hence we are seeing good results from South Africa.
How will increased public infrastructure spending over the next three years impact the tourism industry?
This is much needed in order to foster growth, enhance visitor experiences and strengthen the broader tourism economy. For the hospitality industry, increased tourist arrivals (both international and domestic) are vital, therefore we need to get the basics right when it comes to public infrastructure, the most important being electricity and water infrastructure.
At The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts we have stepped into action to solve electricity and water issues by investing millions into renewable energy, backup energy (generators), water redundancy and water-purity solutions. Eighty percent of our properties will be powered with solar by the end of 2025. This move not only aims to reduce our carbon footprint but also provides a buffer against the challenges of loadshedding – an issue that continues to affect businesses across the country.
What will be the effect of the introduction of e-visas to 34 countries?
The implementation of e-visas to 34 countries should hopefully boost South Africa’s efforts to attract more international tourists and business travellers. By streamlining the visa application process, e-visas will make it easier, faster and more convenient for visitors from key markets to gain entry into the country. With systems such as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2025 SONA, we hope to see the visa process more streamlined.
The ETA is aimed at reducing processing delays, cut down on opportunities for corruption and offer a smoother travel experience – all of these have been key challenges in the tourism sector for a long time and we’re expecting to finally see some progress in this regard.
Beyond tourism, the e-visa system strengthens diplomatic and economic ties by encouraging more frequent travel for trade, investment and academic collaboration. Business professionals and investors from the 34 eligible countries now find it more efficient to travel to South
Africa, which enhances the country’s reputation as a business-friendly destination in Africa.
What effect do you expect events such as the G20 Summit and Africa’s Travel Indaba to have on the tourism sector?
Events like the G20 Summit and Africa’s Travel Indaba can have a profound impact on South Africa’s tourism sector by enhancing our global visibility and positioning the country as a key player in international relations and travel.
Hosting or participating in the G20 Summit showcases South Africa’s political stability, infrastructure and capacity to handle high-profile global events, which in turn builds confidence among international travellers and investors. It also attracts media coverage and delegates from across the globe, many of whom extend their stays for leisure travel, which benefits the tourism and hospitality industries.
Africa’s Travel Indaba, one of the largest tourism marketing events on the continent, plays a critical role in promoting South Africa as a prime destination. It brings together global travel buyers, media and industry stakeholders, creating opportunities to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings, from wildlife and adventure to culture and heritage.
The event not only drives business deals and bookings but also strengthens long-term partnerships and brand positioning. Both events contribute to increased visitor numbers, higher foreign revenue and the creation of jobs, making them vital for growth in the tourism sector.
