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2026 Programme
09:40 – 10:25 Market Insights

Beyond the Horizon

A sharp, data-driven deep dive into the financial and economic currents shaping the UK hotel industry. The panel will unpack raw macroeconomic data, tying CPI changes and debt finance realities directly to RevPAR, ADR, and disposable guest spend.

Jeavon Lolay
Jeavon LolayLloyds Banking
Dave North
Dave NorthLloyds Banking
10:25 – 11:10 Operations

Frontline Fortitude

Hotel operators are caught in a pincer movement: skyrocketing supply chain and labour costs on one side, guests demanding flawless value on the other. This panel digs into asset management, smart cost-control, and building operational agility across diverse portfolios.

Julie White
Julie WhiteAccor
David Anderson
David AndersonAimbridge EMEA
David Hart
David HartRBH Hospitality
11:30 – 12:15 Leadership

The Modern Anchor

Managing a modern hospitality workforce demands a shift from old-school hierarchy to empathetic, visionary leadership. These industry standard-bearers explore how to inspire loyalty across multi-generational teams, foster open communication, and maintain personal mental resilience.

Christian Masters
Christian Mastersart'otel Hoxton
Caroline Gregory
Caroline GregoryThe Lovat Hotel
Simon Numphud
Simon NumphudAA Media Services
12:15 – 13:00 Events Market

The New Roar of MICE

The MICE sector looks radically different than it did a few years ago. From hyper-personalised retreats to tech-heavy hybrid conventions, this session uncovers what today's corporate planners actually want from a venue — and how to maximise yield per square foot.

Shonali Devereaux
Shonali DevereauxMIA
Varun Shetty
Varun ShettyThe Belfry Resort
14:00 – 14:45 Development

Blueprint for Growth

Despite tight credit markets, the appetite for strategic hotel development remains fierce. Brands and asset managers discuss the shift toward conversions, brand repositioning, and adaptive reuse over ground-up builds.

Tim Davis
Tim DavisPACE Dimensions
Gavin Taylor
Gavin TaylorClermont Hotels
Paul Blackmore
Paul BlackmoreHilton
David JM Orr
David JM OrrResident Hotels
14:45 – 15:30 Technology

Beyond the Buzzwords

AI is already driving revenue and plugging labour gaps. This panel cuts through the jargon to showcase how automated guest messaging, contactless check-ins, and predictive analytics can save thousands of labour hours.

DB
David BeersChoice Hotels
RBH
AI SpecialistRBH Management
CT
Canary PanelistCanary Tech
15:55 – 16:40 People & Culture

People First

Recruitment is tough, but retention is where the real battle is won or lost. Industry leaders share actionable advice on mental health initiatives, flexible working models, and defined career progression pathways.

Mark Lewis
Mark LewisHospitality Action
Suzanne Speak
Suzanne SpeakRadisson Group
16:40 – 17:05 Crisis Management

When the Custard Hits the Fan

In a 24/7 digital world, a single bad incident can escalate into a viral PR nightmare within minutes. A compressed, highly practical session delivering an actionable blueprint for emergency communication and brand protection.

CC
PR Leadership TeamCustard Comm.
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Home > Latest News > International > Marriott opens first hotels in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Marriott opens first hotels in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Marriott opens first hotels in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In this episode we speak to Philip Lassman, managing director UK&I at Numa. Philip spoke about the lessons learned from his time at Hilton, IHG and Accor, and how his early roles have shaped his leadership approach, the rise of aparthotels and why guests are increasingly seeking flexible and locally connected stays, how Native by Numa sites root themselves in their local neighbourhoods, and Philip’s plans for growing the Numa brand.

In association with

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Marriott International has entered the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the opening of two hotels in Kinshasa, marking the group’s first sites in the country. 

The company has launched Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa in partnership with third-party manager SARV Management.

The new hotels introduce two of Marriott’s select-service brands to the capital, which has a population of more than 17 million and is a major centre for diplomacy, trade and the arts. The group said the openings reflect rising demand from business and leisure travellers in the city.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa is located in an upscale neighbourhood near the Congo River, close to government offices and corporate headquarters. The 88-room site includes an atrium lobby with local artwork, an indoor pool, a restaurant, fitness centre and a small meeting room.

Meanwhile, Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa is based in the central business district and offers 134 rooms aimed at business and independent travellers. Facilities include a rooftop outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, Lufira Restaurant, the 83 Sky Lounge Bar and about 230 square metres of meeting space across four rooms.

Both properties will participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the group’s loyalty programme, allowing members to earn and redeem points across Marriott’s global portfolio.

Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, VP for premium, select and midscale brands for EMEA, said: “Entering the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a proud milestone for Marriott International as we continue to grow our footprint across Africa.

“With the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa and Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa, we’re excited to offer travellers and Marriott Bonvoy members two distinct ways to experience our trusted service and signature brand experiences in this dynamic market.”

Karim Minsariya, director of Samay Hospitality, the ownership company for both hotels, added: “We believe these openings will play a meaningful role in strengthening the tourism sector and showcasing the vibrancy and potential of Kinshasa on a global stage.”

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