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As South Africa's hospitality sector rebounds and is floating around pre-pandemic, levels with RevPAR climbing around 12% year-on-year in 2025, the digital backbone holding it all together often creaks under pressure. At TrevPAR World Group, our role as a premier hospitality data analytics and revenue management firm places us at the epicentre of many of these transformations. We've audited systems for boutique lodges, urban hotels, and many coastal resorts, uncovering a tapestry of IT hurdles that threaten to undermine this positive growth. From load-shedding blackouts to cybersecurity blind spots, these issues aren't just technical - they're potential revenue killers. Drawing from our expert partners, in Global Touch IT, here's what we've seen, and why addressing them now is non-negotiable.

The South African hotel sector delivered a strong performance in November 2025, capping off a year of steady recovery and expansion. According to the latest STR Report, which tracks key metrics such as occupancy rates (Occ %), average daily rates (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR), the industry saw significant year-over-year improvements both for the month and year-to-date (YTD). This growth reflects a rebound in tourism, bolstered by domestic travel, international visitor inflows, and favourable economic conditions despite global uncertainties. With data covering 215 properties and over 28,000 rooms sampled across the country, the report paints a picture of resilience, particularly in high-demand urban and coastal areas.

In an industry where service is everything, it’s easy to forget that our future doesn’t lie in trends, tools, or tech- It lies in people. At TrevPAR World, we don’t just build strategies for today’s clients, we invest in tomorrow’s talent. That’s why we’ve made youth development a core part of how we give back to the hospitality industry. From welcoming interns into our team to delivering guest lectures at institutions like the University of Johannesburg and Stenden South Africa, we’re opening the door for future leaders to step into the real world of hospitality strategy.

In the fast-paced, ever changing world of hospitality, every guest interaction, online review or even missed marketing opportunity has the potential to make or break a clients revenue. Staying ahead of the digital curve isn't just an option - it's a necessity. As we dive deeper into this, we can see how digital marketing is no longer a nice to have, but a necessity. A boutique hotel in Cape Town or an exciting restaurant at a Johannesburg hotel - both may be full of possibility and potential, but if they are struggling to cut through the online clutter, this could quickly become a business failure, just by not having enough visibility or awareness. Social media algorithms shift overnight, SEO best practices evolve with every Google update, and targeted ads demand clearly defined and well understood target market segmentation, simply to see small ROI on any digital spend. The solution to this for many hospitality leaders, is the knee-jerk response of hiring that one "digital-savvy" person to handle it all. But is a solo act what you need to drive your business needs?

In the heart of Port Alfred’s Station Hill suburb, cricket isn’t just a pastime, it’s a lifeline. For almost two decades, the Station Hill Cricket Club (SHCC) has been more than a team: it’s a community hub, a place where youth find purpose, locals find pride, and visitors discover a true sporting spirit.

South Africa’s hospitality sector delivered a standout performance in October 2025, with nationwide Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) surging 18.4% year-on-year to ZAR 1,395, the strongest October growth in recent memory, according to the latest STR/CoStar data.

TrevPAR World Group Holdings, the data-driven commercial hospitality management and analytics leader, has been named Expert Partner of the Year (EMEA) in the 2025 SiteMinder Partner Awards – marking the company’s fourth win in the award’s five-year history.

The South African hotel sector demonstrated a mixed performance in September 2025, reflecting ongoing recovery trends amid economic pressures and seasonal variations. According to the latest STR Report, which tracks key metrics such as Occupancy (Occ %), Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), the industry saw modest gains in pricing power but faced challenges in occupancy levels. This analysis draws from data across 430 properties in the census (with 234 in the sample), encompassing 52,789 rooms (30,516 in the sample). All figures are reported in South African Rands (ZAR), with the exchange rate noted at approximately 17.26 ZAR to USD for contextual reference.

The South African hotel sector continued its post-pandemic recovery in August 2025, posting solid year-on-year gains in key performance metrics, according to the latest data from STR. While the month brought a mix of challenges and opportunities across provinces and star categories, the overall picture reflects resilience, with occupancy rates climbing and revenue metrics showing healthy uplift. This review dives into the numbers, highlighting national trends, star-rated breakdowns, and regional hotspots, providing a snapshot for industry stakeholders navigating an evolving landscape.

In the competitive world of hospitality, hotels often rely on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb to fill rooms and reach a broader audience. However, the "spend" on these channels—referring to the commissions (typically 15-30%) paid per booking or investments in OTA advertising and promotions—can seem like a necessary evil. Yet, when used strategically, this expenditure isn't just about immediate revenue; it serves as a powerful catalyst for enhancing your hotel's own direct booking platform. By providing unparalleled visibility and acting as a "billboard" for your brand, OTA spend can drive traffic, build awareness, and ultimately convert users to direct bookers, who are more profitable since you retain 100% of the revenue without commissions. This article explores how this dynamic works and offers practical tips to maximise the benefits.

The South African hotel sector demonstrated robust growth in July 2025, building on positive trends observed throughout the year. According to the latest STR report, national occupancy rates, average daily rates (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR) all posted gains compared to July 2024, signalling a continued rebound in tourism and business travel. This performance comes amid a stabilizing economy and increased international visitor numbers, though regional variations highlight uneven recovery across provinces.

In the vibrant tapestry of South Africa's hospitality industry, the Tour Series segment—characterized by pre-packaged group tours often booked through travel agents for inbound tourists—has long been a staple. These tours typically involve structured itineraries, such as wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park or cultural excursions in Cape Town, catering primarily to older demographics from Europe and North America who prefer the convenience of agent-mediated bookings. However, as the industry evolves amid technological disruptions and shifting traveller preferences, this segment appears poised for obsolescence. By 2030, the Tour Series model may vanish entirely from South Africa's hospitality landscape, supplanted by more dynamic, individualized alternatives.

The South African hospitality industry remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, contributing significantly to tourism, employment, and regional development. The June 2025 hotel performance data, provided by STR, offers a detailed snapshot of the sector’s health, capturing key metrics such as Occupancy Rate (Occ %), Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). These indicators reflect the interplay between demand, pricing strategies, and market dynamics across South Africa’s diverse regions and hotel categories. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the June 2025 performance compared to June 2024, explores year-to-date (YTD) trends, and highlights regional and star-rating-specific insights.

The African hospitality industry, spanning hotels, tourism, restaurants, and related services, is on a trajectory of robust growth through 2028, with revenues projected to reach US$30 billion at an annual growth rate of 5%. Hotel revenues alone are expected to rise from US$11.29 billion in 2025 to US$15 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 7.35%, driven by increasing international arrivals, infrastructure development, and unique attractions like wildlife safaris and cultural heritage sites. As of mid-2025, the sector has rebounded from pandemic impacts, but new entrants must address continent-specific challenges such as infrastructure gaps, political instability, and uneven digital access. With a 13.3% surge in hotel development projects this year and hotspots like South Africa anticipating market growth to US$1.42 billion, opportunities are ripe for innovative operators. However, success hinges on strategic planning around five key factors tailored to Africa's diverse landscape over the next three years.

The short-term rental market in South Africa, dominated by platforms like Airbnb, has experienced significant growth over the past decade, transforming the tourism landscape and contributing billions to the economy. However, recent regulatory changes proposed by the South African government, alongside Airbnb’s internal policy shifts, are poised to reshape this dynamic sector. This article explores the potential impacts of these changes on South Africa’s tourism economy, housing market, and local communities, with a particular focus on Cape Town, a global Airbnb hotspot.

Sports tourism has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, blending the nation’s passion for sports with its vibrant cultural and natural attractions. From the roar of rugby fans at Springbok matches to the economic ripple effects of international sporting events, South Africa is leveraging its sporting heritage to drive tourism and foster development. In 2025, the Springbok rugby fixtures and other key events are poised to amplify this impact, drawing global visitors and boosting local economies. This article explores the multifaceted influence of sports tourism on South Africa, with a focus on the upcoming Springbok games and critical demand drivers.

The hospitality industry is undergoing a transformative period, fuelled by a projected 5.8% annual growth in global tourism through 2032, evolving consumer preferences, and rapid technological advancements. Hotels and related businesses are adapting to demands for sustainability, personalization, and seamless digital experiences. As a result, certain roles will be in high demand over the next five years to meet these challenges and capitalize on opportunities. This expanded article explores the top 10 most sought-after hospitality roles from 2025 to 2030, detailing their responsibilities, required skills, industry trends driving demand, and career pathways for aspiring professionals.

South Africa’s hotel industry showcased a strong performance in May 2025, reflecting a resilient recovery and growing demand across various regions and hotel categories. The latest data from STR, LLC, covering the month of May 2025 compared to May 2024, reveals significant improvements in key performance metrics such as occupancy (Occ %), average daily rate (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR). This article delves into the highlights, regional trends, and standout performers, offering a comprehensive overview of the industry’s trajectory.

Africa’s tourism scene is absolutely buzzing—think vibrant cities, stunning safari lodges, and a wave of travellers flocking to destinations like Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco. But here’s the catch: as the industry booms, finding top-notch talent for things like revenue management, digital marketing, and distribution is getting tougher. And guess what? This talent crunch is only going to get worse. So, what’s the smart move? Outsourcing these commercial functions. Let’s dive into why outsourcing is the secret sauce Africa’s hospitality industry needs to thrive.

In the evolving landscape of travel booking, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, and Kayak have become dominant players. While hoteliers and travel providers often balk at the commission fees charged by OTAs, a closer examination reveals that OTA bookings are frequently more cost-effective than other booking channels, such as direct bookings or those facilitated through traditional sales teams. This article explores the hidden costs and personnel expenses associated with non-OTA channels and discusses the declining relevance of sales teams in the modern travel industry.

The hospitality industry in Africa is experiencing a transformative phase, driven by rising travel demand, increasing corporate activity, and a growing middle class. At the heart of this evolution lies the Global Distribution System (GDS), a critical technology that connects hotels with travel agents, corporate bookers, and online platforms worldwide. While GDS platforms like Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport have long been integral to global travel distribution, their role in unlocking the potential of hotel bookings in Africa is becoming increasingly significant. This article explores the value of GDS systems, their future relevance, and the specific growth opportunities they present for hotel bookings in Africa.

South Africa’s hotel sector delivered a robust performance in April 2025, with significant gains in revenue metrics despite a slight decline in occupancy, according to the latest STR Report. The data, covering 431 properties and 52,779 rooms nationwide, reveals a story of resilience, with hotels commanding higher rates to offset lower room occupancy. From the vibrant Western Cape to the bustling hubs of Gauteng, regional and star-rating variations paint a dynamic picture of the industry’s health. Year-to-date (YTD) trends further highlight the sector’s adaptability, with strong pricing power driving revenue growth across most regions.

Having worked and been exposed to the marketing, communication and advertising industry for 15 years, there is a hard truth that has become clearer and clearer, and will have many brand managers saying: “No, that’s not the case”. This hard truth is that your customers on social media do not care about your products. While this may sound harsh, and perhaps little blunt – but it is true.

The hospitality industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) and direct online booking platforms. With travellers increasingly turning to websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and hotel brand portals to make reservations, a critical question arises: do hotel sales teams still hold value in this digital era? This article explores the evolving role of sales teams in hotels, considering the impact of online and OTA bookings, and argues that, despite technological shifts, sales teams remain essential for driving revenue, fostering relationships, and differentiating properties in a competitive market.

HOW PROPERTIES ARE HARNESSING DATA AND AI FOR TAILORED GUEST EXPERIENCES

March 2025 showcased a South African hotel industry navigating a complex landscape with resilience and opportunity. While national occupancy remained nearly flat, ADR and RevPAR gains signaled robust pricing confidence.

South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), was formed in June 2024 as a result of the African National Congress’s (ANC) loss of its parliamentary majority. The GNU has brought together 11 political parties in a coalition aimed at fostering economic recovery and stability. While the GNU has sparked optimism for political co-operation, its internal challenges have created uncertainties that ripple across the economy, particularly impacting the hospitality industry and tourism-related businesses, which are critical to South Africa’s economic growth.

South Africa’s recent Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase, which saw a slight raising if the VAT rate from 15% to 15.5% in May 2025 and to 16% by April 2026, has sparked fierce debate, anger, and uncertainty. Political parties and analysts are sharply divided on its fallout: some warn of a crippling blow to an already strained economy, others see it as a necessary evil to shore up fiscal coffers. The impact on the country’s people—particularly the poor, who already grapple with a 32.9% unemployment rate and rising living costs—remains a key focus area, with fears of shrinking disposable incomes clashing against promises of expanded zero-rated essentials.

From logos and brochures to websites and social media campaigns, effective graphic design shapes how guests perceive and engage with a brand.

While rate parity once was a corner stone in the pricing strategies of hotels, the industry has shifted toward more dynamic pricing models that reflect current market realities and technological advancements.

The South African hotel industry in February 2025 showcased a promising trajectory, with national RevPAR rising 13.3%, driven by higher ADRs and slight occupancy gains.

The reservations department is much more than just a call center or administrative function. It plays a pivotal role in driving revenue, improving guest experience, and contributing to the overall success of the business

Despite AI's capabilities, the expertise of human revenue managers remains indispensable.
AI systems excel at processing data and identifying patterns, but they lack the nuanced understanding of market subtleties and the human elements of guest experience.

TrevPAR World, is thrilled to announce the addition of two talented Data Analyst interns to its team: Tafadzwa Chikerema and Roux Che Shidute, as well as the permanent employment of Jonty Bruggen as part of the Digital Team. Their arrival marks an exciting step in the company’s commitment to fostering emerging talent in data-driven innovation, revenue management and youth empowerment.

In today’s digital-driven world, we often see the term of “big-data”, “data driven insights” or simply "data” itself thrown around and added to conversation as a throw-away term or piece of industry jargon, with little to no understanding of what these terms mean, and just how much power there is in good quality data.

TrevPAR World, a global leader in innovative hospitality data and revenue management solutions, is thrilled to announce its recognition in Booking.com’s 2025 Traveller Review Awards achieving an impressive final score of 8.2 out of 10. This accolade, based on over 360 million verified customer reviews, highlights TrevPAR World’s commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences and that drive business and brand growth

The report highlights trends at national, regional, and star-rating levels for January 2025 compared to January 2024.

Successful upselling isn't just about making a one-time sale; it’s about building relationships.

In the rapidly evolving hospitality industry, staying up-to-date with the latest trends is vital to ensure a steady flow of reservations.

As a means of driving continued success and growth for its clients, TrevPAR World Group Holdings has launched a new and improved TrevPAR Upsell offering, together with a refreshed and updated website

This used to be a much simpler topic back when people spent more time speaking to one another.

When looking at any hotel, regardless of size or market we always seem to focus on three main benchmarks – occupancy, average daily rate and RevPAR, with RevPAR being dubbed as king, but why?

Establishing a competitor set involves identifying and analysing businesses that are competing for the same customers...

What It Means for Hotels

TrevPAR World Group Holdings is proud to announce its recognition as the Revenue Management Company of the Year – South Africa

TrevPAR World Group Holdings, a distinguished hotel commercial management and data analytics firm, is pleased to announce the expansion of its team with the addition of several talented individuals.

TrevPAR World is thrilled to announce that it’s a winning entry at SiteMinder’s Partner of the Year Awards: 2023.

Dining being a fundamental and intimate aspect of life in every culture, customers are always looking for more than an excellent menu...

On Saturday, 9 March 2024, Station Hill Cricket Club concluded its campaign by winning the 120th installment of the Pineapple Cricket Tournament.