Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.

In today’s topics;

1. ExpoGuys wins sustainability award at AAXO Roar
2. Hyatt opens first dual-branded hotel in Nairobi
3. Lufthansa takes top honors at Nairobi aviation awards

ExpoGuys Wins AAXO Sustainability Award: Leading the African Exhibition Industry

ExpoGuys has been recognized for its forward-thinking sustainability efforts, earning the Excellence in Sustainability Certificate at the AAXO Roar Awards held on March 27, 2025, in Johannesburg. As the only supplier to receive an award in this category, ExpoGuys has set a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the African exhibition industry.

The company’s initiatives go beyond surface-level commitments. Their Sustainable Stand Grading System introduces a new standard in eco-conscious design, while a shift to modular, eco-friendly stands reflects practical action towards reducing waste. With a clear goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions, ExpoGuys demonstrates a strategic and measurable approach to sustainability.

Pat Cronning, Commercial Director at ExpoGuys, emphasized how the award reflects a growing industry-wide awareness. Their efforts show that operational excellence and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. As others in the sector look to improve their impact, ExpoGuys stands out as a working model of leadership through action.

Hyatt’s First Dual-Branded Hotel Opens in Nairobi: Modern Comfort & Extended Stay Options

Hyatt has officially opened its first dual-branded hotel in Africa, setting up shop in Nairobi’s Westlands. The new property combines Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands for short stays and Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands for extended stays, providing flexibility for both business and leisure travelers. This move underscores Hyatt’s long-term commitment to Africa’s expanding hospitality sector and strengthens its position in a key urban location.

Situated along Lower Kabete Road, guests have quick access to Westgate Mall, Nairobi National Museum, and Karura Forest. The property features 168 guest rooms under Hyatt Place and 57 fully equipped apartment-style units under Hyatt House. Whether staying a few nights or a few weeks, guests benefit from modern amenities including 24/7 fitness, outdoor swimming pool, all-day dining, and workspace-equipped rooms. Extended-stay visitors also enjoy conveniences like in-room kitchens, self-service laundromat, and grocery services.

For the meetings and events industry, the hotels offer essential event and conferencing facilities, making them a practical option for planners looking to host gatherings in Nairobi. Pet-friendly policies and thoughtful design further enhance the guest experience. This launch positions Nairobi as a growing hub for the MICE industry and offers a fresh option for professionals traveling or organizing events in East Africa.

Lufthansa: Best Airline in Africa at Nairobi Aviation Awards

Lufthansa Airlines has been named Best Passenger Airline and Overall Winner at the 2025 Aviation Business Excellence Awards (ABEA) in Nairobi. The awards, held on March 28, celebrate operational excellence, top-tier customer experience, and strong leadership across the African aviation sector.

The ABEA, launched in 2018 as part of the JKIA Airport Customer Service Charter, puts airline and airport operations through a robust evaluation. Core aspects such as customer focus, sustainability, marketing, and people engagement are assessed through a standardized tool. Winning the award places Lufthansa at the top of a competitive field spanning both Kenyan and regional players.

Adewale Sanni, Lufthansa’s Station Manager in Nairobi, accepted the award on behalf of the airline in front of an audience of over 500 professionals, including government stakeholders. The recognition reinforces Lufthansa’s commitment to excellence and further strengthens its footprint in African aviation.

Rwanda’s Tourism Boom: $215M Surplus Marks 3 Years of Growth

Rwanda’s tourism sector closed 2024 with a record $215.6 million travel surplus, marking three consecutive years of growth. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), this balance reflects the country’s earnings from international visitors minus what residents spent abroad. It’s a clear indication that tourism is not only thriving but becoming a vital economic pillar.

The total tourism revenue hit $579.5 million, significantly outpacing the $363.8 million spent by Rwandan travelers internationally. Analysts credit this success to a rise in holiday travel to Rwanda and sustained outbound business trips. Data collected through the Travel Expenditure Survey (TES) provides critical insights that help shape tourism policy and planning.

For the MICE industry, these figures are more than just numbers — they’re signals of opportunity. As international traveler numbers climb, Rwanda positions itself as a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. With modern infrastructure, a strong tourism framework, and captivating natural and cultural assets, Rwanda presents a compelling case for event planners seeking fresh, impactful destinations.

That’s it for today.