Africa is the second fastest growing tourism market in the world and its immense tourism potential is just starting to unlock. With more international and local players set to transform the hospitality sector over the next few years, it pays to have a legal partner that truly understands this complex market.

ALN advises on all aspects of the hospitality industry, including real estate, transactional, litigation, tax, regulatory, franchise, employment and intellectual property. We have a very strong hotels and leisure practice. We work for some of the largest, high-profile organisations in the sector: private equity, sovereign wealth and pension funds, real estate investors and property developers and financiers. Our experience ranges from small, luxury boutique hotels all the way to huge, mixed-used developments and everything in between.

Our track record in the hospitality industry has not only given us insight into its often-complex legal requirements but has also enabled us to build an in-depth understanding of the commercial and practical aspects of our clients’ businesses throughout the continent and in the Middle East.

We are therefore able to advise on emerging challenges and opportunities, including data ownership and privacy concerns, and the use of online travel agents and other non-traditional reservation and distribution platforms that are transforming the business models of boutique operations. We will work with you as you navigate the changes in international and local demand and the constant shifting challenges the industry faces as it continues to adapt and evolve.

Representative transactions include advising:

  1. CityBlue Hotels

    An East African hotel chain, in connection with proposed hotel management or lease opportunities in several countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Sudan and advising on hotel management and lease contracts.

  2. DEG and Proparco

    in connection with financing of the purchase and refurbishment Serena Hotel, Kampala

  3. Meydan Group

    The developer of the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi and the Olare Mara safari lodge in the Masai Mara, Kenya, in connection with the negotiations for the hotel and lodge management contracts with Kempinski Hotels.

  1. Section Investments

    In connection with its acquisition of the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, a luxury hotel.

     

  2. Meydan Group

    In connection with its negotiation of “white label” hotel management contracts for two well-known luxury hotel properties located in Dubai.