Help or harm? Split opinions on global brands

The results of our latest poll indicate split opinions on whether the presence of global hotel brands in Africa’s safari sector is of net harm or benefit to the industry.

Of poll respondents, 48% said the entry of global hotel brands is harmful to eco-tourism while 43% said it is beneficial. The discussion follows the expansion of groups such as Marriott, which is set to open two luxury safari lodges in Kenya in the third quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2026.

Which city should host the G20 summit?

Significant debate has been stimulated, particularly between South Africa’s political parties, on the readiness of Johannesburg to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit – a crucial global gathering scheduled for November.

While the host province of Gauteng has defended its capabilities, officials in the Western Cape have suggested that the City of Cape Town would be better equipped to host the summit. The debate follows several concerns raised about poorly maintained infrastructure in Johannesburg including roads, traffic lights and signage.

With the summit expected to inject billions of rands into the tourism economy, we’d love your opinion on which of the two cities should host the event.

Our poll question this week is: