Hotel

The Unfiltered Truth About the Hospitality Industry Running a hotel group is no small feat. As reflected in the words of a 72-year-old veteran of the industry, “The worst business to be in is hospitality.” Speaking candidly at the recent International Conference on Cohesive Societies in Singapore, he shared insights from the trenches of a 90-hotel global empire that stretches from the sun-kissed shores of Cuba to the urban spirit of Japan and the rich landscapes of Saudi Arabia. What does it take to lead such a massive…

On a somber day in January 2019, a woman was joyously reunited with her family after a harrowing evacuation from the DusitD2 complex in Nairobi, which had been turned into a war zone. The images of her embrace, filled with relief and sorrow, painted a poignant picture of resilience amid chaos. That day, 21 lives would tragically be cut short during a brutal attack masterminded by the militant group al-Shabab, freezing an otherwise lively locale in time. Recently, justice has found its way, albeit a few years later, as a…

Two Men Found Guilty of Financing 2019 Al-Shabaab Hotel Attack in Kenya NAIROBI, Kenya - In a development that echoes the complex layers of justice and retribution, a Kenyan court has delivered a verdict on a case charged with deep emotional and national significance. Two men, Hussein Mohamed Abdille Ali and Mohamed Abdi Ali, stood before the Kahawa Law Courts, accused of orchestrating financial logistics for a horrifying event that shook Kenya to its core in 2019. This incident resulted in the tragic loss of 21…

A Comprehensive Overview of Africa's Thriving Hotel Development Landscape in Early 2025 In a recent industry report, the hotel development pipeline across Africa has experienced a notable surge, with a remarkable 13.3% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth serves as a testament to the continent's potential as a burgeoning hub for global tourism and business. As we delve into the details, one can't help but wonder: what is driving this remarkable transformation? Let’s explore the top ten countries in…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a world often fraught with challenges and uncertainties, there are moments that make us pause and reflect. The recent tragic attack on the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne serves as one such moment. A location bustling with life became the unfortunate site of a grievous assault, costing the lives of six individuals, including both civilians and valiant military officers. Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed addressed the nation with heartfelt sincerity following the attack. Through his…

A Siege Broken: A Story of Courage and Resilience in Beledweyne In the early hours of a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne became the scene of a dramatic 15-hour siege. The tranquility of the morning was shattered by a thunderous car bomb explosion, announced by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. A total of seven unfortunate souls, comprising traditional elders, military officers, and civilian bystanders, were swept away in this storm of brutality. Those who survived sustained injuries—wounds…

Somalian Struggles Against Terrorism: A Chronicle of Hope and Resilience Alasow remarked on the grueling night's operations as government soldiers, supported by African Union forces, heroically navigated through a tense and dangerous situation. They worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped within the confines of a besieged hotel, including elders, military personnel, and innocent civilians. With a mixture of pride and sorrow, he disclosed, “During the 18-hour siege, our courageous soldiers eliminated two…

Beledweyne Siege Costs Lives Amidst Somali Struggle In the heart of Somalia's Hiran region resides the city of Beledweyne, a place marked by both its picturesque landscapes and, alas, the scars of conflict. Wednesday saw Somali security forces ending a harrowing 24-hour siege on a revered city hotel, leaving behind a somber tale of loss and resilience. The ordeal began much like a thunderclap on a serene day. As dusk settled in, a car bomb ripped through the Cairo Hotel on Tuesday—a site known…

Somali Forces End 15-Hour Al-Shabaab Siege on Beleaguered Hotel in Beledweyne Location - Beledweyne, Somalia. It was an arduous battle that lasted a grueling 15 hours, yet on Wednesday, Somali security forces, with the indispensable support of allied Djiboutian troops, triumphed over the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. The confrontation was nothing short of a harrowing ordeal, marked by bold acts of heroism as the siege unfolded with unflinching intensity at the Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne—a city vital to Somalia's…

Persistent Echoes of Conflict: The Al-Shabab Insurgency For over twenty years, Somalia has been shackled by the relentless insurgency led by the militant group Al-Shabab, an affiliate of the notorious al-Qaeda. This group has been a menacing presence, leaving deep scars on the nation’s landscape and psyche. As the turmoil ripples through the heart of Somali society, one cannot help but wonder: Will peace ever find its place amidst the violence? In the picturesque town of Beledweyne, located approximately 335 kilometers…