South Africa has taken its place on the global tourism stage, with Millat Group becoming the first homegrown private equity company to be appointed to the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) — the highest governing body of the world’s private sector travel and tourism leaders.
Founded and led by entrepreneur Hamza Farooqui, Millat is a private equity-styled travel and leisure group that has reshaped South Africa’s hospitality landscape. The Group is best known for bringing back the Hyatt hotel brand, now the largest Hyatt operator in Africa with properties including Hyatt Regency Cape Town, Hyatt House Sandton, Hyatt House Rosebank, and the recently opened Park Hyatt Johannesburg.
“This is a proud moment for South Africa and Africa,” said Farooqui. “For the first time, our country has a direct voice on the WTTC Executive Committee. We see this not only as recognition of Millat’s journey, but as an opportunity to fly the South African and African flag high, showcase our country’s and continent’s enormous tourism potential, and attract greater institutional capital to unlock growth and jobs across the continent. Our message to the world is clear: South Africa and Africa is open for investment, open for travel, and open for business.”
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Millat Group as the first South African member of our Executive Committee. Their leadership in bringing global hospitality brands to South Africa and championing investment in the sector will bring invaluable perspectives to the Council’s work.”
By joining the WTTC Executive Committee, Millat Group will ensure South Africa’s voice is heard at the highest levels of the global tourism industry, shaping initiatives on sustainability, investment, and regional growth while highlighting Africa as one of the most dynamic and exciting tourism frontiers.
