Nuno Neves, Managing Director of the InterContinental Luanda Miramar - InterContinental: a landmark in the 50 years of Angola

Born in Setúbal, Portugal, on July 18, 1963, Nuno Neves is the managing director of the InterContinental Miramar Luanda, following an international career that has been marked by cosmopolitan flair and excellence. With a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, he began his career at Air Atlantis, embracing from the outset a life marked by travel, cultures and overseas challenges. With extensive experience in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, he approaches each project with the same philosophy: to serve with dedication, while respecting local cultures and bringing the hotel closer to the community. Fluent in six languages and a citizen of the world by vocation, he regards the human factor as the true essence of hospitality.

Five decades on from independence, what Angola do you see when you look out of the window of the InterContinental?
I see an Angola that is on the move, more dynamic and thriving. A city that is being transformed day by day, with a renewed energy that is sweeping through the economy and society. After the silence of the pandemic, life has returned. It is no longer just the age of oil: today, the driving force is to diversify, broaden horizons and create new markets. For me, this represents a unique and extremely positive opportunity.

What does it mean to you, personally and professionally, to lead a project like this at this historic 50-year milestone?
It is an honour to have prepared and steered the opening of this hotel, which is a gateway to international hospitality for Angola. From the very beginning, we have hosted events of national, regional and global importance. The InterContinental is thus recognised as a landmark in the celebration of 50 years of independence.

«I see an Angola that is on the move, more dynamic and thriving.»

The InterContinental is a recent project, but already a landmark in Angola. How does this hotel fit into the narrative of 50 years of independence?
This hotel is a symbol of renewal, of a new image for Angolan hospitality. By associating itself with this occasion, it becomes a beacon and an icon of this historic milestone.

As a leading hotel in Angola, what message does it convey about national ambition and sovereignty?
Owned by national companies and managed by the global brand IHG, the InterContinental reflects the strategic ambition to position Angola on the international tourism stage. It is a sign of sovereignty and modernity, with quality standards recognised anywhere in the world.

«The InterContinental is [...] recognised as a landmark in the celebration of 50 years of independence.»

How is the spirit of independence reflected in the day-to-day running of the hotel — in the hospitality, the team, the identity and the service?
It is reflected in our commitment to Angolan talent. We invest in training young people who proudly learn the InterContinental model and amaze guests with their ability to serve and communicate in Portuguese and English. Training is ongoing, with internships at hotels from the chain abroad and internal promotions on the rise. Today, there are 530 of us, but the goal is clear: soon, we will have Angolan directors leading operations.

In these 50 years, what is your view of the evolution of the Angolan hotel industry? And what still needs to be built?
The hotel industry is no longer seen as a secondary occupation and is beginning to be viewed as a respectable career, capable of offering stability and a future. What is still needed is a change in mentality: the hotel industry needs to be recognised as a prestigious sector, essential for the country’s development.

What future do you see for Angola as an independent country? And what role could the hotel industry play over the next 50 years?
Angola has a geography of rare beauty — endless beaches, savannahs, plateaus, waterfalls. The hotel industry could become a driver of development if investment in infrastructure were to be made: roads, transport hubs, basic services. Under these conditions, rural tourism, wine tourism and other local experiences would be able to flourish, as is the case in Portugal today. Over the next 50 years, I believe that the hotel industry will be synonymous with progress and one of the main cornerstones of the national economy.

If you had to sum up Angola in three words, which would you choose today and why?
Potential, pride and future. Potential because of its natural conditions and the hospitality of its people. Pride, because the Angolan people dedicate themselves body and soul when they find projects that value them. Future, because Angola has everything it needs to make its mark as a tourist destination and economic powerhouse on the African continent.

«Over the next 50 years, I believe that the hotel industry will be synonymous with progress and one of the main cornerstones of the national economy.»

Text: PJLM
Photos: Edson Azevedo