Marriott International has announced plans to expand its operations in Africa with the addition of more than 30 hotels and 5,000 rooms by the end of 2024
The company’s growth across Africa is largely driven by its select-service brands which represent half of the company’s current development pipeline in the continent. It is also expected to introduce its Delta Hotels by Marriott brand in the region.
“Marriott International’s expansion plans reinforce its commitment to Africa and highlight the growth of the travel and tourism sector across the continent,” says Karim Cheltout, Regional Vice President — Development, Africa, Marriott International. “We continue to explore opportunities to expand in major gateway cities, commercial centres and resort destinations across Africa, while catering to the region’s ever-changing and evolving markets through our diverse range of extraordinary brands.”
SELECT-SERVICE ACCOMMODATION FUELS GROWTH
The group’s select-service brands in the region, led by Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, make up more than 50% of the company’s property additions in Africa through 2024. Protea Hotels by Marriott remains the most recognisable hospitality brand in Africa, with more than 60 hotels across nine countries. Offering a taste of local flavour in an authentic way, Protea Hotels by Marriott expects to expand its footprint across the continent with ten additions by the end of 2024. Plans include the brand’s first properties in Kenya, Malawi and Angola, with further expansion in SA where it is expected to open five new hotels.
With its authentic and timeless design, paired with stylish comfort, Four Points by Sheraton continues to build on its momentum in Africa with five additions by the end of 2024. These expansion plans for Four Points by Sheraton include the brand’s entry into Uganda, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cape Verde. The brand also expects to open its second property in Nigeria, Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene.
DEMAND FOR PREMIUM AND LUXURY BRANDS REMAINS STRONG
The hotel chain also continues to explore growth opportunities across Africa for its unparalleled premium and luxury brands. The company’s expansion plans for its premium brands across the continent include the launch of Delta Hotels in 2023. Delta Hotels, which provides guests with exactly what they need for a seamless travel experience, is expected to make its entry into Africa with the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay in Tanzania.
Plans for Tribute Portfolio, a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and vibrant social scenes, include the expected opening of laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. The company is also slated to introduce the Westin Hotels & Resorts brand in Ethiopia with the opening of The Westin Addis Ababa. Additionally, Marriott International plans to grow its iconic collection of independent properties under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand with new properties in expected Tanzania and Algeria.
Marriott International is looking to expand its portfolio of luxury brands with five anticipated openings in Africa by the end of 2024. The company is expected to introduce The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis brands in Morocco with the openings of The Ritz-Carlton, Rabat Dar Es Salam and The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, Tamuda. JW Marriott is expected to enter Kenya with the openings of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi and JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which will mark the company’s first property in the luxury safari space. The group’s current portfolio in Africa encompasses nearly 130 properties and more than 23,000 rooms across 20 countries.
