Marriott International African expansion

Marriott International African expansion

From the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Marriott International reinforced its commitment to Africa by announcing it expects to add 40 properties and over 8 000 rooms across the continent by the end of 2023.

The company also announced signed agreements to open its first property in Cape Verde and further expand its presence in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria.

Marriott International’s current portfolio in Africa encompasses close to 140 properties with more than 24,000 rooms across 14 brands and 20 countries and territories.

“Africa is a land of opportunity with untapped potential and remains core to our strategy,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

“The economic growth the region is witnessing, along with the substantial emphasis countries across the continent are placing on the travel and tourism sector, present us with immense opportunities for growth.”

“With compelling, well-established lifestyle brands and Marriott Bonvoy, our industry-leading travel program, we continue to offer different attributes that resonate with the region’s fast-growing middle class and cater to its evolving market place,” Mr Kyriakidis added.

Marriott’s expected growth through 2023 is driven by a strong demand and steady growth for its premium and selectservice brands, led by Marriott Hotels with eight anticipated openings and six slated openings under Protea Hotels by Marriott. The company is expected to introduce the Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Element Hotels brands.

Marriott also continues to see growth opportunities for its luxury brands and expects to double its luxury portfolio in Africa by year-end 2023, with more than ten new openings across The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection and JW Marriott brands. The company also expects to launch W Hotels in Africa with the opening of W Tangier in Morocco by 2023.

Key markets fuelling Marriott’s growth in Africa include Morocco, South Africa, Algeria and Egypt.

“Marriott’s established presence and local expertise in Africa, along with our diverse brands and the collective strength of our global platform, put us in a great position to further enhance our footprint in the region where owners are looking to develop high-quality lodging with brands that can differentiate and elevate their product,” commented Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

Marriott’s recent deal signings in Africa are:

Cape Verde: Four Points by Sheraton São Vincente, Laginha Beach The property is scheduled to open in 2022 with 128 stylishly appointed guestrooms, three dining outlets, meeting rooms and leisure facilities, including a fitness centre and outdoor pool.

Four Points by Sheraton Mekelle (Ethiopia) Slated to open by 2022, Four Points by Sheraton in Mekelle will offer 241 stylishly-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and lounge, an executive lounge, meeting facilities, a fitness centre and a spa.

Kenya: Protea Hotel by Marriott Kisumu This property is expected to be the first internationally branded hotel in Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city. Scheduled to open in 2022, the hotel will feature 125 rooms with views of Lake Victoria, three food and beverage outlets, more than 500 m 2 of event and meeting space and a rooftop infinity pool, along with other leisure facilities.

Nigeria: Residence Inn by Marriott Lagos Victoria Island Residence Inn by Marriott Victoria Island will be designed for those taking longer stays with 130 spacious oneand two-bedroom suites featuring separate living, working and sleeping areas and fully-functional kitchens. The property will also offer a 24/7 Grab’n Go market and Fitness Centre. Residence Inn by Marriott Lagos Victoria Island is anticipated to open in 2023.

Rendering of Four Points by Sheraton São Vincente, Laginha Beach.