Marriott International has announced plans to expand across Africa, saying it expects to increase its portfolio on the continent by 50 per cent over the next five years.
The group says demand for select-service brands and conversion opportunities are driving growth, amplified by five new hotel signings in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and Mozambique.
These signings will increase Marriott’s African portfolio to more than 200 hotels and 38,000 rooms by 2023 and are expected to create 12,000 new job opportunities.
Marriott claims the new projects will drive investment of more than US$250 million by the property owners.
The group is also seeing potential in brand conversions, having signed several properties this year and the Marriott Marrakech Hotel due to complete its rebranding in 2020.
The Four Points by Sheraton, Protea Hotels by Marriott and AC Hotels by Marriott brands are experiencing high demand with vigorous expansion in both mature and emerging markets. Several properties are set to take on these brands, and the Four Points by Sheraton Nampula will be Marriott’s first hotel in Mozambique when it opens in 2023.
Alex Kyriakidis, president and MD for the Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, commented: “Marriott International’s acquisition of Protea Hotels followed by the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has given an impetus to our organic growth on the continent.
“African economies have sustained unprecedented rates of growth, which have mainly been driven by a strong domestic demand, improved macroeconomic management and increased political stability. The continent is still under capacity as far as branded hotel supply is concerned, presenting us with a fantastic opportunity to grow our brands and enhance our footprint.
“Africa is a very compelling story for us. With our history on the continent, our footprint and strong pipeline, a diverse portfolio of brands and a robust management infrastructure, we believe that we enjoy the trust and the confidence of Africa’s hotel development community.”
Later this year, the group will debut the AC by Marriott brand in Africa with the opening of the 188-room AC by Marriott Cape Town, Waterfront (pictured).
marriott.com