Marriot International to expand presence in Africa with 40 new properties

AFRICA – Marriott International has 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 Internal hotel franchise revealed its ambitious expansion plan in September this year, during the Africa Hotel Investment Forum that was held at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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’s development pipeline through 2023 is estimated to drive investment of over $2 billion from property owners and is expected to generate over 12,000 new jobs in Africa.

Marriott’s expected growth through 2023 is driven by a strong demand and steady growth for its premium and select-service brands– led by Marriott Hotels and Protea Hotels by Marriott.

The company is expected to open 8 new Marriot Hotels and 6 Protea Hotels by Marriott  during this period.

It also has plans 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.

According to Marriot, the Key markets fuelling its growth in Africa include Morocco, South Africa, Algeria and Egypt.

Marriott’s recent deal signings in Africa are: Four Points by Sheraton São Vincente; Laginha Beach (Cape Verde), Four Points by Sheraton Mekelle (Ethiopia), Protea Hotel by Marriott Kisumu (Kenya), and Residence Inn by Marriott Lagos Victoria Island (Nigeria).

The company revealed that it anticipates all these properties to be in operation by 2023, further demonstrating its commitment to expand its presence in Africa.

Marriott International, Inc. is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories.

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