Africa is tipped to be the next engine of growth for the hotel industry, as global hospitality brands, Radisson and Marriot embark on aggressive expansion.
Radisson Hotel Group and Marriott International are rushing to capture a share of the growing African market.
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of seven new hotels across the continent, adding over 1,400 rooms to its African portfolio. Marriott International, meanwhile, aims to sign five new deals in Africa under its Protea Hotels brand.
According to The Kenyan Wall Street, Marriott plans to expand its presence in Botswana (Marriott Serowe), Ethiopia (Marriott Bahir Dar), Tanzania (Marriott Zanzibar Stone Town), and Nigeria (Marriott Abuja Jahia and Marriott Delta).
On the other hand, Ramsay Rankoussi, Radisson Hotel Group’s Vice President of Development for Africa and Turkey disclosed that they will be venturing into the Gambia as a new market and introducing new brands in key markets with the first Radisson Collection in Nigeria and Egypt, the first Radisson RED hotel in Nigeria, and the introduction of the Radisson brand in Kenya.
In addition, The group will announce its inaugural hotel openings in Reunion Island and Ghana, marking its entry into these vibrant destinations.
It will expand its resort presence in Casablanca and Saidia in Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia reflecting the group’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio and catering to the growing demand for exceptional hospitality experiences.
“An even better indication of our growth is the materialization of our pipeline into openings, where we have led consistently the biggest market share for the last 36 months, translating to a commendable 15 per cent growth on our African portfolio, year-on-year, placing us well on track to reach our objective of 150 hotels within the next five years from 100 hotels today,” Ramsay Rankoussi was quoted in an interview at the sidelines of the Africa Hotel Investment (AHFI) Forum in Nairobi.
“In East Africa, we want to reinforce our presence across Kenya, but eventually enter Tanzania where we’re not present yet and then South Africa again within the neighbouring countries.”
In Kenya, it will open its fourth facility in Nairobi, The Radisson Hotel Nairobi Airport located near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in mid-2027 featuring 200 rooms.
“Our rate of materialisation and openings is a testament not only to the quality of our pipeline but also reflects our conversion strategy in repositioning existing hotels under one of our brands,” said Rankoussi.
Other facilities under the Group’s belt in Kenya are Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence near Nairobi’s Arboretum Park, Radisson Park Inn in Westlands and Radisson Blu in Upper Hill.
