As noted recently by STR, Marriott International has one of the largest hotel supply and pipeline counts in Africa—and those numbers are poised to grow, with 40 properties and more than 8,000 rooms due to open across the continent by the end of 2023.
Marriott’s development pipeline through that year is estimated to drive investment of more than $2 billion from property owners. As of Q2, the company has 264 properties across 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
In a statement, Alex Kyriakidis, president/managing director, Middle East & Africa for Marriott International, said the region’s economic growth presents “immense opportunities” for the company.
Marriott’s expected growth through 2023 is driven by its premium and select-service brands, led by Marriott Hotels with eight anticipated openings and six slated openings under Protea Hotels by Marriott. The company also expects to introduce its Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Element Hotels brands in the region soon.
The company also is promoting its luxury brands with plans to double its regional portfolio by the end of 2023. An anticipated 10 new Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection and JW Marriott properties are in the works, and the company also expects to launch W Hotels in Africa with the opening of the W Tangier in Morocco by 2023.
Newest Deals
The company also has signed agreements to open its first property in Cape Verde and further expand its presence in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria. Three properties are scheduled to open in 2022: the 128-guestroom Four Points by Sheraton São Vincente, Laginha Beach in Cape Verde, owned by Maseyka Holdings Investments Sociedade Unipessoal LDA and managed by Access Hospitality Development and Consulting; the 241-room Four Points by Sheraton Mekelle in Ethiopia, owned by A Z PLC; and the 125-room Protea Hotel by Marriott Kisumu in Kenya, a franchised property owned by Bluewater Hotels and managed by Aleph Hospitality. This last property will be the first internationally branded hotel in Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city.
In 2023, meanwhile, Marriott will open the 130-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Lagos Victoria Island in Nigeria, the brand’s debut in the country. ENI Hotels will own the property.