Radisson signs 3-property deal for Madagascar

Radisson Hotel Group is entering its 32nd African market and second Indian Ocean territory, Madagascar, with the signing of a portfolio deal of two hotels and a serviced apartment development for a total of 254 rooms. The agreement was signed with Madagascar-based real estate company Groupe Talys, and consists of two conversions and one property under construction, with all three scheduled to open in Antananarivo in 2020. 

Radisson Hotel Group currently has 89 hotels and more than 17,000 rooms open and under development in Africa. The group remains on track to reach 130 hotels and more than 23,000 rooms across the continent by 2022.

The deal, Elie Younes, EVP/chief development officer of Radisson Hotel Group, said in a statement, reflects the company's commitment to growth in the continent. "Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and has a critical role to play for the region," he said. "We are thrilled to be contributing to this progression and look forward to an exciting journey with our new partners.”

Feride Hassanaly, co-CEO of Talys Madagascar Group, said that the three properties will have a positive long-term impact on Madagascar’s tourism industry.

"Tourism is one of the pillars of a country’s economy," said Joël Randriamandranto, Madagascar’s minister of transport, tourism and meteorology. "In this regard, we have a clear policy on the diversification of supply and the development of public-private or private partnerships, as in the case of this agreement. We hope that the presence of one of the largest international hotel groups will promote Madagascar Treasure Island destination."

Antananarivo is the capital city of Madagascar and is a hub in Francophone Africa. The portfolio of hotels will spearhead the upper-upscale and upscale hotel markets in the city.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Antananarivo Waterfront and the Radisson Hotel Antananarivo Waterfront will have a central location at the crossroads of the city center in the main business and commercial district and 30 minutes from Antananarivo International Airport.

The Radisson Blu will have 168 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop destination restaurant, a rooftop bar, a fitness room and an indoor swimming pool. The 585-square-meter meeting and events area will include one conference and six meeting rooms. 

The Radisson Hotel will have 30 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, a water garden, a deck and an outdoor swimming pool. 

The Radisson Serviced Apartments Antananarivo City Center has 56 apartments, an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop lounge bar and a gym.