INTERNATIONAL: Marriott to Open 30 Hotels Across Africa by 2020

By Ioana Neamt, Associate Editor

Residence Inn by Marriott Kampala Kololo

Marriott International, the largest hotel company in the world with more than 4,087 properties in over 80 countries, is opening 30 new hotels across the African continent by 2020, nine of which are slated to open by the end of 2015, according to the company release.

Marriott’s portfolio has already expanded significantly with its acquisition of the 116-hotel Protea Hospitality Group earlier this year, and the company intends to further increase its presence in the African market.

“Over the next few years we plan to expand our presence even further from 10 countries to 17 with a capital investment by Marriott’s real estate partners of $1.5 billion across the continent,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president & managing director at Marriott International Middle East and Africa. “With it, we will create jobs and support local communities because our success is only ever possible through strong bonds of friendship, trust and cooperation in the markets we inhabit.”

Marriott Executive Apartments Addis Ababa in Ethiopia is set to be the first property under the extended Marriott brand to open in the African region. According to the release, the 104-unit hotel will be conveniently located close to the U.N. headquarters and the Addis Ababa Stadium. Multiple other hotel openings are scheduled for 2015 in Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Ghana and Rwanda. Additionally, a new Residence Inn by Marriott Kampala Kololo has just recently been signed.

“Marriot International’s investment into this region represents the economic realization for the need for hotels – countries need to invest in infrastructure, accommodation and airports to create jobs to grow the economy,” Kyriakidis added. “In tangible terms, these planned hotels will create sustainable local jobs.”