Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ In an exciting development for Africa’s hospitality landscape, renowned hotel giants like Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide are gearing up for a significant expansion across the continent. Propelled by a burgeoning tourism sector, this surge in hotel development promises to redefine luxury and elevate the travel experience in Africa.
Marriott, recognized for its upscale offerings exemplified by the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya, where room rates soar above $3,000 per night, is currently advancing over 138 hotel projects in various stages of fruition throughout Africa. Similarly, Hilton has an impressive lineup of 72 properties in its pipeline, while Hyatt Hotels anticipates adding 11 new locations across the continent, as revealed by a comprehensive report by W Hospitality Group.
Forecasts from the report indicate a remarkable 75% surge in the total number of hotel rooms operated by major chains in Africa, poised to reach a staggering 175,346 in the near future. Notably, a significant proportion of these properties, exceeding three-quarters, are projected to cater to the upscale, upper upscale, or luxury segments of the market.
Trevor Ward, the esteemed managing director of W Hospitality Group, underscores the predominance of new hotel developments in the luxury and upper upscale sectors, expressing optimism for future diversification into the economy and midscale segments.
Recent entrants into Africa’s hospitality scene, such as Nobu Hotels debuting in Marrakesh and Meliá Hotels International SA opening the Ngorongoro Lodge in Tanzania, have set the stage for elevated standards of accommodation. However, these establishments often command premium rates, with daily tariffs surpassing $1,100.
As the continent experiences a resurgence in tourism post the COVID-19 pandemic, countries across Africa stand to reap the rewards. Google search trends reveal a notable uptick in interest for African safaris, signaling a growing appetite for immersive travel experiences in the region.
Despite the promising outlook, Africa still represents a relatively modest share of the global hotel industry. Hilton and Marriott, for instance, introduced only a handful of properties on the continent out of hundreds worldwide in 2023.
Looking ahead, more than a quarter of the 524 planned hotel properties in Africa are anticipated to welcome guests this year, with the remainder scheduled for unveiling over the next six years. Nonetheless, financing hurdles remain a significant impediment, with escalating construction costs posing challenges to investment in the hospitality sector.Top of Form
