The global hospitality giant currently operates nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands in Africa
Marriott International, an American luxury hospitality firm, has unveiled an ambitious strategy to significantly expand its presence across Africa, announcing plans to add more than 50 new properties and over 9,000 rooms to its portfolio by the end of 2027.
In a press statement, Marriott says that this expansion will see the brand enter five new African markets, namely Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania, further solidifying its footprint in a continent that is rapidly becoming a hotspot for both business and leisure travel.
The statement adds that the move marks a major step for the global hospitality giant, which currently operates nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands in Africa.
Jerome Briet
“We are witnessing a transformation of Africa’s tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, substantial infrastructure development, enhanced regional and international connectivity and diversified travel experiences, all of which are laying the foundation for a thriving hospitality sector. With our renowned portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, we continue to drive robust expansion opportunities with owners and franchisees across Africa and remain committed to supporting the growth of its tourism sector,” says Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.
Marriott says that the planned growth is set to span Marriott’s luxury, premium and select-service segments, with a particular focus on select-service brands such as Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton.
Notably, Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria are identified as the highest-growth markets for Marriott, collectively accounting for more than half of the new projects slated to open in the next two years.
Additionally, conversions and adaptive reuse opportunities are projected to contribute over 30 pc of the anticipated additions.
The statement adds that North and East Africa are set to be at the forefront of Marriott’s growth, with these regions representing more than 60 pc of the planned new properties by 2027. In North Africa, Egypt will see the debut of Aloft Hotels with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay on the North Coast in 2027, while Morocco is set to welcome the first AC Hotels by Marriott in Casablanca the same year.
Karim Cheltout
“Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations. Through our diverse range of extraordinary brands, we are in a position to work with developers to offer high quality accommodations along with distinct and innovative travel experiences that resonate with today’s rapidly evolving consumer,” says Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.
According to the statement, East Africa’s appeal is being driven by a surge in adventure and outdoor travel, with Marriott planning to open six new safari lodges and camps across the region by 2027. This includes the highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp in Kenya and the Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection in Tanzania, both scheduled to open this year.
The statement adds that Marriott’s portfolio in Tanzania is expected to more than double by 2027, while Kenya will see five new properties, including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott in Nairobi.
Marriott says that West Africa is also a key focus, with Nigeria leading the charge as Marriott’s largest growth market in the region. Six new properties are planned, including the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott in Abuja within the next two years. The company will also make its debut in Cape Verde with the Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort, enter Côte d’Ivoire with an Autograph Collection Hotel in Assinie-Mafia, and launch a Sheraton Hotel in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Additionally, in Southern and Central Africa, South Africa remains Marriott’s largest market, with the Autograph Collection Hotels brand set to expand in Cape Town and Kruger National Park. The company will also enter the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar, with new properties in Kinshasa and Antananarivo, and debut Le Méridien in Cameroon in 2027.
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