Over the next two years, Marriott International will enter five new markets in Africa as it adds more than 9,000 rooms across 50 properties to be spread across its luxury, premium and select-service portfolios.
The hotel highlighted Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania as new locations under its growth strategy, to be realised by 2027.
“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,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.
“With our renowned portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and award-winning travel program, 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.”
Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria are the highest growth markets for the company in the continent, making up more than half of the projects slated to open in the next two years.
Conversions and “adaptive reuse” opportunities will also help Marriott to achieve its ambitious expansion goals.
“Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations,” Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said.
“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.”
Egypt and Morocco are expected to lead the expansion for Marriott in North Africa where it is seeing strong demand. More than 50% of the company’s expected additions in Egypt by the end of 2027 are conversion or adaptive reuse projects.
In East Africa, the company continues to see growth momentum with safari lodges and camps spurred by a growing appeal for adventure and outdoor travel. Following the successful opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, the company plans to open six safari properties across the region by the end of 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya), and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania) – both of which are scheduled to open this year.
Marriott’s portfolio in Tanzania is anticipated to more than double by the end of 2027 while in Kenya the company plans to open five properties, with six properties slated for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the company’s largest market in Africa, South Africa, will see an expansion of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand portfolio with the opening of Morea House in Cape Town this year, followed by the anticipated addition of a property within Kruger National Park in 2026.
