Marriott to Add 40 New Properties across Africa, including Ethiopia
- Reveals deal to entry into Ethiopia’s Mekelle City
ADDIS ABABA – From the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Addis, Marriott International reinforced its commitment to Africa by announcing it expects to add 40 properties and over 8,000 rooms across the continent by the end of 2023.
The company also announced signed agreements to open its first property in Cape Verde and further expand its presence in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria.
Marriott’s development pipeline through 2023 is estimated to drive investment of over $2 billion from property owners and is expected to generate over 12,000 new jobs in Africa.
Marriott International’s current portfolio in Africa encompasses close to 140 properties with more than 24,000 rooms across 14 brands and 20 countries and territories.
“Africa is a land of opportunity with untapped potential and remains core to our strategy,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The economic growth the region is witnessing, along with the substantial emphasis countries across the continent are placing on the travel and tourism sector, present us with immense opportunities for growth.”
“With compelling, well-established lifestyle brands and Marriott Bonvoy, our industry-leading travel program, we continue to offer different attributes that resonate with the region’s fast-growing middle class and cater to its evolving market place,” Kyriakidis added.
Marriott’s expected growth through 2023 is driven by a strong demand and steady growth for its premium and select-service brands– led by Marriott Hotels with eight anticipated openings and six slated openings under Protea Hotels by Marriott.
The company also announced three deal signings, further reinforcing its commitment to Africa and the significant growth opportunity the region continues to provide.
These recent deal signings include four Points by Sheraton Four Points by Sheraton Mekelle in Ethiopia’s northern city.
Marriott said it signed an agreement for its first Four Points by Sheraton in Ethiopia slated to open by 2022.
Owned by A Z PLC, Four Points by Sheraton in Mekelle will offer 241 stylishly appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and lounge, an executive lounge, meeting facilities, a fitness center and a spa.
A growing industrial and manufacturing hub, Mekelle also lies along Ethiopia’s historic northern tourism circuit, which includes a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Lalibela, the Simian Mountains National Park, Axum, Gondar and the Blue Nile Falls.
The hotel is located along the airport road in a prime location overlooking the city.
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Photo Caption: Marriott Executive Apartments Addis Ababa Addis Ababa