Kenya, Marriott International has announced rapid expansion plans across Africa which will see Marriott International on track to increase its portfolio by 50 per cent with over 200 hotels and 38,000 rooms by 2023 estimated to generate 12,000 new job opportunities.
The expansion is said to have been brought about by Strong demand for select-service brands and conversion opportunities which are driving the momentum of growth for the company.
This is said to have been amplified by five new hotel signings in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and Mozambique. The company also estimates that the new projects signed will drive investment of over $250 million by the property owners and will generate substantial economic activity. 7
According to Alex Kyriakidis the President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, “African economies have sustained unprecedented rates of growth, which have mainly been driven by a strong domestic demand, improved macroeconomic management and increased political stability. The continent is still under capacity as far as branded hotel supply is concerned, presenting us with a fantastic opportunity to grow our brands and enhance our footprint.”
The development comes at a time when other group of hotels like the Sentrim group of Hotel comprising of eight lodges and hotels across the country have been put up for sale and investors in the hotel industry being urged to move outside the capital and major cities and towns to cater for areas with less facilities.
