Latest news with #KarimCheltout
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Marriott to add over 50 new properties in Africa by 2027
Marriott International has announced plans to expand its footprint in Africa with the addition of more than 50 properties and over 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027. As part of its growth strategy, the group plans to enter five new markets — Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania — while strengthening its presence in existing destinations including South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria. Marriott currently operates nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 African countries. "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," says Jerome Briet, chief development officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa. The planned expansion will focus on luxury, premium, and select-service brands, with significant growth anticipated for Protea Hotels by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and an increasing appetite for branded residential projects. More than 30% of the anticipated additions are expected to be conversions and adaptive reuse projects. "Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations," adds Karim Cheltout, senior vice president – development, Middle East and Africa. Source: Supplied | Morea House, Autograph Collection North and East Africa drive growth North and East Africa account for over 60% of the group's planned pipeline on the continent. In Egypt, Marriott expects to debut Aloft Hotels in Africa with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay on the North Coast in 2027. More than half of its projects in the country will involve conversions or adaptive reuse. Morocco will see the introduction of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand, with a Casablanca property scheduled for 2027. In East Africa, the company continues to build on demand for safari lodges and adventure travel. Following the launch of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, six new safari properties are scheduled by 2027. These include The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya) and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania), both expected this year. Its portfolio in Tanzania is set to more than double over the next two years, while five new properties are planned for Kenya, including two Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Nairobi. Uganda will see its first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments open in Kampala before the end of 2025. Expansion targets in West Africa In West Africa, Nigeria remains a key focus, with six new hotels expected by 2027, including the country's first Courtyard by Marriott properties in Abuja. The group is also preparing to debut in three new West African markets. A Four Points by Sheraton is scheduled to open this year in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. Côte d'Ivoire will welcome an Autograph Collection Hotel in Assinie-Mafia in 2027, while a Sheraton Hotel is due to open in Nouakchott, Mauritania, later this year. Source: Supplied | The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp Southern and Central Africa growth steady South Africa — Marriott's largest African market — will see the addition of Morea House, an Autograph Collection Hotel in Cape Town this year, followed by a new property within Kruger National Park in 2026. The company will also open a Protea Hotel by Marriott and a Four Points by Sheraton in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, by the end of 2025. In Madagascar, a Delta Hotels by Marriott is due this year, with a Protea Hotel in Antananarivo planned for 2026. The expansion plan includes a Le Méridien hotel in Cameroon, expected in 2027. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Argaam
19-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Marriott expects Saudi Arabia hotel portfolio to exceed 100 in 2025
Saudi Arabia is Marriott International's fastest-growing market in the Middle East and one of the most dynamic globally, said Karim Cheltout, SVP of Development for the Middle East & Africa. The company currently operates 44 properties in the Kingdom and has over 50 projects in development. This will bring Marriott's Saudi portfolio to more than 100 properties by 2025. Speaking to Argaam at the Future Hospitality Summit, Cheltout said Saudi ranks second by number of operating Marriott hotels in the Middle East and Africa, and third globally by number of rooms under development. This highlights the Kingdom's strategic importance in Marriott's global expansion. Key openings expected in 2024 include W Riyadh–KAFD, marking the brand's debut in Saudi Arabia, and The Red Sea Edition on Shura Island, part of the Red Sea Project. Riyadh is Marriott's largest and fastest-growing market in the Kingdom, followed by Jeddah. Mecca and Medina are also strategic priorities, with nine operational hotels and 15 projects underway. These include Courtyard Makkah, set to be the brand's largest worldwide with over 2,400 rooms. In Medina, Marriott is developing eight hotels under the Rou'a Al Madinah project, including a Sheraton with more than 600 rooms. Additional projects in Knowledge Economic City will add over 1,200 rooms. In newer destinations like AlUla and the Red Sea, Marriott focuses on curated tourism experiences rooted in local heritage and nature. Projects include Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and St. Regis Red Sea. Cheltout said Marriott's Saudi presence is growing on the back of a strong 2024, with major hotel openings across various categories. Growth continued into early 2025, fueled by rising local and regional demand and growing international interest. Globally, revenue per room (RevPAR) increased more than 4%, driven by higher Average Daily Rates (ADR) and strong occupancy in Saudi Arabia. Luxury brands were a highlight in 2024. Nujuma became the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Jeddah Edition launched as the brand's Saudi debut. Bab Samhan, under The Luxury Collection, opened in the historic At-Turaif district. Cheltout credited Vision 2030 for transforming Saudi tourism and noted a shift in Saudi traveler behavior. More travelers now seek experiences tied to heritage and identity. A Marriott Bonvoy survey showed 53% of Saudis plan to travel more in 2025, while 83% are more adventurous in choosing destinations, favoring challenge tourism and heritage-based travel. Marriott's growth relies on long-term public-private partnerships. The company takes an integrated approach that includes talent development. The Tahseen Program, launched with Cornell University, has trained over 220 future hospitality leaders since 2017.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marriott signs agreement to introduce St Regis brand to Jeddah
Marriott International has entered an agreement to bring the St Regis brand to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The global hotel company signed an agreement with Miyar Alshati Real Estate Company, Telal Al Wadi Real Estate Company, and Saud Al Arifi Investment Group. The project, featuring a luxury hotel and residences, is expected to open in 2030. Marriott International Middle East and Africa development senior vice president Karim Cheltout said: 'The signing of The St Regis Jeddah reflects our commitment to expand our portfolio of brands and experiences in the Kingdom. 'Jeddah continues to be an important business and leisure destination in the region, and a gateway to Makkah and Medina. We look forward to offering locals and travellers to the city the St Regis' legendary service, modern glamour and distinctive luxury experiences.' The new St Regis hotel is expected to feature 191 guest rooms, suites, and serviced apartments that offer sea views. It will also have five distinct dining venues, including a signature restaurant and a pool lounge. Among the amenities to be provided are an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa, and more than 1,000m² of space for meetings and events. The hotel will also offer the St Regis Butler service. The project will also feature The Residences at the hotel, which will offer 92 branded residences with one to five bedrooms. These luxury living spaces will provide amenities such as a resident lounge, media room, children's activity area, meeting rooms, library, fitness centre, and a swimming pool. In a joint statement, Tilal Al Wadi Real Estate Company, Miyar Capital and Saud Alarife Group stated: "We are proud to announce the signing of the first St Regis property in Jeddah, which we are confident will elevate the standard of luxury hospitality in the city. This project also aligns with our dedication to supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 framework. 'By fostering tourism and creating unparalleled guest experiences, we aim to contribute significantly to Jeddah's vibrant hospitality landscape and the nation's ambitious goals for economic diversification and cultural enrichment." Jeddah, a port city on the Red Sea, is the second-largest city of Saudi Arabia and serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. The St Regis Jeddah will be situated within the 52-storey U-View Tower, offering seaside views and proximity to attractions such as King Fahd's Fountain and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which is the home of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula 1. In November 2023, St Regis Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of a property in Riyadh. Situated at the entrance of the Diplomatic Quarter, the hotel is close to embassies and the central business district. "Marriott signs agreement to introduce St Regis brand to Jeddah" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Tourism Breaking News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Marriott International signs agreement to bring the iconic St. Regis brand to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Post Views: 99 Marriott International signed an agreement with Miyar Alshati Real Estate Company (managed by Miyar Capital), Telal Al Wadi Real Estate Company and Saud Al Arifi Investment Group to introduce the iconic St. Regis brand to Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in 2030, the project features a luxury hotel and residences that will bring St. Regis' celebrated rituals, bespoke spirit, storied heritage, and signature Butler service to the coastal city. 'The signing of The St. Regis Jeddah reflects our commitment to expand our portfolio of brands and experiences in the Kingdom,' said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa. 'Jeddah continues to be an important business and leisure destination in the region, and a gateway to Makkah and Medina. We look forward to offering locals and travellers to the city the St. Regis' legendary service, modern glamour and distinctive luxury experiences.' The St. Regis Jeddah is expected to feature 191 elegantly appointed guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments with sea views, five distinct dining venues including a signature restaurant and pool lounge. The hotel is anticipated to include a range of facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa, along with more than 1,000 square metres of meetings and events space for celebrations and iconic gatherings. The project is also expected to include The Residences at The St. Regis Jeddah, which will feature 92 one-to-five-bedroom branded residences and offer luxury amenities such as a resident lounge, media room, children's activity area, meeting rooms, library, fitness centre and a swimming pool. In a joint statement, Tilal Al Wadi Real Estate Company, Miyar Capital and Saud Alarife Group stated, 'We are proud to announce the signing of the first St. Regis property in Jeddah, which we are confident will elevate the standard of luxury hospitality in the city. This project also aligns with our dedication to supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 framework. By fostering tourism and creating unparalleled guest experiences, we aim to contribute significantly to Jeddah's vibrant hospitality landscape and the nation's ambitious goals for economic diversification and cultural enrichment.' Jeddah is a key port city and vibrant urban centre on the western coast of the of the Arabian Peninsula overlooking the Red Sea. The second largest city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh, Jeddah is an ancient trading hub that also acts as a vital gateway to the Holy Cities of Makkah and Medina. The St. Regis Jeddah will be located within the 52-storey U-View Tower along the city's waterfront that offers travellers and locals seaside views and attractions including King Fahd's Fountain and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit which hosts the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula 1 races.
Arabian Business
12-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Marriott announces St. Regis Jeddah to open in 2030
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Miyar Alshati Real Estate Company (managed by Miyar Capital), Telal Al Wadi Real Estate Company and Saud Al Arifi Investment Group to introduce the hotel brand. Anticipated to open in 2030, the project features a luxury hotel and residences. St. Regis in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, said: 'The signing of The St. Regis Jeddah reflects our commitment to expand our portfolio of brands and experiences in the Kingdom. 'Jeddah continues to be an important business and leisure destination in the region, and a gateway to Makkah and Medina. We look forward to offering locals and travellers to the city the St. Regis' legendary service, modern glamour and distinctive luxury experiences.' The St. Regis Jeddah is expected to feature 191 guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments with sea views, five distinct dining venues including a signature restaurant and pool lounge. The hotel is anticipated to include a range of facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa, along with more than 1,000 sq m of meetings and events space for celebrations and iconic gatherings. The project is also expected to include The Residences at The St. Regis Jeddah, which will feature 92 one-to-five-bedroom branded residences and offer luxury amenities such as a resident lounge, media room, children's activity area, meeting rooms, library, fitness centre and a swimming pool. Tilal Al Wadi Real Estate Company, Miyar Capital and Saud Alarife Group said: 'We are proud to announce the signing of the first St. Regis property in Jeddah, which we are confident will elevate the standard of luxury hospitality in the city. This project also aligns with our dedication to supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 framework. 'By fostering tourism and creating unparalleled guest experiences, we aim to contribute significantly to Jeddah's vibrant hospitality landscape and the nation's ambitious goals for economic diversification and cultural enrichment.'
