Latest news with #WHospitalityGroup
Skift
19-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Africa Hotel Market Reaches New Heights: 12 New Entrants
Hotel development on the African continent is shattering records, and these 12 new properties will expand the possibilities for meeting and incentive groups. Hotel development in Africa has reached a new level. In the works are 577 hotel projects, totaling about 105,000 rooms. That marks a 13.3% increase from last year, according to a report from W Hospitality Group, a Nigeria-based advisory firm. That's a record, according to the consultancy. On Skift Meetings' list of 12 new properties for the meetings and incentives market, featured in our just-released What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025 report, are ultra-luxurious nature-focused resorts aimed at high-end guests seeking restorative experiences in exclusive natural settings. African properties such as the &Beyond Suyian Lodge, Few & Far Luvhondo, Gorilla Forest Lodge, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, and the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara and Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offer a blend of opulence, nature immersion, and truly unique, boutique experiences. 1. &Beyond Suyian Lodge Laikipia, Kenya Suyian Lodge is a 14-suite property located in Kenya's 44,000- acre Suyian Conservancy in Laikipia. Each suite includes a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. Activities include game drives, bush walks, camel and horseback safaris, helicopter tours, and community visits. The lodge offers day and night safaris with chances to see rare species like melanistic leopards. Incentive groups benefit from high privacy, unique design, and access to a wide range of adventure and cultural experiences. Accessible via scheduled or private flights. 2. Few & Far Luvhondo Limpopo, South Africa Few & Far Luvhondo is a luxury lodge in South Africa's Soutpansberg mountains, offering six hilltop Cliff suites as the ideal base for an exclusive safari experience. On offer are hiking, stargazing, and conservation-focused experiences. It is carbon negative and accessible via private charter, Rovos Rail, or commercial flights to Polokwane. With rates starting at $1,800 per person per night, it caters to high-end incentive groups seeking remote, naturebased experiences with sustainable impact 3. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr Rabat, Morocco Situated in Rabat's historic Quartier l'Océan, the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr opened in October 2024 offering 200 guest rooms. The hotel is a blend of newly constructed and restored historic buildings. It offers more than 29,000 square feet of event space including two ballrooms, the largest of which has its own private lounge, and eight meeting rooms. Guests can enjoy the property's expansive gardens, seven dining options, a spa, a barber shop, and a beauty salon. 4. Gorilla Forest Lodge Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda Gorilla Forest Lodge is located inside Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to over half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The lodge has 10 newly renovated villas and serves as a base for guided gorilla treks, birding, forest walks, and community visits. Activities include cultural engagement with the Batwa people and Sanctuary's philanthropic projects. Gorilla trekking is physically demanding, but sedan chairs are available for less mobile guests. Ideal for small, high-end incentive groups seeking rare wildlife experiences. 5. Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi Cairo, Egypt The recently opened Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is situated in the urban Maadi district of Cairo, overlooking the River Nile. The hotel features 255 guest rooms, four dining options, an executive lounge, and the first eforea Spa in Egypt. There are several versatile venues including a multi-function room with city and Nile views. The hotel overlooks Maadi Island, Cairo's 'green oasis.' 6. Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands Nairobi, Kenya The Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands opened in January 2025, marking the brand's debut in Kenya. The hotel features 219 guest rooms and more than 21,000 square feet of event space, including a flexible ballroom with a capacity of 600 in theater style. Amenities include three dining options, a club lounge, a pool, a fitness center and a 24/7 business center. 7. JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp Solio Game Reserve, Kenya JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is expected to open in 2026 featuring 20 tented accommodations with private plunge pools. The property will provide an immersive wildlife experience within the 45,000-acre game reserve, and 19,000-acre Solio Ranch Conservancy, known for its rhino breeding program. Guests will have access to a spa, a pool, a fitness centre, a horse barn, and an animal viewing hide. Four dining options will be offered, including a sky deck restaurant. 8. La Fiermontina Ocean Larache, Morocco La Fiermontina Ocean is an eco-retreat located in the Dune of Khemis Sahel Regional Park. The property extends into a nearby village where guests can stay at four traditional houses fully immersed in the local community. The main building offers 13 suites among rock-carved gardens with a family pool, a restaurant, and one meeting room for up to 80. A nearby private beach can be accessed through a footpath or shuttle service 9. Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Tunis Tunis, Tunisia The Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Tunis, is the brand's debut property in Tunisia's capital, located between Tunis' City of Culture and the Convention Palace. The 305-room hotel offers more than 21,000 square feet of meeting space including a large ballroom for up to 1,100 guests seated in theater style, with a total of 16 event spaces on offer. The property offers six dining options, an indoor pool, a spa, an executive business lounge, and parking for up to 400 vehicles. 10. Speke Resort Convention Centre Uganda Kampala, Uganda Speke Resort Convention Centre Uganda is located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It offers four ballrooms — the largest of which can host up to 4,200 guests — 34 meeting rooms, exhibition space, and nine outdoor venues. The adjacent hotel offers 476 guest rooms. The resort incorporates various sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation programs, waste reduction, and sourcing local, organic foods. 11. The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Located on a secluded island in the Masai Mara National Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will offer 20 tented suites set among the trees, giving guests a front-row seat to the area's wildlife. Expected to open in August 2025, each suite will have a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor showers. Other highlights include a stargazing deck, a discovery hub and map room, a photography studio, and four culinary options. 12. Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Karatu, Tanzania The newly opened Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lodge offers 37 Maasai-inspired suites and emphasizes communal spaces that include a restaurant, two bars, a pool and a spa. Activities offered include wildlife safaris, forest walks, and visiting the nearby Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Guests are encouraged to engage with the local Maasai culture through storytelling sessions, traditional dances, and village visits.
African Manager
17-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Hotel Investment: Tunisia ranks among Africa's Top 10 in 2025
The specialized consulting firm W Hospitality Group, renowned for its expertise in Africa's hospitality industry, has released its annual report, 'Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa.' The study assesses hotel chain development projects across the continent, ranking countries based on their 2025 hotel pipeline. This year, Africa's hotel development reached 577 new hotels in the pipeline, totaling 104,444 rooms, a 13.3% increase, compared to last year. Tunisia shows strong progress, climbing to 7th place in rankings. As the 3rd-ranked country in North Africa, it currently has 17 hotel projects in development, adding 4,336 rooms. The average project size is 255 rooms, reflecting large-scale establishments, often catering to business or beach tourism. Once again, Egypt leads Africa's hotel development, accounting for 32.5% of all planned rooms in 2025 (up from 28% last year). This surge is driven by intense public and private investments, particularly in key tourist hubs like Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, and the new administrative capital, attracting both international chains and ambitious local projects. Morocco retains second place with 58 hotels (8,579 rooms), followed by: Nigeria (48 hotels, 7,320 rooms), Ethiopia (33 hotels, 5,648 rooms), Cabo Verde (16 hotels, but a significant 5,565 rooms). Kenya ranks 6th (26 projects, 4,344 rooms), while Tunisia takes 7th. Rounding out the Top 10 are South Africa (28 projects), Tanzania (29 projects), Ghana (22 projects). The report highlights that hotel groups are expanding their footprint across Africa, with projects now in 42 countries. West Africa remains the most dynamic region, with 13 out of 16 countries hosting developments, ahead of Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean zone (12 countries).
Travel Daily News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Radisson Hotel Group leads hospitality growth in Africa
With 11 hotel signings and 7 openings over the last 15 months totaling over 2,000 signed and 1,500 opened rooms, 1,000 through conversions, Radisson Hotel Group has strengthened its position as the leading hotel company in Africa. BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – Radisson Hotel Group conti nues to solidify its leadership in Africa's hospitality landscape, with its top ranking in W Hospitality Group's 2024 'From Pipeline to Reality' report for achieving the most hotel openings across the continent within the year. Building on this momentum during the first quarter of 2025, Radisson Hotel Group announces its market entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo with two landmark signings, while further strengthening its presence in Central Africa with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Yaoundé in Cameroon. With 11 hotel signings and 7 openings over the last 15 months totaling over 2,000 signed and 1,500 opened rooms, 1,000 through conversions, the Group has strengthened its position as the leading hotel company in Africa, with a diverse portfolio of 100 hotels across more than 30 countries. This growth reflects the Group's focused expansion strategy, strong local partnerships, and continued success in delivering high-impact conversions. 'In line with our global achievements, over the last 15 months, we have achieved remarkable growth across Africa. We expanded into new markets like Tanzania, Conakry, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, further cementing our position as the most diverse hotel company across the continent in terms of country presence,' said Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa and Turkiye, Radisson Hotel Group. 'Our pipeline remained the most active in the industry, driving sustained momentum and once again highlighting the quality of our partners and a clear strategy. Once again, we are proud to see our group leading the rankings in Africa. We celebrate these successes and look forward to unlocking continued economic value across the continent.' Expanding the Footprint: New Market Entries and Key Openings Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces its entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo with the signing of two landmark properties: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa and Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi, further strengthening the Group's presence in Central Africa. Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa – Opening late 2026: Strategically located on Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi in the Gombe district, Kinshasa's prime residential and business area, this upper-upscale hotel will feature 110 elegantly designed rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and a Presidential Suite. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and Pool Bar. The hotel's wellness facilities will include a gym, massage rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool with a pool terrace. Its modern meeting and event spaces will feature an event hall and pre-function area, ideal for both corporate and social gatherings. The hotel is conveniently situated 32 km from N'djili International Airport, 10 km from N'Dolo Airport, and 6 km from the Gare Centrale train station. – Opening late 2026: Strategically located on Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi in the Gombe district, Kinshasa's prime residential and business area, this upper-upscale hotel will feature 110 elegantly designed rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and a Presidential Suite. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and Pool Bar. The hotel's wellness facilities will include a gym, massage rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool with a pool terrace. Its modern meeting and event spaces will feature an event hall and pre-function area, ideal for both corporate and social gatherings. The hotel is conveniently situated 32 km from N'djili International Airport, 10 km from N'Dolo Airport, and 6 km from the Gare Centrale train station. Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi – Opening mid-2027: Located on Revolution Road Avenue in Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC, this upscale hotel will offer 97 stylish guest rooms, including standard rooms, junior suites, and a Presidential Suite. Culinary offerings will include a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and a Rooftop Bar & Grill with panoramic city views. The hotel's meetings and events facilities will comprise three flexible meeting rooms and a dedicated pre-function area. Guests will also have access to a well-equipped gym and a swimming pool. The hotel enjoys a prime location near Kipopo Lake, surrounded by luxury residences and notable landmarks such as Lubumbashi Golf Club and La Plage, and is just 12 km from Luano International Airport. In Guinea, the Group marked a significant milestone with the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry, just three months after signing. This contemporary beachfront property, located in the city's vibrant Kipé neighborhood, features 282 stylish rooms, suites, and apartments with sweeping ocean views and convenient access to the city's key business and leisure hubs. Further strengthening its Indian Ocean portfolio, Radisson Hotel Group signed and opened Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare, a member of Radisson Individuals. Located on the east coast of Mauritius, the resort features 234 spacious accommodations, family-friendly amenities, and breathtaking lagoon views, making it a sought-after destination for travelers of all types. 'We've had a successful track record over the past 15 months with our focus on conversions, including Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare, Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry, and Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Tunis – nall fantastic hotels that have further elevated our portfolio in Africa,' added Rankoussi. Strengthening Strategic Markets and Future Pipeline In Cameroon, Radisson Hotel Group continues to strengthen its presence with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Yaoundé. Scheduled to open by the end of 2026, this 150-room property will be ideally located in the heart of the capital's central business district, just a 30-minute drive from Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport. The hotel will feature a vibrant selection of dining venues, including a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and a Specialty Restaurant. With 1,350 m² of flexible meetings and events space, as well as premium wellness facilities, including a spa, gym, and a rooftop pool with an expansive pool deck, the hotel is set to become a landmark destination in the city. This signing also reinforces the Group's continued pursuit of growth opportunities across Cameroon, including in the key market of Douala. Meanwhile, Radisson Hotel Group is also deepening its commitment to key markets across the continent: Morocco: Targeting 30 hotels by 2030, building on an already robust development pipeline. South Africa: Aiming for 25 hotels by 2030, doubling its current footprint. Nigeria: Continuing its growth momentum with multiple developments, alongside strengthening the Group's West Africa presence with its entry into DRC. 'While geographical diversification remains a priority for us, we also see a clear opportunity to consolidate our presence across key markets such as Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, each with at least one opening scheduled in 2025. Our results reinforce our brand strength and ability to adapt and grow across diverse markets. We remain committed to expanding our footprint while delivering world-class hospitality experiences across Africa,' concluded Rankoussi.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Radisson Hotel Group leads hospitality growth in Africa with the most hotel openings
Radisson Hotel Group ( continues to solidify its leadership in Africa's hospitality landscape, with its top ranking in W Hospitality Group's ( 2024 'From Pipeline to Reality' report for achieving the most hotel openings across the continent within the year. Building on this momentum during the first quarter of 2025, Radisson Hotel Group announces its market entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo with two landmark signings, while further strengthening its presence in Central Africa with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel&Apartments, Yaoundé in Cameroon. With 11 hotel signings and 7 openings over the last 15 months totaling over 2,000 signed and 1,500 opened rooms, 1,000 through conversions, the Group has strengthened its position as the leading hotel company in Africa, with a diverse portfolio of 100 hotels across more than 30 countries. This growth reflects the Group's focused expansion strategy, strong local partnerships, and continued success in delivering high-impact conversions. 'In line with our global achievements, over the last 15 months, we have achieved remarkable growth across Africa. We expanded into new markets like Tanzania, Conakry, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, further cementing our position as the most diverse hotel company across the continent in terms of country presence,' said Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa and Turkiye, Radisson Hotel Group. 'Our pipeline remained the most active in the industry, driving sustained momentum and once again highlighting the quality of our partners and a clear strategy. Once again, we are proud to see our group leading the rankings in Africa. We celebrate these successes and look forward to unlocking continued economic value across the continent.' Expanding the Footprint: New Market Entries and Key Openings Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces its entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo with the signing of two landmark properties: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa and Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi, further strengthening the Group's presence in Central Africa. Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa – Opening late 2026 Strategically located on Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi in the Gombe district, Kinshasa's prime residential and business area, this upper-upscale hotel will feature 110 elegantly designed rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and a Presidential Suite. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and Pool Bar. The hotel's wellness facilities will include a gym, massage rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool with a pool terrace. Its modern meeting and event spaces will feature an event hall and pre-function area, ideal for both corporate and social gatherings. The hotel is conveniently situated 32 km from N'djili International Airport, 10 km from N'Dolo Airport, and 6 km from the Gare Centrale train station. Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi – Opening mid-2027 Located on Revolution Road Avenue in Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC, this upscale hotel will offer 97 stylish guest rooms, including standard rooms, junior suites, and a Presidential Suite. Culinary offerings will include a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and a Rooftop Bar&Grill with panoramic city views. The hotel's meetings and events facilities will comprise three flexible meeting rooms and a dedicated pre-function area. Guests will also have access to a well-equipped gym and a swimming pool. The hotel enjoys a prime location near Kipopo Lake, surrounded by luxury residences and notable landmarks such as Lubumbashi Golf Club and La Plage, and is just 12 km from Luano International Airport. In Guinea, the Group marked a significant milestone with the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry ( just three months after signing. This contemporary beachfront property, located in the city's vibrant Kipé neighborhood, features 282 stylish rooms, suites, and apartments with sweeping ocean views and convenient access to the city's key business and leisure hubs. Further strengthening its Indian Ocean portfolio, Radisson Hotel Group signed and opened Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare, a member of Radisson Individuals ( Located on the east coast of Mauritius, the resort features 234 spacious accommodations, family-friendly amenities, and breathtaking lagoon views, making it a sought-after destination for travelers of all types. 'We've had a successful track record over the past 15 months with our focus on conversions, including Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare, Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry, and Radisson Blu Hotel&Convention Center, Tunis ( fantastic hotels that have further elevated our portfolio in Africa,' added Rankoussi. Strengthening Strategic Markets and Future Pipeline In Cameroon, Radisson Hotel Group continues to strengthen its presence with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel&Apartments, Yaoundé. Scheduled to open by the end of 2026, this 150-room property will be ideally located in the heart of the capital's central business district, just a 30-minute drive from Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport. The hotel will feature a vibrant selection of dining venues, including a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and a Specialty Restaurant. With 1,350 m² of flexible meetings and events space, as well as premium wellness facilities, including a spa, gym, and a rooftop pool with an expansive pool deck, the hotel is set to become a landmark destination in the city. This signing also reinforces the Group's continued pursuit of growth opportunities across Cameroon, including in the key market of Douala. Meanwhile, Radisson Hotel Group is also deepening its commitment to key markets across the continent: Morocco: Targeting 30 hotels by 2030, building on an already robust development pipeline. South Africa: Aiming for 25 hotels by 2030, doubling its current footprint. Nigeria: Continuing its growth momentum with multiple developments, alongside strengthening the Group's West Africa presence with its entry into DRC. 'While geographical diversification remains a priority for us, we also see a clear opportunity to consolidate our presence across key markets such as Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, each with at least one opening scheduled in 2025. Our results reinforce our brand strength and ability to adapt and grow across diverse markets. We remain committed to expanding our footprint while delivering world-class hospitality experiences across Africa,' concluded Rankoussi. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group. Media Contacts: Saadiyah Hendricks Area Director PR&Social Media, MEA&MED Business Development Contacts: Ramsay Rankoussi Vice President, Development, Africa&Turkey Connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Facebook: YouTube: TikTok: Radisson Hotel Group: Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,520 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn&Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards ( is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 20 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings ( provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated. At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet ( and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. For more information, visit our corporate website (
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hotel development booms in Africa, boosted by Egypt and Marriott
This year's Hotel Development Pipeline Report, the definitive study of international hospitality development projects in Africa, reveals record activity. There are 577 hotels and resorts, with 104,444 rooms, in the development pipeline, up by 13.3% on 2024, way ahead of the single digit pipeline growth reported globally by the leading international chains. The report, compiled by Lagos-based W Hospitality Group, with data from 50 international and regional hotel chains, shows that development activity has been growing impressively in North Africa, which saw a 23% year-on-year increase, compared to a 6% increase in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past five years, the hotel development pipeline has grown at an annualised rate of 4% in sub-Saharan Africa, 12% in North Africa and 7% overall. Egypt continues to lead the way in terms of development, with 143 hotels and 33,926 rooms in the pipeline there. This is almost four times the number of rooms in second-placed Morocco, which has 8,579 rooms in 58 hotels. The following eight countries, ranked by number of rooms, comprise Nigeria, 7,320; Ethiopia, 5,648; Cape Verde, 5,565; Kenya, 4,344; Tunisia, 4,336; South Africa, 4,076; Tanzania, 3,432; and Ghana, 3,125. International hotel chains have deals signed in 42 of Africa's 54 countries. Despite its clear leadership in the absolute pipeline numbers, Egypt has fewer than 50% of rooms under construction, a significantly lower proportion than second-placed Morocco, with over 72%. Of the top 10 countries, Ethiopia has the highest ratio of rooms 'on site', followed by Morocco and Ghana. Cape Verde, Nigeria and Tanzania have some of the lowest percentages. However, 'under construction' does not necessarily mean that there is activity and progress towards completion and opening – many of the sites in Nigeria and Ghana, for example, have been closed for several years, with hardly a hard hat in sight. A more granular analysis, looking at the location of planned properties, reveals an extraordinary boom in Cairo, with 17,757 new rooms projected in over 70 hotels. The contrast with the second-placed location, Sharm El Sheikh, is dramatic, where 4,231 rooms are planned in fewer than 10 properties. The cities and resorts with the next largest pipelines by number of rooms are Lagos, 3,709; Boa Vista, 3,650; Addis Ababa, 3,369; Casablanca, 2,939; Accra, 2,652; Abuja, 2,570; Zanzibar, 2,523; and Dakar, 2,334. The growth is being driven strongly by the major international hotel chains, with Marriott International leading the way, 165 hotels with 29,639 rooms. It is followed by Hilton, 93 hotels with 17,040 rooms; Accor, 73 hotels with 15,013 rooms; IHG, 40 hotels with 7,951 rooms; Radisson Hotel Group, 32 hotels with 6,346 rooms; TUI Hotels&Resorts, 11 hotels with 2,954 rooms; Barceló Hotels&Resorts, 7 hotels with 2,193 rooms; The Ascott, 15 hotels with 1,897 rooms; Kerten Hospitality, 13 hotels with 1,881 rooms and Wyndham Hotels&Resorts, 7 hotels with 1,706 rooms. In the race for dominance, Hilton added slightly more rooms to its African pipeline last year than Marriott International and achieved a higher percentage growth. Barceló Hotels&Resorts recorded the largest percentage growth, more than doubling its pipeline to 2,193 rooms, with three large resort signings in North Africa. Below the headline numbers, there are three notable trends. First, the actualisation rate (actual openings vs. expected openings), which has nearly doubled from 21% in 2023 to 38% in 2024. While it's substantially less than the 75% actualisation rate achieved in 2019, it shows a continuing recovery from the economic devastation of COVID-19. Of the total 104,444 rooms in the pipeline, over 50,000 rooms (nearly 50%) in 304 hotels are expected to open in 2025 and 2026. Second, resort projects are increasing much faster than city or airport hotels, both in percentage terms and in absolute numbers, driven by the number of signings and by the larger average size of the developments, 210 keys vs. 170. Also, almost half of the rooms that opened last year were in resorts. Third, there is a definite movement by the chains towards the franchise model, with 108 projects representing almost 19% of the total, compared to less than 10% in 2020. A major factor is the emergence of quality, international, white-label operators such as Aleph Hospitality and Valor Hospitality, and some indigenous operators in Nigeria, Kenya and elsewhere, that are increasing confidence that brand standards will be met. The full report will be discussed at FHS Africa (formerly AHIF) 17-19 June in Cape Town. It is the leading hospitality investment conference in the region, which brings together senior decision-makers to shape the future of the industry. Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of the Bench, which organises FHS Africa, said: 'The growth in hotel development across Africa is a testament to the continent's economic and tourism potential. Furthermore, the commitment from the international hotel chains makes it clear that global players see Africa as a strategic opportunity." Trevor Ward, Managing Director of W Hospitality Group, concluded: 'Despite the various trials that the continent faces, the fact that hotel chains signed 125 new deals last year, with 21,000 rooms, is evidence that opportunities for further development abound. According to the Global Cities Institute, by the year 2100, 10 of the world's 16 largest cities will be in Africa, with all but one of them (Cairo) in sub-Saharan Africa. So, one might say that development activity in Africa has barely scratched the surface.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench. For further information and high-resolution images, please contact: David Tarsh +44 (0) 20 7602 5262 +44 (0) 7770 816 070 Email: David@ About W Hospitality Group: The W Hospitality Group, a member of Hotel Partners Africa, specialises in the provision of advisory services to the hotel, tourism and leisure industries, providing a full range of services to clients who have investments in the sector, or who are looking to enter them through development, acquisition or other means. In sub-Saharan Africa W Hospitality Group is regarded as the market leader due to the market and financial expertise of its staff, its worldwide knowledge, and its commitment to its clients. In Africa, W Hospitality Group has to date worked in 40 countries on the continent, from its Lagos and Addis Ababa offices. About FHS Africa (Formerly AHIF): For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality. Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, IHG Hotels&Resorts, Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group Headline Sponsors: CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels&Resorts Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, Equate, JLL, Knight Frank, St Helena Island, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways Supporter: South Africa Tourism About The Bench: The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events is "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect; the Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact industry meetings. For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel&tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners&investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines&aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in the Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders and innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge. Learn more at
