Marriott International: “Africa is a land of opportunity”

Marriott International has announced new deals with a development pipeline expected to drive owner investment of over USD 2 billion, generating 12,000 new jobs in Africa.

“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 of 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.”

Marriott International 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.

“The region’s fast-growing middle class”

“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 led by eight anticipated openings and six slated openings under Protea Hotels by Marriott. Furthermore, the company is expected to introduce the Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Element Hotels brands.

Marriott’s development pipeline through 2023 is estimated to drive investment of over USD 2 billion from property owners and is expected to generate over 12,000 new jobs.