Marriott Eyes Opportunity in Africa’s Growing Middle Class
Marriott International announced this week signings of new properties in Africa – its first major announcement since acquiring Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Marriott will work with long-time partner Amdec Group on a $200 million development plan for three hotels in Cape Town. The project will bring the AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront, the brand’s entry into Africa, the 200-room Cape Town Marriott Hotel Foreshore and the 150-room Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Town Foreshore to the city.
The other signings include The Sheraton Mauritius St. Felix Resort and The Residences at Sheraton Mauritius St Felix Resort, set to open in 2020, the 344-room Element Cairo, scheduled to open in 2019, and the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi opening next year.
The new deals will bring Marriott’s Africa portfolio to 205 properties, with 37,000 rooms. The company said the expansion is due to the “continent's rapid economic growth, expanding middle class and youth population."