- Luxury Tourism in East Africa has been on an upswing following the reopening of air travel.
- Marriott and Radisson Blu are leading the line in Investments in Luxury Tourism in East Africa.
- American hotel brand Marriott International is eyeing over 30 hotel openings in Africa by the close of 2024
East Africa has emerged as a magnet for luxury tourists seeking unforgettable experiences, as evidenced by the increasing investments in high-end travel and accommodation in the region.
This region, comprising countries Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and castelli gabba decathlon bmx castelli gabba custom maple leafs jersey custom maple leafs jersey adidas yeezy boost 350 turtle dove keyvone lee jersey asu football jersey sac eastpak dallas cowboys slippers mens jordan air force 1 nike air max 90 futura blundstone uomo sit top kayak fsu football jersey others, has witnessed a surge in high-end tourism from global hotel chains pumping investments in the region, drawing discerning travellers from around the globe.
In response, East Africa continues positioning itself as a premier destination for luxury tourism. Stakeholders in the region are capitalizing on this growing trend by investing in upscale accommodations, unique experiences, and sustainable tourism practices.
Luxury hotels are expanding in Africa, with Marriott, Radisson Blu and Hyatt leading the way with new developments and acquisitions.
This comes even as international travellers troop back to Africa, and some of the world’s major hotel chains are re-igniting a multi-billion dollar expansion race that began pre-pandemic.
Marriott, Radisson Blu and Hyatt are heading the race for a bigger slice of Africa’s hospitality pie as they ramp up their presence, mainly through acquisitions and property management deals and push their select-service brands across the continent.
The latest entrant into this scene is Marriott International, which has announced an agreement with Morogoro Mishama Company to introduce Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts to the shores of Zanzibar in 2025.
This comes after the global chain announced plans to open a luxury Safari hotel in the Serengeti in 2026 after its first luxury safari hotel in Kenya’s Maasai Mara recorded full bookings.
Why Luxury Tourism in East Africa is Promising
Africa Regional Vice President for Development at Marriott International Karim Cheltout says to support the growing demand for premium hospitality accommodations in Tanzania.
Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort will feature 75 guestrooms and the brand’s glamourous, signature programming and experiences to help guests discover the destination’s culture, coordinates and cuisine.
“Zanzibar continues to grow as a sought-after leisure destination and we are committed to continuing to support the overall growth of the tourism sector in Tanzania. Le Méridien’s contemporary design, captivating spaces and chic, signature programming will be an ideal fit for the island, and we look forward to working with Morogoro Mishama Company to open this project by the end of the year,” said Cheltout.
Anticipated to feature 75 contemporary guest rooms and villas, Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort will offer uninterrupted Indian Ocean beach vistas and embrace the brand’s commitment to creating immersive experiences that will help guests explore a destination in style.
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Plans for the resort include a speciality restaurant, an open-air bar, and an array of recreational facilities such as a fitness centre, swimming pool, spa, kids’ club, and lagoon.
Upon opening, the property will embody the essence of Le Méridien, inviting guests to ‘Savour the Good Life’ through its signature programming – all of which is inspired by the brand’s rich European heritage. The resort will be in Bwejuu, on the Eastern coast of Zanzibar Island.
“We are thrilled to announce our second collaboration with Marriott International in the region by bringing Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort to fruition. This milestone underscores our continued commitment to enhancing Tanzania’s hospitality landscape and reinforcing Zanzibar’s appeal as a premier leisure destination to visitors across the world,” said Rishen Patel, Managing Director, Morogoro Mishama Company.
Morogoro Mishama Company, a part of Delaware Investment Limited, specializes in developing luxury hotels across the African continent. Morogoro Mishama Company and Marriott International will collaborate with ALEPH Hospitality, known for its expertise in managing upscale accommodations across diverse destinations, as the third-party operator for the franchised property.
“We are very excited to be entrusted with the operations of Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort,” said Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality. “This stunning, modern resort will be an incredible addition to the hospitality offering in Zanzibar, which has seen a surge in growth with international tourism arrivals surpassing a record one million mark just last month.”
African Expansion Plans
American hotel brand Marriott International is eyeing over 30 hotel openings with over 5,000 rooms in Africa by the close of 2024, attributing the growth of the travel and tourism sector globally behind its aggressive expansion in the region.
Protea Hotels by Marriott, currently with over 60 hotels across nine countries, will add 10 more, including the brand’s first properties in Kenya, Malawi, and Angola. In South Africa, the brand is expected to open five new hotels.
Marriott’s Four Points by Sheraton brand will make a foray into Uganda, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cape Verde. The brand also expects to open its second property in Nigeria, the Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene.
In October last year, Dubai-based luxury travel service provider Miftah Concierge also launched operations in Kenya as a springboard for Africa expansion.
