Cape Town, South Africa – June 2025 – From the floor of the Future Hospitality Summit Africa, Marriott International has unveiled an ambitious plan to deepen its footprint across the African continent. The global hospitality leader has announced the addition of more than 50 new properties and over 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027, with strategic expansion into five new African markets: Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania.
This expansive initiative will see Marriott’s African portfolio grow significantly from its existing nearly 150 hotels and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands. The expansion reflects Africa’s rising tourism profile and Marriott’s commitment to supporting the continent’s economic transformation through hospitality development.
Driving Forces Behind Marriott’s Africa Strategy
According to Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International:
“Africa’s tourism landscape is undergoing a transformation, powered by government vision, infrastructure upgrades, and improved air connectivity. Marriott is proud to play a central role in this evolution, offering high-quality travel experiences across the continent.”
The growth plan focuses on expanding luxury, premium, and select-service brands, including popular flags such as Protea Hotels by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Autograph Collection, and JW Marriott.
New Market Entries Signal Confidence in Emerging African Destinations
By 2027, Marriott expects to debut in:
Cape Verde with Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort
Côte d’Ivoire with an Autograph Collection hotel in Assinie-Mafia
Mauritania with a Sheraton Hotel in Nouakchott
Madagascar with Delta Hotels by Marriott and Protea Hotel in Antananarivo
Democratic Republic of Congo with Four Points by Sheraton and Protea Hotel by Marriott in Kinshasa
These additions highlight Marriott’s focus on under-tapped markets with growing travel demand and strategic urban or resort potential.
North and East Africa: Marriott’s Top Regional Growth Engines
Marriott’s strongest growth momentum lies in North and East Africa, which together represent over 60% of the planned additions. In Egypt, the company will launch Aloft Ghazala Bay on the country’s North Coast—marking the brand’s first entry into the African market.
More than half of Marriott’s planned properties in Egypt will come through conversion or adaptive reuse, tapping into the country’s existing infrastructure for rapid deployment. In Morocco, the company is preparing to introduce AC Hotels by Marriott in Casablanca by 2027.
In East Africa, Marriott is building on the success of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge with plans for six new safari properties by 2027. These include:
The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya)
Mapito Safari Camp Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania)
Tanzania’s Marriott portfolio is expected to more than double, while Kenya will welcome five new properties, including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott in Nairobi. In Uganda, the first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments are set to open in Kampala by year-end.
West Africa: Premium and Select Brands Fuel Demand
Nigeria leads Marriott’s growth in West Africa, with six new hotels expected by 2027. The plan includes:
Courtyard by Marriott Abuja
Additional Protea Hotels and Marriott Hotels
As travel demand grows across Nigeria’s commercial and government hubs, Marriott is strengthening its presence in both luxury and business travel segments.
Southern and Central Africa: Steady Growth and Brand Diversification
In South Africa, Marriott’s largest market on the continent, expansion will focus on Autograph Collection Hotels, with Morea House in Cape Town opening this year and another property anticipated in Kruger National Park by 2026.
Le Méridien will enter Cameroon with a property expected to launch in 2027, while Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton will establish a presence in Kinshasa, DRC later this year.
Conversions and Branded Residences: A Growing Trend
Over 30% of Marriott’s planned African growth will come through hotel conversions and adaptive reuse, a strategy that allows rapid brand rollout in cities with existing infrastructure. The company is also responding to rising demand for branded residences, particularly in urban hubs and resort areas with a strong expatriate or luxury leisure market.
Marriott Bonvoy and Global Distribution Fuel Market Penetration
Key to Marriott’s expansion is its Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, which now boasts more than 200 million members globally. With rising travel from the U.S., Europe, and Gulf markets, the platform enables wider customer reach, particularly in safari circuits, business centers, and coastal retreats.
Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President for Development, Middle East & Africa, added:
“Africa’s gateway cities, safari routes, and resort zones are ideal for hospitality investment. Our portfolio offers flexible, high-quality solutions that align with evolving traveler expectations.”
Conclusion: Africa’s Hospitality Future Strengthened by Marriott’s Vision
With more than 50 new properties and 9,000 rooms set to be added by 2027, Marriott International is reinforcing its position as a hospitality leader across Africa. By entering new markets, investing in luxury safari lodges, and enhancing urban offerings, the company is supporting economic development, job creation, and tourism transformation across the continent.
As Africa continues to rise as a global tourism powerhouse, Marriott’s expansion signals a vote of confidence in the continent’s future as a premier travel destination—where innovation, culture, and hospitality meet.
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