Hotel giants have their eyes on Africa as the continent’s tourism industry continues to develop, with Marriott and Hilton taking significant steps to build their presence across the continent.
Marriott will add over 50 properties comprising over 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027, focusing on entering into five key markets: Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania.
Over half of its projects are expected to open by 2027 in Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria.
One such new property is the Mapito Safari Camp, the Autograph Collection’s first safari-style accommodation. Opening in the Serengeti in the third quarter of 2025, it will offer 16 tented suites and wildlife viewing opportunities all year.
Marriott boasts nearly 150 hotels and resorts comprising 26,000 rooms across 20 African countries. Its expansion includes Protea Hotels by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, AC Hotels by Marriott and many more.
“Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations,” said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President — Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Through our diverse range of extraordinary brands, we are in a position to work with developers to offer high quality accommodations along with distinct and innovative travel experiences that resonate with today’s rapidly evolving consumer.”
Hilton will also be expanding its presence in Africa, too. In March, the hotel giant announced it would grow its regional portfolio in its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region to 1,000 hotels.
This week, Reuters reported that Hilton would more than triple its portfolio in Africa, growing to offer over 160 hotels with new properties in new markets like Angola, Ghana and Benin. However, it did not provide more information on what brands might be introduced there.
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