Another hotel group expands in Africa

AFRICAN growth and
development are fast
impacting on the hospitality
sector, which continues to
expand as business travel
and tourism escalate.
Globally renowned highend
hotel group, Starwood
Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,
recently announced
aggressive expansion in
Africa, increasing its market
penetration across the
region.
With an already strong
footprint operating 34 hotels
and a robust pipeline of 20
hotels under development,
Starwood is set to grow
its portfolio by over 50% in
the next five years. “The
momentum of growth we
are seeing in Africa today
is unprecedented,” said
Michael Wale, president
for Starwood, Europe, Africa
and Middle East. “Africa
is a market with huge
potential. With economic
growth, a rising middle class
and rapid urbanisation,
the demand for travel and
quality lodging will continue
to grow and provide us with
a significant opportunity to
grow our brands and play
our part in supporting many
emerging markets across
the continent.”
Reaffirming its
commitment to growth in
the region, the company
announced seven new
deals – W Sharm El Sheikh
and The Residences at W
Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt);
Sheraton Bamako (Mali);
The Westin Abuja and
Residences (Nigeria); Four
Points by Sheraton Abuja
and Residences (Nigeria);
Four Points by Sheraton
Nairobi Airport (Kenya);
Aloft Dakar (Senegal); and
Element Oyster Bay Dar es
Salaam (Tanzania). With the
new signings, Starwood will
further build its position,
especially in Nigeria and
Egypt, increase its presence
in Senegal and enter new
markets such as Mali, Kenya
and Tanzania.