Starwood Hotels continues African expansion

At the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa, Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced Sept. 30 that they have seven new hotels they are building in Africa, increasing its market penetration across the continent.

In Nigeria, they will build Four Points by Sheraton Abuja and Residences and the Westin Abuja and Residences; in Kenya, they will build Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport; in Senegal, they will build Aloft Dakar; in Tanzania, they will build Element Oyster Bay Dar es Salaam; in Mali, they will build Sheraton Bamako; and in Egypt, they will build W Sharm El Sheikh and the Residences at W Sharm El Sheikh. 

And while Starwood Hotels will be establishing its presence for the first time in Mali, Tanzania and Kenya, Starwood already has hotels in Nigeria, Senegal and Egypt.

“The momentum of growth we are seeing in Africa today is unprecedented," Michael Wale, president for Starwood, Europe, Africa and Middle East, said. "It is a reiteration of the trust our owners have in us, the power of our distinct lifestyle brands and the strength of our global distribution and award-winning loyalty program,” said “Africa is a market with huge potential. With economic growth, a rising middle class and rapid urbanization, 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.”

Ultimately, Starwood is looking to grow its portfolio on the continent by more than 50 percent in the next five years. It currently has more than 50 hotels operating in Africa.