Radisson Hotel Group continues its African growth and development plan with five new hotel signings secured across the continent to date this year, adding almost 600 rooms to its African portfolio. The group aims to add more than a dozen hotels this year, reaching just over 100 hotels in operation and under development on the continent.
Last year, the company set a record with 14 hotel signings in countries such as Morocco, Djibouti, Ghana and Zambia, adding more than 2,500 rooms to its portfolio. The group’s growth is aligned with its 2025 objective to reach more than 150 properties across Africa, up from almost 100 hotels today.
“Africa remains a key focus for us,” said Elie Younes, EVP/global chief development officer. “We remain committed to unlocking its potential and to supporting its people with the many job creations that we contribute across the continent. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we maintained strong growth momentum with numerous key milestones as we continue cementing our position as one of the leading operators on the continent with the most diverse portfolio across over 30 African countries. In 2022, we aim to add a dozen hotels to our portfolio across the continent resulting in surpassing the 100 hotels in operation and under development mark and eventually aim to achieve 150 hotels by 2025.”
The five new hotel signings in the first quarter span the continent from Ethiopia and Senegal to Tunisia and Ghana and stretch across the brand portfolio from the upscale Radisson brand to its newest conversion brand, Radisson Individuals.
Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa Bole Airport in Ethiopia
Currently under construction, the Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa Bole Airport is on track to open its doors in summer 2023 and will be the first Radisson-branded hotel in East Africa. Located near the third-largest airport hub in Africa, Bole International Airport, home to Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, and the newly upgraded terminal, the hotel is also adjacent to the country’s new national stadium which is still under construction.
Radisson Resort Dakar Saly in Senegal (pictured above)
The property, located in Saly, a popular seaside resort in Senegal and the Sub-Saharan region, will be the first Radisson resort in Africa and the second Radisson-branded property in Senegal when it opens its doors in 2024. Saly is the second most popular tourist destination in the country after Dakar and includes a wide range of leisure facilities. The resort is close to the Blaise Diagne International Airport of Dakar, the city center of the capital, and the community of Diamniadio via a brand-new highway.
Radisson Hotel Sfax in Tunisia
The hotel, comprising standard rooms and suites from junior to presidential, will be the first and only internationally branded upscale hotel in the city, catering to the government, corporate and MICE demand in the local and wider areas. Opening in Q2, Radisson Hotel Sfax, Tunisia will be located in the city center, adjacent to the Port of Sfax, a trade port, and close to Sfax-Thyna International Airport, which serves the entire region.
La Maison Blanche Tunis, a member of Radisson Individuals
This existing, independent hotel in Tunis will undergo a full renovation prior to reopening its doors in January 2023. La Maison Blanche Tunis joins the group’s existing two hotels in operation and three under development in Tunisia, with a total of almost 1,000 rooms. As the economic and commercial capital of Tunisia, Tunis is home to numerous international companies and institutions, and benefits from a rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes.
Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Suites, a member of Radisson Individuals in Accra, Ghana
The property, scheduled to open in Q2, will consist of various rooms and suites, including a three-bedroom penthouse and a premium presidential suite, as well as serviced apartments offering a separate living room, balcony and fully furnished kitchen This will be the group’s third property in Accra and the first of two Radisson Individuals hotels to open in Ghana, paving the way for future brand expansion in the country.
“Our ambition is to continue growing in markets in which we operate already and enter new markets with our core brands,” said Ramsay Rankoussi, VP, development, Africa & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group. “Building on our strong portfolio of city hotels, we are focusing on resort destinations, as well as expanding our footprint in new strategic markets. In addition to opening our first three hotels in Madagascar earlier this year, we will be opening hotels in South Sudan, Djibouti, Victoria Falls and Ghana. Conversions will remain a priority and we will continue innovating our business approach with relevant and tailored solutions to adapt to changing market conditions.”
