Marriott to open 50-plus hotels, 9,000 rooms across Africa as UAE-to-Africa travel rises

Dubai: Marriott International is betting big on Africa’s growing tourism and travel market. The global hotel giant announced plans to add over 50 new properties and more than 9,000 rooms across the continent by the end of 2027, entering five new markets and expanding in popular North, East, and West African destinations.

The expansion — revealed during the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Cape Town — will see the group introduce or grow its presence in Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania, while doubling down on regional favourites like Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Tanzania.

With African travel corridors from the UAE continuing to expand — and increasing demand from both tourists and business travellers — Marriott’s move is being closely watched by Gulf-based investors and hospitality players.

“Africa’s tourism is booming on the back of visionary national agendas, major infrastructure upgrades, and more flight routes. These factors are driving hotel development, and we’re seeing strong interest from partners,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International.

For UAE travellers seeking safari adventures, coastal escapes, or business opportunities across Africa, Marriott’s expansion brings a broader selection of hotels under familiar international brands. These include Protea Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, Marriott Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, and Autograph Collection, with the Aloft brand set to debut on the continent as well.

Marriott’s plan aligns with the UAE’s growing air connectivity to African capitals. With Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia expanding routes to cities like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Casablanca, and Accra, UAE residents are increasingly including African destinations in their travel plans — from luxury safaris to beach getaways and trade expos.

Marriott expects North and East Africa to drive over 60% of its new hotel openings across the continent. In Egypt, where tourism has rebounded strongly, the company will debut Aloft Ghazala Bay on the North Coast in 2027, and over half its future properties in the country will be conversion or reuse projects.

In Kenya and Tanzania, the hotel chain is focusing on safari circuits, where demand is surging. Following the success of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Marriott plans to open six safari camps across the region by 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and Mapito Safari Camp in Serengeti, under the Autograph Collection brand.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Marriott’s largest market in West Africa, six more hotels are expected by 2027, including the brand’s first Courtyard by Marriott in Abuja.

A notable trend in Marriott’s strategy is its focus on conversion and adaptive reuse projects, which make up over 30% of its upcoming Africa portfolio. These include transforming existing buildings into hotels and repurposing properties, a cost-effective way to expand rapidly in urban centres.

The company also sees rising appetite for branded residential properties in the region — a model familiar to UAE real estate investors and developers seeking cross-market opportunities.

Marriott’s expansion across Africa signals a strategic play to capture rising demand from Gulf travellers, many of whom are seeking shorter-haul adventure travel outside Europe or Asia.

The planned additions — especially in safari hotspots, commercial hubs, and up-and-coming island destinations — could pave the way for more luxury travel experiences, loyalty programme benefits through Marriott Bonvoy, and investment opportunities tied to the region’s hospitality growth.

As Marriott eyes 2027 with 200+ properties across Africa, UAE residents may find themselves checking into a familiar brand whether they're attending a trade show in Lagos, exploring the Serengeti, or unwinding on the beaches of Cape Verde.