Marriott International announced intentions to enter the hotel market in South Africa, with plans to open two properties by 2018. Johannesburg Marriot Hotel Melrose Arch will include 150 guest rooms, and nearby rental property Marriot Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch will offer 200 units in South Africa’s largest city.
Marriott plans to expand its footprint in Africa from 10 countries to 18 over the next five years, since it acquired Protea Hotels in 2014.The proposed expansion will add 38 properties across seven brands. Protea Hotels is the largest hotel operator in Africa, according to a press release.
“Africa is important to Marriott International’s growth strategy because of its rapid economic growth, growing middle class and youth population, as well as the expansion of international flights onto the continent,” says Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa for Marriott International. “With over 850 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, there are enormous opportunities there.”
Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch will carry on the brand’s latest innovations with redesigned lobbies and public spaces and mobile apps. Guests will be able to check-in, check-out and contact hotel staff through the app. The hotel will have a business center, restaurant, fitness center and outdoor pool. Conference and event spaces will accommodate up to 500. Residents from Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch will also be able to use the facilities.
By the end of 2015, guests staying at Protea Hotels will have access to Marriott Rewards. Three Protea properties have opened in the past year: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! in Pretoria, Protea Hotel in Cape Town and Protea Hotel Select Takoradi in Ghana.
Marriott International currently has 17 hotels in seven countries in the Middle East and Africa. The brand has plans to open 18 more properties across the region by 2020.
