Underscoring the company’s global leadership in branded residences and luxury development, Marriott International announces a strong residential pipeline in the MEA region

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) (NASDAQ: MAR, “Marriott”) announces its accelerated growth in its branded residential portfolio in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, with 41 projects in the portfolio, including 29 projects in its signed pipeline and 12 open properties.     

In the past two years, the global hospitality leader has signed 19 agreements in the Middle East and Africa to bring branded residences to iconic destinations in the region, more than double the amount from the preceding two years. With locations ranging from luxurious addresses, such as the highly anticipated project, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, to premier urban destinations like the W Residences at Dubai Harbour, there is something for every type of home buyer in the company’s pipeline.  

“As Marriott continues to meet the increasing global demand for branded residences and world-class luxury experiences, the MEA region, home to some of the world’s most coveted and iconic destinations, has been a key driver of our accelerated growth,” said Dana Jacobsohn, Chief Development Officer, Global Mixed-Use Development. “Through providing extraordinary benefits for both developers and Residence Owners, we continue to strengthen our industry-leading position in the segment, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work the company is doing to bring such extraordinary residential projects to life.” 

With 16 luxury and premium brand offerings, 11 of which have an open or signed residential property in the EMEA region, Marriott Branded Residences offer development licensees the opportunity to leverage strong brand recognition and lead generation platforms, which have the potential to result in higher sales velocity and increased sales value for developers. Along with the world-renowned service that guests expect from Marriott brands, Residence Owners also have the opportunity to receive enhanced benefits from the recently announced owner recognition platform, ONVIA, which provides exclusive offerings within the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio.  

Marriott is proud to work with some of the industry’s top developers across MEA, who are an essential part of our company’s continued success

“Marriott is proud to work with some of the industry’s top developers across MEA, who are an essential part of our company’s continued success,” said Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development, EMEA. “Through the combination of best-in-class developers, renowned design experts, iconic destinations, and people-first service, Marriott’s industry-leading value proposition is well-positioned to continue bringing premier and luxury lifestyle offerings to Residence Owners.”  

From breathtaking views to luxury urban residences, recent projects for which the company has signed agreements and/or launched include:  

• The JW Marriott Residences New Cairo, Al Jazi First marks the first branded residences under JW Marriott in Africa.  The 277-residences project is part of the Al Jazi Egypt destination located in the heart of New Cairo 
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Cairo, Palm Hills will feature 150 exclusive residences, each meticulously designed to offer an exceptional living experience amidst lush greenery, harmoniously blending nature and urban life. Residents will enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Palm Hills Golf Course. 
• W Residences Cairo marks the first W Hotels branded residence in Africa and will be situated One Ninety, which is set to become a premier lifestyle destination in Cairo. 
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside, which just began construction, will offer 200 residences across 7 seven buildings and 12 mansions, each featuring exclusive yacht berthing for residents.  
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, which recently launched sales, feature designs inspired by the rich Najdi heritage, with exquisitely designed villas, apartments and duplexes that capture the essence of elegance and tradition. This launch follows the successful sell-out of the initial standalone 106 villas also located at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah in the North District of the Kingdom, which sold out within a year of launch.   
• The St. Regis Residences, Financial Center Road, Dubai, which sold 70% of its units in the first hour of sales launch, which demonstrates the potential sales velocity that developers may experience when working with Marriott brands.   
• Other launches in the UAE include Marriott Residences Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai; W Residences Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island; W Residences Dubai – Jumeirah Lakes Towers; JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. 

By the end of 2024, Marriott expects to celebrate the opening of highly anticipated projects across the region, including:   

• Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, which marks the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the EMEA region, will offer Residence Owners a rare and immersive escape to discover Saudi Arabian culture and the untapped wonders of the Red Sea.  
• Located in the heart of Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighborhoods, The Residences at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort offer an exquisite gateway to the captivating cultural wonders of Oman.  
• Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai offers premium living with modern design and services reflective of the Marriott brand. Spread across three towers, each of the residences offer sophisticated spaces and breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. 

For more information on Marriott Branded Residences, visit https://MarriottResidences.com/.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Modern Comfort Meets Warm Hospitality at Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta and Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka International Airport

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Protea Hotels by Marriott (www.Marriott.com), part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 brands, today announced the opening of two new hotels in Africa: Protea by Marriott Delta in Nigeria and Protea by Marriott Lusaka International Airport in Zambia. These new additions highlight Protea Hotels by Marriott’s ongoing expansion on the continent, offering both business and leisure travellers contemporary comfort coupled with authentic local charm.

“We are excited to expand our footprint in Africa with the opening of these two exceptional properties,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President of Premium & Select Brands, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Marriott International. “Both hotels are designed to provide a perfect blend of modern amenities and an enriching connection to local culture. These launches further affirm our commitment to delivering the signature African hospitality and personal service that defines Protea Hotels by Marriott, while benefiting from the reach of Marriott International’s global network.”

Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta, Nigeria

We are excited to expand our footprint in Africa with the opening of these two exceptional properties

Located in the heart of Ekpan Warri’s business district, Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta is just a 15-minute drive from Osubi Airport and strategically located near the region’s oil and gas hub. The hotel features 69 contemporary guestrooms and three well-equipped conference rooms suited to both intimate business meetings and large corporate events.

Culinary offerings include Delta Restaurant, an all-day restaurant serving up an array of local and international cuisines, as well as a lobby and pool bar where guests can unwind with drinks at the end of the day. Other facilities include the Oriki Spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka International Airport, Zambia

Located just minutes from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka International Airport offers an ideal blend of comfort and convenience for both business and leisure travellers visiting Zambia’s bustling capital, Lusaka.

The hotel boasts 72 elegantly designed guest rooms, complemented by an all-day restaurant offering a fusion of local and international cuisine. Guests can relax at the bar or unwind by the outdoor pool and fitness centre. Complimentary airport shuttles ensure hassle-free transfers, adding to the seamless experience. For business needs or social gatherings, the hotel offers a range of flexible meeting facilities, including six boardrooms and two meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 104 people combined, making it a prime venue for corporate meetings, workshops, and events.

With these latest additions, Protea Hotels by Marriott continues to grow its presence across Africa, now boasting more than 60 properties across nine countries, including Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. With a wide-ranging footprint across both business hubs and leisure destinations, Protea Hotels by Marriott remains a top choice for travellers looking to experience the best of Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Harnessing Africa’s unique appeal to boost tourism and economic growth will take centre stage at the upcoming API Hospitality & Residences Forum 2024

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa’s tourism sector is poised for an exciting ascent, and it has the potential to soar if it is propelled by visionary strategies and robust investments that harness the continent’s unparalleled tourist allure.

Amid the unprecedented changes of recent years, Africa’s tourist appeal is greater than ever. With the right steps, it can offer more top destinations for today’s tourists. The API Hospitality & Residences Forum is a pivotal platform for Africa’s hospitality industry that is legendary for its dealmaking, networking, and unique insights. It takes place on 19 September 2024 at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town on the first day of the highly anticipated two-day API Summit.

This year’s API Summit is themed “Impact”, and industry leaders speaking at the API Hospitality and Residences Forum highlight the key to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s tourism sector to foster sustainable growth and enhance the continent’s appeal to both travellers and investors includes focused investments, strategic partnerships and robust public sector involvement. The API Hospitality & Residence Forum sets the stage to catalyse and nurture these outcomes.

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, will be among the distinguished speakers. “The pandemic had several profound effects on the tourism sector,” Haddad reflects. “One of the most noticeable impacts has been the increased desire among travellers for domestic or regional trips, as well as nature-based or less crowded destinations. Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit from these trends.”

Citing the latest Chain Development Pipeline report by W Hospitality, Haddad notes a 20% growth in the number of hotel rooms in Africa since 2020, reaching a total of 92,134 rooms. “This growth indicates that the supply is expanding across the continent to meet the rising demand. We are also witnessing an increase in the quality and branded hotel supply in resort destinations such as Zanzibar and national parks like Serengeti and Mara. The global demand for nature and experiential experiences presents a significant opportunity for Africa, which has much to offer in this regard.”

Haddad continues, “Investing in and fostering partnerships within the tourism sector is not just beneficial but essential for unlocking its full potential in Africa.”

Such efforts can lead to comprehensive economic development, job creation, and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth. He emphasises that governments, private sector players, and international organisations all have crucial roles in facilitating these investments and partnerships to ensure the tourism sector thrives and significantly contributes to the continent’s development.

Echoing this sentiment, Daniel Trappler, Senior Director – Development Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), who will also speak at the event, outlines RHG’s strategic plans in the post-COVID landscape. “RHG plans to capitalise on growth opportunities in key value nodes such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar, and leisure offerings in the coastal and safari segments across Southern and Eastern Africa. Within these nodes lies the opportunity to increase RHG branded supply to meet the obvious growing demand.”

The global demand for nature and experiential experiences presents a significant opportunity for Africa, which has much to offer in this regard

Trappler highlights RHG’s eagerness to expand its footprint in Cape Town’s 5-star and luxury segments, which have consistently performed above the market average despite higher rates. In Victoria Falls, RHG aims to replicate the success of its Zambezi River’s Zambia side, planning to introduce the upscale Radisson brand to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

“We are actively seeking partners to bring our Radisson, Radisson Blu, or Radisson Collection brands to Zanzibar, given RHG’s significant presence in Eastern Europe, the largest source market for Zanzibar,” Trappler adds.

Since opening its new Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, RHG has set its sights on replicating the same model within Southern and Eastern Africa, capturing both the foreign market and the regional market, which prefers short travel distances for tourism needs.

“The group is developing resort offerings in various safari and coastal locations, including Masai Mara, Serengeti, the Kenyan coast, Seychelles, Mauritius and the wildlife territories in Namibia and Botswana.”

Trappler underscores the critical role of investment and public sector involvement. “The contribution of tourism to GDP is evident across the region. National and local governments need to increase their awareness of the sector’s potential contribution to GDP. In South Africa, where RHG aims to double its portfolio, we need to see more active interest and contributions from the public sector towards developing hotels and hospitality infrastructure.”

He stresses the need for public sector initiatives driving growth in this sector, particularly in South Africa, where the sector is strong but could be a much larger contributor to GDP and employment creation.

The API Hospitality & Residences Forum is a unique pan-African event that brings hospitality-focused leaders and investors together with Africa’s leading real estate community. Sponsored by industry giants like Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, HTI Consulting, JLL, and Tui Blu, the forum offers an unparalleled platform for doing business in African hospitality.

With over 500 leaders expected to attend the summit, including more than 250 hospitality delegates, in excess of 75 hotel brands, operators and owners, and 35 speakers, the API Hospitality & Residences Forum is the premier gathering of Africa’s leading hospitality professions and consultants.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.