Carlson Rezidor leading Africa hotel pipeline race

Carlson Rezidor setting the pace for new hotels in Africa, ahead of its major rivals, with 6,248 rooms across 30 hotels planned for the continent, according to a report.

Research by W Hospitality Group, a founding member of Hotel Partners Africa, shows Carlson Rezidor is narrowly ahead of Hilton Worlwide in terms of rooms in the pipeline, with the latter planning 6,165 across 25 hotels.

Marriott is next with 5,243 rooms across 26 hotels, although this does not include any upcoming properties absorbed by the company since it completed its purchase of South Africa-based Protea.

W Hospitality managing director Trevor Ward said: “It is our belief that the chain hotel pipeline in sub-Saharan Africa will continue to grow and that more international players will enter the market. This is because there is such a shortage of quality hotel accommodation in Africa.

“This research was conducted before Marriott completed its acquisition of South Africa-based Protea so it will be interesting to see how this will change the market in Africa – in particular if Hilton, Carlson Rezidor and other international chains will follow Marriott’s example and seek to grow by acquisition.”

The survey is of 27 international hotel chains, with 60 brands between them, competing in Africa.

Of the international chains, Starwood had the largest percentage increase, up 39 per cent year-on-year, with developments planned in eight countries, four more countries than in 2013. Marriott also recorded a strong increase, 34 per cent up on last year.