Movenpick to begin African expansion campaign

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its presence into three new African markets, with 685 rooms to be completed by 2019, according to a recent company statement.

The Swiss hospitality brand aims to establish a presence in key cities across the continent’s Sub-Saharan region, adding three new upscale hotels to its portfolio in Kenya, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, taking its total African properties to 28.

"Sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to be the fastest growing region in the world over the next five years with a projected GDP growth rate of 4.8% from 2014 to 2018, according to research by Deloitte," Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts senior vice president Africa Alan O’Dea said.

"It is therefore crucial we get a strong foothold in this market, which is undergoing a trade and investment boom right now, and our three new properties are well positioned to capitalise on the economic growth projected across both East and West Africa."

The development plans will begin with the opening of the 223-key Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi in mid-2016, followed by the 212-key Mövenpick Hotel Abidjan in early 2018, and the 250-key Mövenpick Hotel and Conference Centre Abuja in 2019.

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi is a 15-storey property situated in the Kenyan capital’s Westlands district and features a revolving tower with downtown views and extensive dining, leisure and meetings facilities.

Mövenpick Hotel Abidjan is located in the centre of Cote d’Ivoire’s largest city, adjacent to the corporate and government district and offers guests a range of business, MICE and leisure amenities.

Mövenpick Hotel and Conference Centre Abuja is located in the capital’s upmarket Jabi Lake district and a part of a leisure and hospitality master development, the property will include five food and beverage outlets, a dedicated conference centre and spa and fitness facilities.

"Our new properties are strategically located in Sub-Saharan Africa’s most economically prosperous cities," said O’Dea. "But this is just the start of our ambitious expansion campaign and we will continue to look for growth opportunities across the region as its rapid transformation takes shape."

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ African portfolio currently spans five countries including Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Ghana.