CAPE TOWN — Radisson Hotel Group is marking major hotel expansion in Africa for 2021.

With 13 signings so far, Radisson Hotel Group has signed a new hotel every 20 days year-to-date.

With 2,500 rooms added to its African portfolio, Radisson’s expansion also includes the announcement of nine hotels in Morocco, the Group’s debut in Djibouti and the introduction of the Radisson Individuals brand in Africa.

Radisson has also opened Africa’s second Radisson RED in South Africa and four Radisson Blu resort offerings in Morocco.

With additional hotel signings and a further three openings in Africa expected before year end, Radisson says it remains “prudently optimistic” regarding the business recovery within the last quarter of 2021.

The company adds that its aggressive expansion puts it on track to boost the current African portfolio of almost 100 hotels currently in operation and under development to its ambition of 150 hotels by 2025.

As part of that expansion strategy, Radisson has put forward growth priorities across key markets such as Morocco, Egypt and South Africa.

Radisson’s current African portfolio of almost 100 hotels in operation and under development is located in more than 30 countries across the continent started with a single hotel in Africa 20 years ago. The expansion furthers the company’s leading position as the hotel company with the largest active presence in the most countries across Africa.

Here are the highlights of the 13 signings …

• Record growth in Morocco with an additional nine hotels, comprising of two hotels in Casablanca, including the debut of the Radisson brand with the Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle and the recent partnership established with Madaëf which translates to seven additional hotels across key leisure destinations in the country.
• The launch of the company’s first project, the Earl Heights Suite Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals in Accra, GhanaMarket entry in Victory Falls with the introduction of Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-Oa-Tunya Livingstone as well as another new entry with Radisson Hotel Djibouti.
• The most recent announcement, the Radisson Hotel Middleburg, which further complements the Group’s presence across South Africa.
• “For the remainder of the year, we will continue to build on the success and momentum we’ve had thus far, with a continued focus on our identified key markets, specifically Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa,” says Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group.

“Africa is mainly led by business hotels, but with the recent signings, we have expanded our leisure offerings and serviced apartments which has not only proven resilient during COVID-19 but is also fueling a faster recovery. Our ambitions are driven by creating critical mass in each of our identified focus markets but also ensuring market proximity. These regions are sub divided based on priorities, focus and potential scale,” he added.