By Adedapo Adesanya
In the first quarter of 2022, Radisson Hotel Group increased its portfolio with five new hotels in line with its ambitious African growth and development plan.
In 2022, the Cape Town-based group aims to add more than a dozen hotels, reaching just over 100 hotels in operation and under development on the continent.
Last year, Radisson Hotel Group set a record with 14 hotel signings in countries such as Morocco, Djibouti, Ghana, and Zambia, adding over 2,500 rooms to its African portfolio.
The Group’s momentous growth is aligned with its 2025 objective to reach over 150 properties across Africa, up from almost 100 hotels today.
The five new hotel signings in Q1 2022 span the continent from Ethiopia and Senegal to Tunisia and Ghana and stretch across the Group’s brand portfolio from the fast-growing upscale Radisson brand to the Group’s newest conversion brand, Radisson Individuals.
Currently, under construction, the Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa Bole Airport is on track to open its doors before September 2023 and will be the first Radisson branded hotel in East Africa.
The facility is adjacent to the country’s new national stadium which is still under construction and close to the third largest airport hub in Africa, Bole International Airport.
In Senegal, the group will have the first Radisson resort in Africa and the second Radisson branded property when it opens its doors in 2024. Saly is the second most popular tourist destination in the country after Dakar, the country’s capital.
Opening in Q2 2022, Radisson Hotel Sfax, Tunisia will be the first and only internationally branded upscale hotel in the city.
The existing, independent hotel – La Maison Blanche Tunis will also undergo a full renovation prior to reopening its doors in January 2023. It joins the Group’s existing two hotels in operation and three under development in Tunisia, with a total of almost 1,000 rooms.
The group’s third property in Accra and the first of two Radisson Individuals hotels to open in Ghana is set for a launch this quarter and will consist of various rooms and suites, including a three-bedroom penthouse and a premium presidential suite, as well as serviced apartments offering a separate living room, balcony, and fully furnished kitchen.
Speaking on this, Mr Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer said, “Africa remains a key focus for us. We remain committed to unlocking its potential and to supporting its people with the many job creations that we contribute across the continent.
“Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we maintained strong growth momentum with numerous key milestones as we continue cementing our position as one of the leading operators on the continent with the most diverse portfolio across over 30 African countries.
“In 2022, we aim to add a dozen hotels to our portfolio across the continent resulting in surpassing the 100 hotels in operation and under development mark and eventually aim to achieve 150 hotels by 2025.”
On his part, Mr Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group added, “Our ambition is to continue growing in markets in which we operate already and enter new markets with our core brands. Building on our strong portfolio of city hotels, we are focusing on resort destinations as well as expanding our footprint in new strategic markets.
“In addition to opening our first three hotels in Madagascar earlier this year, we will be opening hotels in South Sudan, Djibouti, Victoria Falls, and Ghana. Conversions will remain a priority and we will continue innovating our business approach with relevant and tailored solutions to adapt to changing market conditions.”
