Choice Hotels has just added Africa to its list of destinations. Previously absent from the market, this world-leading hotel franchisor has laid the foundations for future expansion with its forthcoming debut in Kenya. In partnership with entrepreneur Aniket Shroff, two Clarion hotels will open in Nairobi, in addition to a safari lodge in the Masai Mara Park affiliated to the Ascend Collection.
In this context, La Maison Royale Westlands, a 53-room hotel located in one of the Kenyan capital's main shopping centres, will become Clarion Hotel Westlands. La Maison Royale South C, a contemporary 59-room hotel located close to the city's second airport, Wilson Airport, will also be part of the upscale brand, offering business travellers a resort atmosphere with its rooftop pool, restaurant and bar, as well as panoramic views.
With strong growth in the region and an increase of 17 % in the number of hotels by 2025, Choice Hotels is adding a final A to EMEA. And the American franchisor does not intend to stop after these first steps, as its ambition is to develop 100 hotels in the Sub-Saharan and South African regions by 2035. " Our arrival in Kenya represents more than just an entry into the market; it lays the foundations for long-term sustainable growth across Africa. "commented David Beers, CEO of Choice Hotels EMEA.
The franchisor is therefore targeting the continent's capital cities, as well as African leisure destinations, as the basis for its expansion, by deploying its range of brands there. In addition to Kenya, where Choice intends to continue its expansion, future establishments are already planned under the Comfort, Quality, Clarion and Ascend brands in Rwanda, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania.
