The hotel boom in Diamniadio, Senegal, is set to continue. With the opening of the new Blaise Diagne international airport and the TER (regional express train) link between the new town and Dakar and the Senegalese hub, Diamniadio is boosting its capacity to welcome travellers and is establishing itself as the new hub of the Senegalese economy.
It is in this context that Marriott celebrated the opening of two hotels. The first, at the end of last year, was a Courtyard by Marriott with 134 rooms and suites and a 500 m² MICE area, located near the Diamniadio industrial park and the Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre. This first establishment, which marked the American group's entry into Senegal, was completed at the end of March 2025 by a 173-room Four Points by Sheraton, the only hotel integrated into the new Sports City complex.
Middle Eastern hotel operator Rotana is also set to play its part in the development of this fast-changing metropolis with an Arjaan residence 150 studios and flats, due to open in 2026 as part of the new Les Zeniths mixed-use urban development.
Another hotel has recently been announced for this urban development project, which is part of the Senegalese capital's master plan for sustainable development. The Holiday Inn SD City Dakar is scheduled to open in 2027 and will offer 150 rooms. Located close to the Abdou Diouf conference centre, the United Nations House and the Diamniadio industrial park, this first Holiday Inn hotel in Senegal will also feature the company's new-generation open lobby concept, designed for both work and relaxation.
The opening also marks the IHG Group's expansion ambitions in West Africa, and is the result of a franchise agreement with Senegindia SA, one of the country's leading property developers. " We are proud to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the Holiday Inn brand to Dakarsaid a spokesperson for Serengidia SA. This development represents a significant milestone not only for our organisation, but also for Senegal's growing hotel industry.. "
At the same time, management of the hotel will be entrusted to Valor Hospitality Partners, a well-known hotel partner of IHG, notably behind the opening of the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, one of the first zero-carbon certified hotels. This relationship will also lead to another new hotel for the British group, with a Crowne Plaza expected in Lagos, Nigeria. " These new agreements represent a significant entry into a key new market - Senegal and Nigeria in West Africa.commented Michael Pownall, co-founder of Valor Hospitality Partners. This expansion diversifies our regional presence and strengthens our market position."
