Africa is consolidating as a key destination for the expansion of large international hotel chains, despite the structural and financial challenges that persist on the continent. Growing tourism demand, both local and international, has sparked unprecedented interest from groups such as Marriott, Hilton, Accor and Radisson.
North Africa accounts for 34% of new hotel projects, followed by South Africa (22%), East Africa (21%), West Africa (19%) and Central Africa (4%). Countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa are leading the sector's growth.
Africa's potential lies in its economic development, urbanisation and commitment to improving transport infrastructures. In this sense, mixed air routes - combining cargo and passengers - are emerging as key to the viability of tourism, as Iberia demonstrated in its day with Johannesburg.
However, the continent still faces obstacles such as lack of funding, poor infrastructure, complex bureaucratic processes and a shortage of skilled hospitality staff. Even so, the rise of domestic tourism, digitalisation, ecotourism and new financing formulas - such as public-private partnerships - open an unprecedented window of opportunity.
Long-haul airlines also have a strategic opportunity. Countries that guarantee stability and security for tourism will be better positioned on this new map of global hotel development. Africa, yet to be discovered, may become the next big thing in global tourism.
Source: tourinews.es 06/04/2025