Carlson Rezidor Group to double its position in Africa

With 30 hotels and 6,300 rooms under development Carlson Rezidor plays an important role in Africa’s hotel industry

Carlson Rezidor, one of the largest and most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, holds an extensive hotel portfolio in Africa of 24 hotels and 5,800 rooms in operation and 30 hotels and 6,300 rooms under development.

"Africa is an important growth region for Carlson Rezidor. We believe in the great potential of this continent and are committed to becoming a key player in the travel and tourism sector," said Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO of Rezidor.

"Our development strategy is built on asset-light, profitable and sustainable growth with a strong focus on emerging markets. Africa offers excellent opportunities due to its huge natural resources and workforces, improved infrastructure, and a growing middle class. However, the continent still suffers from an imbalance between supply and demand for internationally branded hotels with world-class standards and services, and we want to change that. It is not merely about growing the number of hotels - we aim to be a leading employer in the region. By creating new jobs for local talent and by contributing to the communities where we operate, we can make a huge difference," added Neumann.

Carlson Rezidor is focused on growing its footprints in sub-Saharan Africa with Radisson Blu in capital cities, financial and economic hubs. Park Inn by Radisson will grow in clusters in three of the 16 economic communities in Africa as well as on the Nigerian and South African market. Future Radisson Blu openings will be in Nairobi (Kenya) and Kigali (Rwanda), while Park Inn by Radisson hotels are to open in Cape Town (South Africa) and Kigali (Rwanda). 

Carlson Rezidor is also committed to continue growth in Nigeria. The group already operates 1 hotel with 170 rooms there and has 4 hotels with 700 rooms under development. "Nigeria is one of Africa's powerhouses. It is one of the world's fastest growing economies, and international tourist arrivals are expected to increase by more than 65% in the next decade - we want to be at the forefront to optimize this growth," said Elie Younes, Senior Vice President & Head of Group Development of Rezidor.