As Hilton continues to look to expand its global hotel portfolio, it is keeping a close on opportunities across the vast continent of Africa.
From north to south, the many countries of the continent offer a variety of options for travellers and those seeking to grow their businesses, from the dynamic economies of the north and south, to countries where international investment continues to be challenging. Hotel owners and investors need to navigate their way, finding reliable local development partners.
In an interview with an African business publication, Andreas Lackner, vice president, operations, Africa and Indian Ocean promised that Hilton will be “introducing new brands, partnerships, and services for our guests and the local communities where we operate.” Currently, the group’s combined trading hotels and pipeline properties in Africa add up to more than 120 sites, representing 10 of the Hilton brands.
Adding new destinations
Hilton launched its first hotel in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, while the Waldorf Astoria brand landed in the Seychelles in early 2024, with 50 seafront villas each with its own private pool and personal concierge. It was followed shortly after by the opening of the first Canopy by Hilton resort in the world, also with a beachfront Seychelles location.
In March, the group opened its first Curio Collection hotel in east Africa. Kwetu Nairobi has 102 rooms housed in five distinct but interconnected blocks, all overlooking a peaceful landscape on the edge of Karura Forest.
While an established global brand, Hampton by Hilton enters Africa for the first time during 2024. Hampton by Hilton Grayston Sandton will open towards the end of the year in a district of Johannesburg, with 158 rooms and an outdoor pool. Also arriving this year will be the DoubleTree brand, with its launch in Ethiopia as its name goes over the door of a new hotel at Addis Ababa airport.
In the north of the continent, Morocco is one country where Hilton already has considerable traction. It already has seven hotels open, with a further ten signed. Properties already well received in this market include a luxury Waldorf Astoria and Canopy by Hilton in Tangiers. A further Canopy is in development in Casablanca, with the 158 room property due to open in late 2024. And during 2025, a DoubleTree hotel and residences will launch in Agadir, overlooking the marina.
Growing established brands
One of the fastest growing of Hilton’s brands on the continent is Hilton Garden Inn. A 130 room hotel at Cairo Business Park in Egypt is nearing completion, while in Nigeria the 150 room Hilton Garden Inn Enugu is expected to open in 2026.
Hilton has also added to its presence across the continent via its recent alliance with the the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection of independent hotels. Thanks to that connection, Hilton is now offering the global collection to its guests and loyalty members for bookings. And across Africa there are plenty of choices with hotels in locations across South Africa, Morocco, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania.
