North African hotel group Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts has been provided with a USD250 million support package, to back its growth and further development plans in Morocco.

The funding has come from the International Finance Corporation, and Attijariwafa Bank. It will enable the company, headed by Egyptian businessman Kamel Abou Aly, to acquire two hotels in Casablanca, and invest in upgrading hotels in Marrakech and Agadir. Currently, the business operates nine hotels across Morocco, with a portfolio of more than 2,700 rooms. In addition, the group’s existing financial debts will be refinanced.

Expansion Into a New Country

For the Pickalbatros business, the Moroccan market is a secondary front on which it is expanding. The group is already active in Egypt, where it has numerous hotels in five key regions, with plans for many more.

New hotels coming into the Pickalbatros business are both Accor branded, being the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche and Mövenpick Hotel Casablanca. Upgrades to properties in Marrakech and Agadir will include environmental improvements, and are backed by sustainability-linked finance.

The Sofitel was sold by owner operator Risma to Pickalbatros for a reported MAD450 million. The Movenpick hotel was sold by Sanlam Morocco.

Pickalbatros recently opened the Palais des Roses Resort in Agadir. An all-inclusive property, it is designed to suit families, with a water park to keep the kids amused, and cocktails by the pool for the adults. In Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt, the group is expanding by adding the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh to its portfolio, taking its local portfolio to more than 5,000 rooms.

Morocco is one of the most exciting markets in Africa, after the trailblazing lead shown by Egypt. In the country’s capital, Rabat, the pipeline includes several internationally branded hotels already under construction. Hilton will see no less than three hotels open during the next year, starting with the Hilton Rabat, and followed by a 94 room Curio Collection property. Largest of the trio will be the 228 room DoubleTree by Hilton Marina Agadir, a development overlooking the ocean that will include hotel rooms and serviced apartment accommodation.

Also coming to the city are luxury brands InterContinental and Anantara. Anantara Retreat Rabat, a brand which is part of the Minor International portfolio, will open within the city’s diplomatic quarter, and has a target opening date in 2030.

Brands Flock to Casablanca

Casablanca is another city destined to see many more international hotel brands, in the near future. French group Accor will soon launch Mama Shelter Casablanca, a 141 room new build, while Marriott is bringing its AC Hotels brand to the city, along with a new Residence Inn long stay property. Later in 2027, it will also launch Moxy Casablanca, bringing its younger, playful brand to the city.

Radisson Hotel Group also has plans, with Radisson RED Casablanca Finance City under construction, as well as an adjacent Radisson Blu hotel and apartments project. Both these are expected to open in 2028.