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Hilton’s Africa Boom: 100+ New Hotels Hilton’s Africa Boom: 100+ New Hotels

Hilton is set to transform Africa’s hospitality landscape with plans to almost triple its presence, opening over 100 new hotels across the continent. This ambitious expansion will create approximately 18,000 jobs, presenting significant opportunities for African travel professionals. Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Chief Development Officer for the Middle East & Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Africa’s burgeoning hospitality sector and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

This expansion builds on Hilton’s 65-year legacy in Africa and reflects the continent’s immense potential, from thriving business hubs to diverse cultures and stunning natural landscapes. Travel agents can leverage this growth by partnering with Hilton to offer clients a wider range of accommodation options and curated travel experiences.

Angola welcomes Hilton for the first time with three new properties. Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho, a beachfront property with 220 rooms and extensive event space, caters to both leisure and business travelers. Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport offers 200 rooms and convenient access to the airport and business districts. DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences provides 290 contemporary apartments and 10 oceanfront villas, ideal for extended stays. Travel professionals can tap into Angola’s growing tourism market by promoting these new Hilton properties.

Hilton Cotonou marks the brand’s entry into Benin. Located near the Congress Palace and government offices, this 233-room hotel will boost Benin’s capacity to host international events. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs and position Benin as a hub for business and high-end tourism. Travel agents can capitalize on this development by offering specialized packages for conferences and events.

Hilton returns to Madagascar with two properties in Antananarivo. Hilton Antananarivo offers 170 guest rooms and extensive meeting facilities in the city center. Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo, part of a mixed-use development, caters to both business and leisure travelers. Travel professionals can promote these hotels to clients seeking diverse experiences in Madagascar’s capital.

Nigeria sees further expansion with three new Hilton properties. The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers a unique boutique experience in one of Abuja’s most popular districts. Hilton Lagos Ikeja, located near the airport and business centers, provides 200 modern rooms and extensive meeting facilities. Hilton Garden Inn Kano marks the city’s first internationally branded hotel, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Travel agents can leverage these new properties to cater to the growing demand for high-quality accommodation in Nigeria.

Hilton Accra Cantonments marks the brand’s debut in Ghana, offering 145 guest rooms and extensive event space in an upscale suburb. Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport provides convenient access to Kotoka International Airport and is part of a mixed-use development with retail and office spaces. Travel professionals can promote these new hotels to clients seeking convenient and comfortable stays in Accra.

Ethiopia welcomes two new DoubleTree by Hilton properties in Adama and Dire Dawa, the first internationally branded hotels in these cities. Hilton also re-enters Tanzania with Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj, a lifestyle hotel offering unique local experiences. Travel agents can leverage these new properties to offer diverse travel options in East Africa.

North Africa remains a key focus for Hilton, with plans to triple its portfolio in Egypt and significantly expand in Morocco. A new DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf property will cater to both business and leisure travelers in Morocco’s historic city of Fes. Travel professionals can capitalize on these developments to offer clients a wider range of accommodation options in North Africa.

Hilton’s expansion coincides with a period of rapid growth in Africa’s hospitality sector. The company’s commitment to job creation, skills development, and sustainable practices aligns with the continent’s broader development goals. Travel agents can partner with Hilton to offer clients not only exceptional stays but also contribute to the growth and development of Africa’s tourism industry.

Hilton’s projected growth over the next five years is remarkable. The company expects to increase its number of hotels from 63 to 160, representing a compound annual growth rate of 20.49%. This expansion will also significantly increase Hilton’s market penetration within the branded hotel sector, rising from 14.58% to 30.25%. Travel professionals should take note of these impressive growth figures and consider the opportunities they present for expanding their business in partnership with Hilton.

Job creation is a key aspect of Hilton’s expansion strategy. The company is currently hiring for 600 new positions and expects to create an additional 18,000 jobs as it expands its portfolio. This represents a projected compound annual growth rate of 97.44% in job creation over the next five years. Travel agents can benefit from this growth by accessing a larger pool of skilled hospitality professionals and potentially partnering with Hilton on training and development initiatives.

Hilton’s commitment to Africa extends beyond simply building hotels. The company is actively involved in skills development programs, such as the Future Leaders Challenge, and supports various initiatives to empower young people and women in the hospitality sector. Travel professionals can align themselves with Hilton’s values by promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local communities.

Hilton’s expansion across Africa presents a wealth of opportunities for travel professionals. By staying informed about new hotel openings, leveraging Hilton’s extensive network, and partnering with the company on training and development initiatives, travel agents can enhance their offerings, cater to a wider range of client needs, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Africa’s tourism industry.