Africa’s Hotel Pipeline Hits Record as Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson Expand
While the development pipeline is impressive in key markets, successful delivery of hotel projects will depend on overcoming nagging financing challenges and uneven infrastructure.
Africa's hotel development has reached unprecedented levels as hotel groups such as Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson race to plant their brand flags in the continent's fastest-growing markets, especially Egypt and Morocco.
In the works are 577 hotel projects, totaling about 105,000 rooms. That marks a 13.3% increase from last year, according to a report from W Hospitality Group, a Nigeria-based advisory firm. That's a record pipeline, the consultancy said.
"Africa has a lot of untapped resources, beauty, wildlife, and the potential is incredible," Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development for Hilton in the Middle East and Africa, told Skift.
Egypt as the Largest MarketNorth Africa had a 23% year-on-year jump in projects.
Egypt remains the continent's largest market with 143 hotels in development, following a record 15.7 million tourists in 2024 that surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Egypt's tourism minister recently described the country as "extremely challenged" by hotel room shortages.
Hilton, Marriott International, and Radisson are all leaning into a dual approach in Egypt, balancing resort development along the Red Sea with a re
skift.
