Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to expansion is reflected in the confidence it has in Africa’s tourism potential.
The group has plans to open 150 more hotels on the continent within the next five years.
Radisson reported a strong performance in the first half of 2024, opening more than 130 hotels across the Asia Pacific region and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This included expanding Radisson RED — its cool and trendy brand aimed at millennials — into new markets.
Ramsay Rankoussi, vice-president of development for Africa and Turkey at Radisson, said these new signings were a testament to the group’s ambitious strategy.
"These new signings underscore our commitment to both conversion opportunities and portfolio diversification, introducing new brands and solidifying our presence in those rebounding markets."
The hotel group said it was planning to expand its footprint on the continent after the recovery of the tourism sector. According to the UN’s World Tourism Organisation, international arrivals across Africa recovered to 96% of pre-pandemic figures in 2023.
"This resurgence is particularly evident in markets like Ethiopia, Tanzania and Morocco, where domestic and regional travel has surged, contributing to an 8.7% increase in traveller spending year on year," said Rankoussi.
In this period, the group opened seven new hotels in Africa, including its debut in Tanzania, where two hotels, in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, are under construction and are expected to open in 2025.
Radisson’s African portfolio sits at close to 100 hotels either in operation or under development in more than 30 countries.
In South Africa, it has 13 hotels, in Cape Town, Gqeberha, Durban, Polokwane, Hoedspruit in Limpopo and Johannesburg. There are two Radisson RED hotels, in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Rankoussi said they were focusing on increasing their presence in high-demand areas, particularly in coastal and safari regions across southern and eastern Africa.
"In Cape Town, for example, Radisson is enhancing its portfolio with brands such as Radisson Blu and Radisson Collection, taking advantage of the luxury segment’s strong performance despite challenging market conditions."
However, he said this was only a response to strong market demand in those areas, with the group actively exploring opportunities in secondary cities such as Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Durban and East London.
The group said its commitment to expanding in high-demand areas reflected the confidence it has in Africa’s tourism potential and its dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for travellers.
"Following a strong first half of the year, we are committed to maintaining this momentum in the second half," said Rankoussi.
When it comes to other parts of the continent, Rankoussi said, there was a growing trend towards nature-based and less-crowded destinations, prompting increased investment in areas such as Zanzibar and renowned wildlife locations.
"By strategically investing in these key markets and partnering local stakeholders, Radisson is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of African tourism, unlocking new opportunities for both visitors and local communities," he said.
In China, the group added more than 5,000 rooms to its portfolio through new openings and signings in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. It said the expansion contributed to a portfolio of more than 400 hotels across various stages of development and operation in the Asia Pacific region.
The hotelier also pointed to India, which remains its strategic focus area after the opening of almost 25 hotels in 2024, including the country’s first Cricket Stadium Hotel.
"The recent grand opening of Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, also underscores the group’s strategic advancement in the Indian market," it said.
Commenting on its half-year performance, Elie Younes, executive vice-president, said the group "reported strong growth across its international portfolio, while consistently creating relevance for guests and value for owners".
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