At a Glance
- Accor tops Africa’s hotel market with over 190 properties and 110 more planned.
- Marriott expands in 20 countries, leveraging Protea brand and loyalty programs for growth.
- Both groups drive jobs, training, and sustainable tourism across Africa’s leading destinations.
Accor, the largest hospitality company in Europe and Marriott International have emerged as the two powerhouses defining Africa’s evolving hospitality scene.
Together, they manage the continent’s largest hotel portfolios, a sign of rising investor confidence, stronger local partnerships, and steady growth in travel and tourism.
From the busy streets of Nairobi and Lagos to the calm beaches of Zanzibar and Mauritius, both groups have found solid ground for expansion.
Their story isn’t just about building hotels. It’s about blending world-class standards with local character and warmth, a mix that continues to draw travelers and investors alike.
Expanding footprints
Accor, the French hotel group, remains Africa’s biggest operator and the sixth largest hospitality company worldwide, with more than 190 hotels in 30 countries and another 110 in the pipeline.
Its lineup stretches across every segment, from Fairmont, Sofitel, and Raffles to Mövenpick, Pullman, Novotel, ibis, and Mercure.
Marriott International follows closely with over 140 hotels across 20 markets and about 70 under development.
Its brands range from Protea Hotels by Marriott, a name deeply rooted in the region, to The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, and Marriott Hotels, which cater to luxury and business travelers.
Renewing their commitment
Both groups have deep histories in Africa, but their recent moves reflect a stronger, more sustainable focus on local growth.
Accor has placed more emphasis on midscale and lifestyle brands, reflecting Africa’s growing middle class and the rise in domestic tourism.
The group is also expanding local ownership and talent development through training and mentorship programs.
Marriott continues to build on the strength of its global loyalty program and regional partnerships.
Its 2014 acquisition of Protea Hotels gave it a solid base for further growth, especially through conversions and deals with African investors.
Beyond the hotels
Accor’s reach stretches from Morocco and Egypt to South Africa and Mauritius. Properties such as Fairmont The Norfolk in Nairobi, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan, and Pullman Dakar Teranga highlight the brand’s enduring presence.
Marriott’s footprint is just as strong, with standouts like The Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, and The Westin Cape Town — each offering a unique experience, from city life to safari escapes.
For both, expansion goes hand in hand with community development. Accor’s Académie Accor trains thousands of Africans each year for careers in hospitality, while Marriott’s Serve360 program supports social and environmental projects in every country where it operates.
Together, they help create jobs, strengthen tourism infrastructure, and deepen investor trust in African destinations.
A shared vision
Accor and Marriott aren’t competing for dominance; they’re shaping a shared future, one where African hospitality stands proudly on the global stage.
As business travel grows, air routes expand, and curiosity about the continent rises, both brands are helping to define the next chapter of African tourism: professional, welcoming, and deeply rooted in local pride.
