Hyatt Hotels Corp. is widening its footprint in Africa, adding five properties in key cities as global hotel groups look to capture rising interest in the continent’s business and leisure travel markets.
The expansion strengthens Hyatt’s presence in North and East Africa, placing new hotels in destinations that combine history, commerce and tourism, including Marrakech, Nairobi and Cairo.
The company said the properties are designed to meet demand from international travelers seeking reliable, high-end accommodation while staying close to major cultural sites, transport links and business districts.
Hyatt’s strategy reflects a broader push by global brands to anchor growth in urban centers that serve as gateways to wider regional travel.
Leadership and local focus
Oversight of the new hotels sits with Manish Rodrigues, a veteran hospitality executive leading commercial strategy for Hyatt in Africa. The company says the aim is consistency across markets while allowing each property to reflect its surroundings through food, design and guest experiences.
Hyatt’s approach leans on partnerships with local operators and suppliers, a model common among international chains operating across Africa. The company says this allows it to adapt to local tastes while maintaining global service standards.
Morocco and Kenya anchor leisure and business travel
In Marrakech, Hyatt adds to a competitive luxury hotel market in a city known for tourism, conferences and cultural travel.
The hotels offer access to the old city, markets and historic sites, while serving as a base for trips to the Atlas Mountains and surrounding regions.
Nairobi plays a different role. As East Africa’s main business hub, the city draws corporate travelers alongside tourists heading to national parks and wildlife reserves.
Hyatt’s Nairobi properties are positioned to serve both groups, offering city-based comfort with easy links to safari routes and cultural attractions.
Cairo blends history and modern travel
Hyatt’s Cairo expansion places guests near major landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum.
The company says demand remains strong for hotels that allow visitors to explore historic sites during the day while returning to modern accommodation in the evening.
A broader bet on African tourism
Founded in 1957 by Jay Pritzker, Hyatt now operates more than 1,450 hotels and resorts in over 80 countries. The company manages, franchises and owns properties across more than 30 brands.
Hyatt’s Africa expansion underscores growing confidence in the continent’s travel market, driven by improved air links, urban growth and rising interest in cultural tourism.
By focusing on major cities, the company is offering travelers a familiar entry point into destinations that continue to draw global attention.
For Hyatt, the strategy is clear: meet travelers where business, history and culture intersect, and build from there.
