Why Hyatt has set sights on 50% rooms growth in Africa

• This expansion drive comes on the heels of Hyatt’s impressive 51 per cent rooms growth across Africa in the past two years alone.
• “Last year marked a breakthrough for Hyatt in Africa, and we’re just getting started,” states Stephen Ansell, Managing Director, Hyatt, Middle East and Africa.
• An outstanding feature of the hotel’s African strategy is the dual-brand model—a cost-effective and flexible solution for rapidly urbanizing cities.

As global hospitality brands sharpen their focus on untapped and emerging markets, one name is charting an ambitious course across Africa: Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The US-based multinational is betting big on the continent’s rising middle class, robust travel demand, and burgeoning business corridors—with plans to grow its footprint by a staggering 50 per cent by the end of 2030.

This expansion drive comes on the heels of the business’ impressive 51 per cent rooms growth across Africa in the past two years alone, signaling not only a strong commitment to the region but a calculated strategy anchored in data, timing, and opportunity.

Momentum in milestone markets

From the cobbled alleys of Zanzibar’s Stone Town to the dynamic business hub of Nairobi’s Westlands, the hotel brand has in recent years launched several milestone properties. These include Park Hyatt Marrakech, which marked the brand’s debut in Morocco; Hyatt Centric Cairo West, its first on the continent; and Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles, its inaugural venture in Zimbabwe.

In March 2025, the company achieved another regional first with the opening of Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands and Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands, a dual-branded development offering two distinct hospitality experiences under one roof. This model, increasingly popular in urban centres, allows Hyatt to target both long-stay business travelers and short-term tourists in one location—just minutes away from Nairobi’s thriving cultural and commercial hubs such as Karura Forest, the Nairobi National Park, and the Westgate Mall.

“Last year marked a breakthrough for Hyatt in Africa, and we’re just getting started,” noted Stephen Ansell, Managing Director, Hyatt, Middle East and Africa in a statement. “Our growth across key leisure and business hubs reflects a strategic focus on having hotels where our guests and World of Hyatt members want to travel most.”

Africa’s hospitality boom

This organization’s bullish outlook aligns with broader trends reshaping Africa’s hospitality landscape. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Africa’s travel and tourism sector is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 6.8 per cent over the next decade—more than double the global average.

The sector is projected to contribute over $168 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2033, driven by improved air connectivity, rising incomes, and significant infrastructure investments.

Regional economic centres such as Kenya, Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa are emerging as tourism powerhouses, welcoming a rising influx of both international and regional visitors. Meanwhile, Nigeria and Ghana are witnessing a sharp uptick in business travel and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) activity.

The hotel is positioning itself to capitalize on these dynamics by expanding into high-demand destinations and gateway cities. Among its upcoming projects are Hyatt Regency Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria and Park Hyatt Johannesburg, set to open later this year following the renovation of the iconic Winston Hotel.

“Investing with intent“

“We are proud to collaborate with our trusted owners to thoughtfully introduce Hyatt’s diverse brands to both new and established markets,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President Development, Hyatt, EAME. “This is an exciting chapter in the growth of Hyatt’s portfolio across Africa, as we add hotels with intent in high-demand destinations.”

This “intent” translates into more than just numbers. It means tailoring hotel offerings to fit local cultures and traveller needs—whether it’s art-focused luxury at Cairo West or historic elegance at Meikles in Harare. It also reflects a deepening of partnerships with local investors, developers, and governments, creating hospitality ecosystems that uplift surrounding communities.

Dual-brand strategy and urban appeal

A hallmark of the hotel chain’s African strategy is the dual-brand model—a cost-effective and flexible solution for rapidly urbanizing cities. By offering both limited-service and extended-stay options under one roof, the business says it maximizes land use and staffing efficiency while catering to a wide spectrum of guests.

Nairobi’s dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House development is a clear testament to this approach, setting a blueprint for other key cities such as Lagos, Johannesburg, and Dakar, where business and leisure blur seamlessly.

The Nairobi launch also comes as Kenya’s tourism sector rebounds strongly post-pandemic. According to the Kenya Tourism Board, in 2024, Kenya saw a record 2.4 million international tourist arrivals, reflecting a 15 per cent increase from 2023. This growth resulted in a record KES452.2 billion in tourism earnings, a 19.79 per cent increase from the previous year, driven by global events, safari tourism, and Nairobi’s reputation as a regional tech and business hub.

Hotel chain’s road to 2030

The American multinational currently operates in markets including South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Algeria, and Kenya. With Africa accounting for just a fraction of global room supply but offering some of the highest untapped tourism potential, the race for first-mover advantage is intensifying.

As the multinational deepens its roots across the continent, its 2030 vision is not just about more rooms—it’s about creating long-term value. That includes sustainable architecture, community-driven employment models, and curated experiences that appeal to both international explorers and domestic travelers looking for elevated, authentic stays.

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