Global hotel chains ink deals to open operations in Kenya
What you need to know:
The deal will see Emaar operate the property, developed by The African Dream Collection Ltd., under its premium brand The Address Hotels & Resorts.
The resort will be called Enkereri Mara by The Address Maasai Mara and joins global chains like Radisson Blu, Park Inn, Kempinski and Lonrho hotels that have already operate from the reserve and more set to start operations in coming months.
The new hotels are looking to cash in on the growth in tourism egged on by the rise in conference, business and leisure visits that has led to high demand for bed capacity in the city
Enkereri Mara by The Address Maasai Mara will be in one of the conservancies surrounding the national reserve and close to the Olurruk Mara Airstrip, with each tent providing a view of the Mara Plains.
Dubai based Emaar Hospitality is the latest global hotel chain to set shop in Kenya after it inked a management contract to operate a resort in Maasai Mara.
The deal, which was signed at Africa Hotel Investment Forum happening in Nairobi, will see Emaar operate the property, developed by The African Dream Collection Ltd., under its premium brand The Address Hotels & Resorts.
The resort will be called Enkereri Mara by The Address Maasai Mara and joins global chains like Radisson Blu, Park Inn, Kempinski and Lonrho hotels that have already operate from the reserve and more set to start operations in coming months.
These global brands are keen on partnerships with developers to manage their properties under their titles and executives in return for a fee.
“Kenya is a favourable place to invest. Emaar Hospitality Group has responded favourably to our country’s call for more investment in tourism and the Maasai Mara venture is a timely boost to the sector,” said Tourism minister Danson Mwazo at the opening of the conference on Tuesday. “We are looking to make Kenya a favourable place to invest; we are welcoming more investors into the country as we grow to be a regional hub.”
The new hotels are looking to cash in on the growth in tourism egged on by the rise in conference, business and leisure visits that has led to high demand for bed capacity in the city
Emaar chairman Mohamed Alabbar said the new property fits into the company’s strategy to “explore growth opportunities in key emerging markets”.
Five-star boost
Enkereri Mara by The Address Maasai Mara will be in one of the conservancies surrounding the national reserve and close to the Olurruk Mara Airstrip, with each tent providing a view of the Mara Plains.
The Belgium-based Rezidor Hotel Group is expected to open the five-star Radisson Blu in Upper Hill, Nairobi, in early 2014, according to its website.
The Park Inn by Raddison is scheduled to open its doors towards the end of next year, while Rezidor also signed an agreement with AMS Hotels to build a 126-bed boutique hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, last year.
International luxury hotel chain Kempinski, which specialises in conference, catering and hotel supplies, opened its doors in June and is managing the property on behalf of Simba Corporation.
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