By Adeniyi Onifade
Radisson Hotel Group has continued its ambitious African growth and development plan with five new hotel signings secured across the continent this year, adding almost 600 rooms to its African portfolio.
In 2022, the Group aims to add more than a dozen hotels, reaching just over 100 hotels in operation and under development on the continent. It also set a record with 14 hotel signings in countries such as Morocco, Djibouti, Ghana, and Zambia, adding over 2,500 rooms to its African portfolio. Its momentous growth is aligned with its 2025 objective to reach over 150 properties across Africa, up from almost 100 hotels today.
The five new hotel signings in Q1 2022 span the continent from Ethiopia and Senegal to Tunisia and Ghana, and stretch across the Group’s brand portfolio from the fast-growing upscale Radisson brand to the Group’s newest conversion brand, Radisson Individuals.
Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa Bole Airport
Currently under construction, the Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa Bole Airport is on track to open its doors in summer 2023 and will be the first Radisson branded hotel in East Africa. Located 1.8 kilometers from the third largest airport hub in Africa, Bole International Airport, home to Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, and the newly upgraded terminal, the hotel is also adjacent to the country’s new national stadium which is still under construction.
Radisson Resort Dakar Saly in Senegal
The property located in Saly, a popular seaside resort in Senegal and the Sub-Saharan region, will be the first Radisson resort in Africa and the second Radisson branded property in Senegal when it opens its doors in 2024. Saly is the second most popular tourist destination in the country after Dakar, and includes a wide range of leisure facilities. The resort offers easy access to the Blaise Diagne International Airport of Dakar, the city center of the capital, and the community of Diamniadio via a brand-new highway.
Radisson Hotel Sfax, Tunisia
In Tunisia, the hotel comprising of standard rooms and suites from Junior to Presidential, will be the first and only internationally branded upscale hotel in the city, catering to the government, corporate, and MICE demand in the local and wider areas. Opening in Q2 2022, Radisson Hotel Sfax, Tunisia will be located in the city center, adjacent to the Port of Sfax, the most important trade port of the country, and a 20-minute drive from Sfax-Thyna International Airport, which serves the entire region.
La Maison Blanche Tunis, a member of Radisson Individuals
This existing, independent hotel in Tunis, will undergo a full renovation prior to re-opening its doors in January 2023. La Maison Blanche Tunis joins the Group’s existing two hotels in operation and three under development in Tunisia, with a total of almost 1,000 rooms.
As the economic and commercial capital of Tunisia, Tunis is home to numerous international companies and institutions, and benefits from a rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes.
The hotel is 5 kilometers from Tunis-Carthage International Airport, and 800 meters from Tunis Train Station.
Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Suites, a member of Radisson Individuals in Accra, Ghana
The property, scheduled to open in Q2, will consist of various rooms and suites, including a three-bedroom penthouse and a premium presidential suite, as well as serviced apartments offering a separate living room, balcony, and fully furnished kitchen.
This will be the Group’s third property in Accra and the first of two Radisson Individuals hotels to open in Ghana, paving the way for future brand expansion in the country. Located in the Osu neighborhood, the hotel will be conveniently close to Accra’s financial business district and government ministries.
“Africa remains a key focus for us. We remain committed to unlocking its potential and to supporting its people with the many job creations that we contribute across the continent. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we maintained strong growth momentum with numerous key milestones as we continue cementing our position as one of the leading operators on the continent with the most diverse portfolio across over 30 African countries,” said Elie Younes, the Group’s Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer.
“In 2022, we aim to add a dozen hotels to our portfolio across the continent resulting in surpassing the 100 hotels in operation and under development mark and eventually aim to achieve 150 hotels by 2025.”
Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world’s largest hotel groups with nine distinctive hotel brands, and more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in 120 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.
Its portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.
According to the Group, “Radisson Rewards is our international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for our guests, meeting planners, and travel agents at over 640 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.”
On its part, Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.
Then, Radisson Individuals is a brand that allows hotel properties to maintain and promote their unique characteristics and personalities by focusing on one-of-a kind locations and experiences, whilst meeting the high standards of quality and service that guests have come to expect from the Radisson Hotel Group.
It is a complement brand to the other existing eight brands in the portfolio, and an ideal first step for individual hotels with strong service scores who may be considering transitioning to one of the other successful core brands at a later stage.
Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson Individuals by participating in Radisson Rewards, a global loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.
The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. In-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols were developed in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out. The Safety Protocol is an integral part of Radisson Hotel Group’s Safety and Security program ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.
“Our ambition is to continue growing in markets in which we operate already and enter new markets with our core brands. Building on our strong portfolio of city hotels, we are focusing on resort destinations as well as expanding our footprint in new strategic markets,” said Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group.
“In addition to opening our first three hotels in Madagascar earlier this year, we will be opening hotels in South Sudan, Djibouti, Victoria Falls, and Ghana. Conversions will remain a priority and we will continue innovating our business approach with relevant and tailored solutions to adapt to changing market conditions.”
More than 100,000 team members work at Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that offers Scandinavian inspired hospitality, which enables guests to find more harmony in their travel experience.
With natural surroundings and unexpected delights, Radisson inspires the art of being in the moment. The company has said it is committed to helping our guests find the right balance for their stay, removing the discomforts travelling may bring and enabling them to switch off and relax, using our Yes I Can! attitude to ensure satisfaction of every guest.
Radisson hotels can be found in suburban and city settings, near airports and leisure destinations. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson by participating in Radisson Rewards, a global loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.