Hyatt targets 50% growth in Africa by 2030 as brand footprint accelerates

Ana Ives

ByAna Ives

June 2, 2025
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced ambitious expansion plans for Africa, targeting a 50 per cent increase in its regional room count by the end of the decade.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced ambitious expansion plans for Africa, targeting a 50 per cent increase in its regional room count by the end of the decade.

The announcement follows a period of significant growth, with Hyatt expanding its footprint across the continent by 51 per cent over the past two years, driven by a wave of milestone openings and first-time brand entries.

This growth surge has seen Hyatt introduce several of its flagship brands into key African markets. Among the highlights are Park Hyatt Marrakech in Morocco, Hyatt Centric Cairo West in Egypt, and Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles, marking the company’s debut in Zimbabwe. In Kenya, the Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands opened its doors, followed in March 2025 by the region’s first dual-branded development – Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands and Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands.

Located just minutes from Westgate Mall and Nairobi’s cultural highlights, the dual-branded property provides a flexible accommodation model aimed at both short-term business travellers and long-stay guests, with distinct service and lifestyle offerings under one roof.

“Last year marked a breakthrough year for Hyatt in Africa, and we’re just getting started,” said Stephen Ansell, Managing Director, Hyatt, Middle East and Africa. “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.”

Hyatt’s expansion strategy is closely aligned with Africa’s growing appeal among international and regional travellers, supported by infrastructure development, business investment and rising tourism demand. The group aims to consolidate its presence in high-growth markets and untapped destinations alike.

The next wave of development will include Hyatt’s entry into Nigeria, with the opening of Hyatt Regency Lagos Ikeja, as well as the transformation of Johannesburg’s The Winston Hotel into the luxury Park Hyatt Johannesburg later this year. The 31-key boutique hotel, undergoing an extensive renovation, is set to offer an elevated hospitality experience tailored to discerning business and leisure travellers.

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

Currently, Hyatt operates in key African markets including South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Egypt. Each hotel is designed to reflect its local surroundings while delivering Hyatt’s globally recognised standards of service and quality.

Flagship properties include:

  • Park Hyatt Zanzibar, a 62-room luxury haven in historic Stone Town with views of the Indian Ocean.

  • Park Hyatt Marrakech, which opened in 2024, offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and proximity to the Al Maaden Golf Course.

  • Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles, the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Zimbabwe, located in the heart of the capital.

  • Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro, a waterfront landmark in Tanzania’s bustling capital with views of the harbour.

  • Hyatt Centric Cairo West, the brand’s debut in Egypt, launched in late 2024 near the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

  • Hyatt Regency Cape Town, located in the cultural district of Bo-Kaap, offering easy access to Table Mountain and local heritage.

  • Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, a contemporary city-centre property featuring upscale amenities and dynamic dining options.

As Hyatt builds towards its 2030 goals, its Africa strategy reflects broader ambitions to capture emerging travel demand, develop regional talent, and play a significant role in the continent’s evolving hospitality landscape.