Latest news with #CapeVerde
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Marriott to add 50 properties, 9,000 rooms in Africa by 2027
Marriott International has announced plans to expand its operations in Africa with the anticipated addition of over 50 properties and more than 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027. The company's growth strategy includes the expected entry into five markets - Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania. The planned expansion aims to further strengthen the company's footprint across the continent where its current operating portfolio encompasses nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands. 'We are witnessing a transformation of Africa's tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, substantial infrastructure development, enhanced regional and international connectivity and diversified travel experiences, all of which are laying the foundation for a thriving hospitality sector,' said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. 'With our renowned portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, we continue to drive robust expansion opportunities with owners and franchisees across Africa and remain committed to supporting the growth of its tourism sector.' Marriott's planned expansion aims to enhance the strategic development of the company's luxury, premium and select-service portfolio across key and emerging destinations in Africa. The company's growth across the continent is expected to be largely driven by its select-service brands, including Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, and a strong consumer demand for distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences. Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria are the highest growth markets for the company in the continent, making up more than half of the projects slated to open in the next two years. Conversions and adaptive reuse opportunities are also anticipated to continue to drive meaningful growth for the company, representing more than 30 percent of the anticipated African additions by the end of 2027. The company is also seeing an increased appetite for branded residential projects across the continent. Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, added, 'Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations. Through our diverse range of extraordinary brands, we are in a position to work with developers to offer high quality accommodations along with distinct and innovative travel experiences that resonate with today's rapidly evolving consumer." NORTH AND EAST AFRICA FUEL EXPANSION PLANS FOR THE CONTINENT Marriott is witnessing strong growth momentum in the North and East Africa regions, which together account for more than 60 percent of the company's planned additions in Africa by the end of 2027. Egypt and Morocco are expected to lead the expansion for Marriott in North Africa. Plans in Egypt include the anticipated debut of Aloft Hotels in the continent, with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay situated in the North Coast of the country expected in 2027. More than 50 percent of the company's expected additions in Egypt by the end of 2027 are conversion or adaptive reuse projects. Expansion highlights for Morocco include the anticipated market debut of AC Hotels by Marriott with a scheduled opening in Casablanca in 2027. In East Africa, the company continues to see growth momentum with safari lodges and camps spurred by a growing appeal for adventure and outdoor travel. Following the successful opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, the company is slated to open six safari properties across the region by the end of 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya), and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania) - both of which are scheduled to open this year. Marriott's portfolio in Tanzania is anticipated to more than double by the end of 2027 while in Kenya the company plans to open five properties including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott with two expected openings in Nairobi in 2027. Growth plans in Uganda include the country's first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments with scheduled openings in Kampala by the end of this year. DEMAND FOR PREMIUM AND SELECT ACCOMMODATION REMAINS STRONG IN WEST AFRICA By the end of 2027, the company expects to add six properties in Nigeria, its largest growth market in the West Africa region. Plans include the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott in the country with anticipated openings in Abuja within the next two years, and the continued expansion of Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott Hotels. Marriott is also slated to enter three new markets in West Africa in the next two years. Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort is anticipated to open this year, marking the company's debut in Cape Verde. Marriott is also expected to enter Côte d'Ivoire in 2027, with an Autograph Collection Hotel located in Assinie-Mafia, and Mauritania with a Sheraton Hotel situated in Nouakchott, which is expected to open later this year. GROWTH ACROSS SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL AFRICA REMAINS STEADY The company's largest market in Africa, South Africa, is expected to see an expansion of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand portfolio with the opening of Morea House in Cape Town this year, followed by the anticipated addition of a property within Kruger National Park in 2026. Marriott also plans to enter The Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of this year with a Protea Hotel by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton in Kinshasa. The company is also expected to make its debut in Madagascar with the opening of a Delta Hotels by Marriott this year and a Protea Hotel by Marriott anticipated in 2026 in Antananarivo. The company's planned expansion also includes the anticipated debut of Le Méridien in Cameroon in 2027.
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Marriott International announces plans to add more than 50 properties and over 9,000 rooms to its Africa portfolio by the end of 2027
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced plans to expand its operations in Africa with the anticipated addition of over 50 properties and more than 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027. The company's growth strategy includes the expected entry into five markets - Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania. The planned expansion aims to further strengthen the company's footprint across the continent where its current operating portfolio encompasses nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands.'We are witnessing a transformation of Africa's tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, substantial infrastructure development, enhanced regional and international connectivity and diversified travel experiences, all of which are laying the foundation for a thriving hospitality sector,' said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. 'With our renowned portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, we continue to drive robust expansion opportunities with owners and franchisees across Africa and remain committed to supporting the growth of its tourism sector.'Marriott's planned expansion aims to enhance the strategic development of the company's luxury, premium and select-service portfolio across key and emerging destinations in Africa. The company's growth across the continent is expected to be largely driven by its select-service brands, including Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, and a strong consumer demand for distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences. Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria are the highest growth markets for the company in the continent, making up more than half of the projects slated to open in the next two years. Conversions and adaptive reuse opportunities are also anticipated to continue to drive meaningful growth for the company, representing more than 30 percent of the anticipated African additions by the end of 2027. The company is also seeing an increased appetite for branded residential projects across the Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International added, 'Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations. Through our diverse range of extraordinary brands, we are in a position to work with developers to offer high quality accommodations along with distinct and innovative travel experiences that resonate with today's rapidly evolving consumer."North and East Africa Fuel Expansion Plans for the ContinentMarriott is witnessing strong growth momentum in the North and East Africa regions, which together account for more than 60 percent of the company's planned additions in Africa by the end of 2027. Egypt and Morocco are expected to lead the expansion for Marriott in North Africa. Plans in Egypt include the anticipated debut of Aloft Hotels in the continent, with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay situated in the North Coast of the country expected in than 50 percent of the company's expected additions in Egypt by the end of 2027 are conversion or adaptive reuse projects. Expansion highlights for Morocco include the anticipated market debut of AC Hotels by Marriott with a scheduled opening in Casablanca in East Africa, the company continues to see growth momentum with safari lodges and camps spurred by a growing appeal for adventure and outdoor travel. Following the successful opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, the company is slated to open six safari properties across the region by the end of 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya), and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania) - both of which are scheduled to open this portfolio in Tanzania is anticipated to more than double by the end of 2027 while in Kenya the company plans to open five properties including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott with two expected openings in Nairobi in 2027. Growth plans in Uganda include the country's first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments with scheduled openings in Kampala by the end of this for Premium and Select Accommodation Remains Strong in West AfricaBy the end of 2027, the company expects to add six properties in Nigeria, its largest growth market in the West Africa region. Plans include the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott in the country with anticipated openings in Abuja within the next two years, and the continued expansion of Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott is also slated to enter three new markets in West Africa in the next two years. Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort is anticipated to open this year, marking the company's debut in Cape Verde. Marriott is also expected to enter Côte d'Ivoire in 2027, with an Autograph Collection Hotel located in Assinie-Mafia, and Mauritania with a Sheraton Hotel situated in Nouakchott, which is expected to open later this across Southern and Central Africa Remains Steady The company's largest market in Africa, South Africa, is expected to see an expansion of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand portfolio with the opening of Morea House in Cape Town this year, followed by the anticipated addition of a property within Kruger National Park in 2026. Marriott also plans to enter The Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of this year with a Protea Hotel by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton in Kinshasa. The company is also expected to make its debut in Madagascar with the opening of a Delta Hotels by Marriott this year and a Protea Hotel by Marriott anticipated in 2026 in Antananarivo. The company's planned expansion also includes the anticipated debut of Le Méridien in Cameroon in 2027.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Dons vie with Excelsior for Maastricht's Timas'
Reports in the Netherlands claim Aberdeen are monitoring 22-year-old Maastricht winger Ilano Silva Timas closely, but Dutch top-flight club Excelsior are also keen on the Cape Verde international. (Press & Journal), externalRead Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Forward-looking Friend
THE national football team have delivered results and instilled belief through their 4-0 victory against Vietnam at the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier in Bukit Jalil just after six months under head coach Peter Cklamovski. There is another key figure, though, who has also been quietly shaping the future and it's Rob Friend of Canada, the Harimau Malaya's chief executive officer (CEO). Friend opens up about the progress made, the vision driving the project, and what lies ahead. Q: Can you share your experience after six months as CEO here? A: It's been incredibly fulfilling. The passion for football in Malaysia is undeniable – from the fans to the players, and the people working tirelessly behind the scenes. Over the past six months, our focus has been on bringing structure, clarity, and a long-term vision to the national set-up. We're not just managing a team; we're laying the foundations for a system that reflects the aspirations of the nation. Q: What are your thoughts on the win over Vietnam? A: Beating a strong side like Vietnam wasn't just about securing three points but making a statement on and off the field. It showed that we are serious about elevating the country's footballing standards. For us, this feels like the start of something truly special. It energises the entire ecosystem and instils belief in the players, validates the coaches' work, excites the fans, and attracts the attention of partners and investors. It helps build credibility and trust as we pursue more ambitious goals. Q: Does this win validate the recent investments in players, coaches, and infrastructure? A: Absolutely. This result reflects our vision. But it's only the beginning. We must continue challenging the status quo and invest in grassroots, infrastructure, coaching development, and ensuring Super League clubs are aligned with the national vision. Both Peter and I recognise that while this win was a key milestone, it's only the beginning. There's still a long journey ahead. The leadership of The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, is the catalyst for this transformation. To raise our standards, we must consistently challenge ourselves against top-tier teams. Our game against Cape Verde (friendlies) highlighted the value of that. We're currently working on exciting opportunities for the September window. Opening the floodgates: Malaysia's Joao Figueiredo scoring the first goal in their 4-0 win over Vietnam in the Asian Cup qualifier on June 10. — AFP Q: How does a result like this help us commercially? A: Football thrives on emotion and momentum. When the national team perform, they drive visibility, fan engagement, brand value, and uplift the entire ecosystem. Sponsors want to be part of a journey. These results give us commercial leverage and help us work toward a more sustainable football economy. Q: Peter mentioned internal politics, betrayal, and obstacles. These issues exist everywhere, but how are you managing? A: Politics in football are inevitable, but they cannot be allowed to derail progress. Our responsibility is to build trust, ensure transparency, and create a high-performance environment where decisions are based on merit and long-term benefits and not personal agendas. Football has the power to unite people like few other things. This win can be a turning point. Constructive criticism is welcome as it drives improvement. But we also need to move towards solution-oriented dialogue, accountability, and collaboration. The fans deserve a football culture they can be proud of – and that starts with everyone pulling in the same direction. Q: How did the process of bringing in mixed-heritage players come about and will there be more? A: It begins with identity and connection. These players didn't need convincing. Their passion for representing Malaysia was evident – Rodrigo Holgado bleeding for the jersey was symbolic of that commitment (during the Vietnam game). We have a robust scouting system using global data and networks, and we'll continue identifying talent abroad with Malaysian roots who want to proudly wear the national colours. Q: Where does it put the local development and what's done to strengthen it? A: We've been clear from day one that heritage players can raise the bar, but they're not the long-term solution. The real work lies in the grassroots: improving coaching standards, expanding access, and investing in infrastructure. We're actively engaging stakeholders across the country to align efforts and create a sustainable development pipeline. Q: What are the areas Malaysia still needs to improve on to consistently compete with South-East Asia's best? A: Success won't come from isolated wins. It demands consistent, long-term work across every layer of the ecosystem. It starts with grassroots and in investing in youth development, coaching education, and providing clear pathways from academy to professional levels. Infrastructure is equally important. We need high-performance centres across the country, better facilities, and access to modern sports science. Collaboration with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) and clubs is crucial to raise performance standards and also fan engagement and building a culture that fosters pride, passion, and growth. Q: How can stakeholders – clubs, FAM, fans – come together to ensure this is not a one-off moment? A: I've always said Malaysia is a sleeping giant in football. Now is the time to wake up. This moment should rally all stakeholders to come together, commit to higher standards, and collectively push Malaysian football to where it truly belongs.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Cklamovski credits unique training camp for Malaysia's 4-0 win
National football team head coach Peter Cklamovski has described the recent training camp ahead of their 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Vietnam as 'a unique one', highlighting its importance in fostering the squad's 'team mentality' and cohesion. Speaking after Harimau Malaya's commendable performance in their second Group F match, Cklamovski acknowledged the unconventional nature of the camp, especially since many players had not played competitive football since the Malaysian Super League was off-season. 'Well, it was a bit of a puzzle, this camp was a unique camp. The majority of the players were off-season from the Malaysian Super League. Faced tough opponents against Cape Verde, which you know, again was another good team performance. '...and then that continued on to the final phase where we get some new players in, they committed to the team mentality we're building, the training mentality we're building, you saw the quality that we're growing as a team,' he said at a post-match press conference at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night. Speaking about the squad setup, Cklamovski emphasised the necessity of depth and versatility rather than depending entirely on a set starting lineup. 'We make subs and we want to take our game to another level and make impacts off the bench. But you know, we don't rely on the best 11. We're an A-Team and that's the mentality we're growing, and it's growing the right way. The mentality in the team's strong and we'll continue to build our mentality for team performances,' he said. Last night, Malaysia ended an eleven-year winless streak against Vietnam with a 4-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Corbin Ong, and Dion Cools.
