Africa, the new hunting ground for worldwide hotel groups

Louvre Hotels Group, first hotel group in Eastern Africa, has recently inaugurated its first building in Nairobi, continuing construction of a number of hotels in all sub-Saharan Africa metropolises. The unveiling of the first Golden Tulip in Kenya reinforces the development strategy of the Louvre Hotels Groupe in Africa and confirms the big tourist and business potential of this continent.

Already present in 8 countries of sub-Saharan Africa, with 13 hotels meaning 2 020 rooms under its name brands Tulip Inn, Golden Tulip and Royal Tulip, Louvre Hotels Group follows its strategy of becoming stronger by taking a position on the Kenyan market.

The 4 star hotel Golden Tulip Westlands Nairobi which has just opened its doors counts 94 rooms and gives a multitude of high range services, including several culinary restaurants, spas and swimming pools, but also meeting rooms for business travellers.

« The field of tourism is strongly developing in this region, mainly business tourism. Our ambition is to be able to guide our clients, particularly big account clients, everywhere they need to go in Africa, with a quality of hotel that answers all demands» explains Alain Sebat, the francophone President of Golden Tulip Africa and Eastern Africa.

So, in the course of the past year, the group penetrated into the Ethiopian market with three hotels in Addis Abeba and inaugurated another hotel in Kigali in Rwanda. Many other plans are in developement or actually taking place in the region, with about fifteen openings planned for 2016. This will enable the group to double its presence there.

« We are delighted to launch our first hotel in Kenya with Golden Tulip. The city of Nairobi is rapidly developing and has witnessed a true mutation these last years; the building of a world-famous hotel chain in Kenya is completely strategical in enabling the growth of tourism. We are excited to let our clients experience a perfect service which blends an upmarket hotel service with a touch of Kenyan culture» rejoices Jagat Shah, CEO of Mitsumi Group, owner of the hotel.

The number of tourist arrivals on the African continent has more than doubled in the past fifteen years, going from 26 millions to 56 millions in 2014, according to the Forum of business and tourist investment for Africa.