Dubai-based hotel management company Aleph Hospitality, which is set to open a new hotel in Kisumu in January 2022, has inked another deal with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
The deal will see the company develop 10 franchise hotels across IHG’s portfolio of brands in midscale and upscale segments.
The Master Development Agreement (MDA) signed at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this week will see IHG expand its presence in Africa across key countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria and Ghana.
The addition of new hotels, as a part of the agreement, will solidify IHG’s position as one of the leading hospitality players in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region and will strengthen IHG’s portfolio in the continent, across six brands including Crowne Plaza, voco, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites.
With a portfolio including nine hotels across five countries on the continent and plans to expand to 35 hotels across the MEA region by 2025, Aleph Hospitality is a pioneering hotel management company offering a results-driven alternative to traditional hotel management models.
The Dubai-based company manages hotels directly for owners and leverages its in-depth market knowledge and extensive experience of working with the world’s largest hotel companies to generate superior returns for hotel owners.
Speaking on the announcement, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG said: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Aleph Hospitality, which will add a significant number of rooms across our portfolio of brands in the African continent. Key markets across Africa continue to see solid growth in tourism key performance indicators and we remain optimistic of the long-term potential for the hospitality sector. The increasing number of international guests will drive a surge in demand for world-class accommodation and these new properties will cater to the needs of travellers looking for high-quality hospitality experiences.”
Diversifying Aleph Hospitality’s portfolio in Africa
Bani Haddad, Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality added: “This signing presents us with opportunities to further enhance and diversify our portfolio in Africa, and we are excited to partner with a globally renowned company such IHG to grow further in the region. With a strong distribution system, preferred brands and a top loyalty programme, IHG is known to deliver commercial success in collaborations with its owners and partners, and we look forward to successfully working together to open these hotels and offer exceptional experiences to suit a variety of travellers coming to this region.”
IHG® currently operates 29 hotels across six brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express ® and Staybridge Suites in Africa.
Aleph Hospitality, which has earmarked a pipeline of 35 hotels in the MEA by 2025, manages hotels directly for owners, either on a franchise basis for branded properties or as a white label operator for independently-branded hotels.
In Kisumu, Aleph Hospitality early this month signed a franchise agreement with global hotelier Marriott International for a new Protea Hotels by Marriott hotel.
On behalf of the hotel owner, Bluewater Hotels, Aleph Hospitality will operate the new-build property under the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand.
Haddad said of the deal: “We are thrilled to work with Marriott International to bring the first internationally branded hotel to Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city. As Aleph Hospitality continues to expand across Africa and the Middle East, we are delighted to once again collaborate with Marriott International, following the signing of Four Points by Sheraton Monrovia earlier this year.”
Edward Guda, Managing Director, Bluewater Hotels, added: “Our new hotel marks a first for Kisumu’s burgeoning hospitality industry, thanks to the agreement with Marriott International secured by our management partner, Aleph Hospitality.
“As the hotel owner, we benefit from the reputation and distribution of a major global brand, coupled with the regional knowledge and expertise of Aleph Hospitality, known for its world-class approach to independent hotel management.”
Marriot Kisumu targets domestic leisure, corporate and MICE business
Located in Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, the new hotel will feature 125 rooms with striking lake views, three food and beverage outlets, a rooftop infinity pool, gym, spa and more than 500m2 of meeting space.
Ideally positioned for domestic leisure, corporate and MICE business, Protea Hotel by Marriott Kisumu is located just 9km from Kisumu International Airport and directly adjacent to the Kisumu Yacht Club and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.
“We look forward to working with Aleph Hospitality and Bluewater Hotels to make our debut in Kisumu with the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand,” said Yasin Munshi, Director of Lodging Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “This signing further strengthens our portfolio in Kenya, which remains a key growth market in our overall development strategy for Africa.”
Aleph has been expanding in Kenya and has already inked deals for the Best Western Plus Westlands, set to open in Nairobi in Q4, 2019 and two further properties, one in Mombasa and one in Nairobi, which are both under construction.
Protea Hotels by Marriott is a leading hospitality brand in Africa and one of the most widely recognised across the continent. With properties in primary and secondary business centres and desirable leisure destinations, the brand remains a popular choice for travellers into Africa. In line with brand standards, Protea Hotel by Marriott Kisumu will feature modern facilities, proactive and friendly service and consistent amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces and well-appointed rooms.
