CAPE TOWN, South Africa—Marriott International, Inc. continues to expand its footprint across the African continent by announcing the signing of two new properties in South Africa, in partnership with The Amdec Group. Expected to open by February 2018, the 150-room Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and 200-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch will be located in the Melrose Arch precinct in Johannesburg. The two properties represent the company’s signature brand, Marriott Hotels, as well as its upscale serviced apartments brand, Marriott Executive Apartments, and will be the first Marriott-branded properties under development in South Africa.
“Africa is important to Marriott International’s growth strategy because of its rapid economic growth, growing middle class and youth population, as well as the expansion of international flights onto the continent,” explains Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa for Marriott International. “With over 850 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, there are enormous opportunities there.”
James Wilson, CEO of The Amdec Group, owners of the Melrose Arch mixed-use precinct, is excited to be partnering with Marriott International, commenting, “Melrose Arch is a magnificent multi-faceted new urban quarter and the perfect location for Marriott’s first two signature brand properties in South Africa. At Melrose Arch our focus is very much on creating an unforgettable experience with a vibrant atmosphere in a secure environment where people can work, shop, relax and stay. The Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch provide contemporary and innovative hospitality that adds to Melrose Arch’s current offering.”
He adds, “This partnership builds on our existing valued relationship with Marriott International established through the Protea Hotels Group’s two existing hotels at Melrose Arch, African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, and Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch. We look forward to continuing and deepening our association with Marriott International.”
Marriott expects to complete its rollout of Marriott Rewards, the company’s loyalty program, to its Protea portfolio by the end of 2015. Protea guests will be able to earn and redeem Marriott Reward points across Marriott’s portfolio worldwide. Further, the company expects an increase in travel to South Africa by the more than 50 million Marriott Rewards members from around the world.
The Marriott Executive Apartments brand provides upscale residential living at 5 properties in the Middle East and Africa. Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch has 200 fully furnished apartments including one, two, and three bedrooms providing the space, ambience and privacy of a home away from home.
Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch has 200 fully furnished apartments including one, two and three bedrooms providing the space, ambience and privacy of a home away from home.
The Marriott Hotels brand currently has 17 hotels in seven countries across the Middle East and Africa, with almost 6,000 rooms. By 2020, the company expects to open a further 18 properties across the region, raising the room count by over 4,000 rooms. The Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch has 150 rooms, significant conference and event facilities, accommodating up to 500 delegates. Other facilities include a business center, restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor pool, which can be enjoyed by the Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch guests.
