With six new hotels opening by 2020, Hyatt expects to double its properties in Africa, entering four new countries and creating as many as 2,100 new jobs. Particularly of interest to the brand is the region of East Africa, which continues to benefit from increased government investment in infrastructure and a 14 percent increase in international arrivals in the first half of 2017.

“The development opportunities for Hyatt in Africa are significant, and we see enormous potential in the region. This expansion reinforces our commitment to developing our pipeline in Africa,” said Peter Penev, vice president of acquisitions and development, Hyatt. “With the introduction of a Pan-African, visa-free passport next year alongside the continued improvement in the connectivity and growth of the region’s airlines, we expect tourist and business travel will only continue to increase. We look forward to working with our local developers and partners to further deliver on our ambitious plan to help grow the hotel industry in East Africa.”

The first of the new properties to open include the Hyatt Centric Dakar, Senegal, and the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, both slated for next summer. The former is the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Senegal and the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Africa, and offers 140 guestrooms and two restaurants. The latter provides 180 guestrooms and easy access to the top attractions in Addis Ababa, as well as the airport.

Opening in late 2018, the Hyatt Regency Algiers Airport is part of a wider airport expansion, with 326 guestrooms opposite a new terminal. It is planned as the only terminal-linked hotel in the airport.

In early 2019, both the Park Hyatt Marrakech, Morocco, and the Hyatt Regency Arusha, Tanzania, are the third Hyatt-branded hotels in each country, respectively. The first is a 120-guestroom luxury property with a resort complex and 18-hole golf course. The other offers 144 guestrooms on 29 acres, near some of the most popular natural landscapes in Africa.

Lastly, the Hyatt Regency Douala, Cameroon, is set to open in late 2020, with 200 guestrooms and more than 1,200 square meters of meeting and event space. Located within the financial hub of the city, the property targets business travelers.