Ghana to gain as Hilton, Marriott expand across Africa
Two of the world’s largest hotel chains, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), have unveiled expansion plans across Africa, betting on the continent’s accelerating tourism and travel growth.
The U.S.-based multinationals, both with long histories in global hospitality, say they are positioning themselves to capture rising demand in Africa’s hospitality sector, driven by a post-pandemic rebound, a growing middle class, increased business travel, and improved air connectivity.
Hilton announced on Wednesday that it plans to more than triple its current presence on the continent to over 160 hotels. As part of this expansion, the company is entering new markets such as Ghana, Angola, and Benin, and making a return to Madagascar and Tanzania.
Though Hilton did not specify a timeline for the developments, the move underscores a renewed push to solidify its footprint in West and Southern Africa.
“Africa continues to present a compelling opportunity for Hilton. We’re strategically expanding our portfolio in countries that are experiencing economic and tourism growth,” the company said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Marriott International revealed plans to add 50 new properties in Africa by 2027. The hotel giant’s expansion includes first-time entries into Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania.
Marriott currently operates nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 African countries under 22 of its global brands, including Sheraton, Protea, and Marriott Hotels.
“Africa is one of our fastest-growing regions globally. With its economic transformation, vibrant cities, and unique tourism assets, it is a key frontier market for us,” a Marriott spokesperson said.
Airlines Fuel Travel Growth
Africa’s growing accessibility is also being boosted by improved air connectivity. Emirates now operates 161 weekly flights across the continent, recently adding daily routes to Entebbe and Addis Ababa. U.S. carriers are also expanding their African reach—United Airlines launched a Washington-Dakar direct flight in May, while Delta Airlines is set to introduce seasonal daily flights to Accra starting this December.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international arrivals to Africa rose by 9 percent year-on-year in Q1 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 16 percent.
The economic implications are significant. Data from the World Bank and various national statistics offices indicate that tourism contributes between 3 percent and 7 percent of GDP in countries such as Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa. In tourism-driven economies like Namibia, the sector contributes as much as 15 percent of GDP.
Ghana, one of the countries slated for Hilton’s entry and already home to several Marriott brands, is expected to gain from increased visitor arrivals, job creation, and infrastructure investment. With Delta’s upcoming Accra flight and Ghana’s ongoing ‘Beyond the Return’ tourism campaign, the country is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.
As international giants move in, industry analysts say African governments must invest in infrastructure, ease visa restrictions, and ensure policy consistency to fully capitalize on this renewed global attention.
