ETHIOPIA: Marriott Sees Opportunity In Sub–Saharan Africa

Marriott International, in partnership with Sunshine Business, today will open Africa’s first Marriott Executive Apartments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There will be 108 units.

Located in the center of Ethiopia’s capital, the Marriott Executive Apartments Addis Ababa is off Meskel Square in Bole, and is adjacent to the UN-ECA headquarters and conference center. It is a ten minute drive away from Bole International Airport, the African Union headquarters and the Ethiopian National Museum.

“This is the latest in a series of important landmark hotel signings and openings we have made in Africa” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director Marriott International Middle East and Africa. “Africa is important to our 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.”

Sunshine Business President and Owner, Samuel Tafese, said, “We are pleased to announce the opening of Ethiopia's first Marriott-branded property. Addis Ababa is one of the most vibrant cities in Africa and the Government’s exceptional infrastructure spending make Addis an ideal place to conduct business.”

Marriott International has also announced that it will develop a property under the company’s Marriott Hotels, in partnership with Sunshine Business. It's expected to open by 2019.

Kyriakidis continues, “With over 850 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, there are enormous opportunities there. We are thrilled to be expanding on our partnership with Sunshine Business. This signing is a significant event for us as it represents the company’s first Marriott Hotels property in Ethiopia, and comes in response to a rapidly increasing demand in the market, from both executive travellers as well as families.”

Sunshine Business owner and EVP, Selamawit Samuel, commented, “We are proud to open the first Marriott branded Hotel in Sub–Saharan Africa."