TOURISM MARKETING

Global hotel franchisor unveils plans for expansion into SSA region

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Choice Hotels International is opening three Kenyan properties in early 2026 and plans at least 15 more in sub-Saharan Africa.

Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, has announced plans to enter the African market with three properties in Kenya that are expected to open in early 2026. 

Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara. Photo: I am Alex from Pexels

The company also signed a master development agreement that will drive further expansion in the continent, with a minimum of 15 additional properties planned across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. 

 

One of the properties due to open next year will provide a boutique, upscale experience for international travellers in the in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most visited safari destinations. 

 

Two additional hotels – which will operate under the Clarion hotel and Quality Inn hotel brands – are to open in Nairobi’s central business district. 

 

“The hotels will serve growing demand for both business and leisure travel in one of the continent’s most dynamic cities,” Choice says in a statement. 

 

Fast-growing hospitality market 

 

According to Pat Pacious, President and Chief Executive Officer of Choice, entering Africa is an important milestone in the group’s efforts to increase its global footprint and, in the case of Kenya, to establish itself in one of the continent’s fastest-growing hospitality markets. 

 

Choice Hotels International is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, with over 7,500 hotels in 47 countries and territories. The company is in the process of accelerating its EMEA growth strategy and its portfolio in the region now approaches 64,000 rooms and a year-over-year growth of 7%. 

 

Enhancing Africa’s travel and tourism sector was a focus of the African Marketing Confederation’s 2025 annual conference held in Ghana recently. The AMC is collaborating with UN Tourism on its Brand Africa initiative to create a responsible, sustainable and attractive pan-African tourism brand. 

 

At the conference, the AMC also launched a dedicated Tourism Chapter for African tourism marketers. 

View all articles »
author avatar
Jason Lottering
See Full Bio
0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping

    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.