Marriott International has continued 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,” explained Alex Kyriakidis, president, Middle East and Africa for Marriott International.

“With over 850 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, there are enormous opportunities there.”

Marriott became the largest hotel operator in Africa following its acquisition of South Africa’s leading hotels group, Protea Hotels, in 2014.

Over the next five years, the company expects the Marriott International brands, including the Protea brand, will expand from ten African countries to 18, involving the development of an additional 38 properties across seven brands.

James Wilson, chief executive of The Amdec Group, owners of the iconic Melrose Arch mixed-use precinct, is excited to be partnering with Marriott International, commented: “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.”

Three new Protea Hotels have opened over the past year – the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Menlyn and the Protea Hotel Mowbray in South Africa, as well as the Protea Hotel Select Takoradi in Ghana.

Further, construction has also begun on a new Protea Hotel in Zambia.

Marriott expects to complete its rollout of Marriott Rewards, the company’s loyalty programme, 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 five properties in the Middle East and Africa.