4 April 2013
South Africa’s Protea Hospitality Group has signed an agreement that will see it continue its west African expansion through the opening of a hotel in Takoradi in southwest Ghana.
The agreement was signed in March, and brings the group’s tally to nine countries on the continent in which hotels are operating. It also brings the portfolio value of the company to over US$100-million.
The Protea Hotel Select Takoradi is expected to open in the southwestern coastal city in early 2014.
“West Africa is booming,” Protea Hospitality Group CEO, Arthur Gillis, said in a statement. “Ghana’s economic growth is predicted to be greater than 7% in 2013, which is nothing short of miraculous in the current global climate, and Nigeria isn’t far behind.
“Working with our local partners, I know this hotel is just the first of many that we will be developing in Ghana, a country that welcomes companies bringing specialist African expertise and brand stability into its economy,” he said.
The new 130-room hotel will become one of six hotels currently under construction in other African countries. There are two properties in Nigeria and one each in Zambia, Uganda and South Africa in addition to the Takoradi property.
“Our aim is to ultimately grow with Ghana and Nigeria, to become stronger with these countries as we work alongside local hospitality investors to stimulate the economy and provide the best possible service to domestic and international business and leisure travellers,” Gillis said.
East Africa is also presenting numerous hospitality opportunities, particularly Zambia and Uganda.
“A number of countries in east Africa are also showing significant growth, despite troubled regions like Somalia and Sudan,” he said.
“Uganda is one of those countries with a predicted growth rate of around 5% this year, and our hotel development there underpins our belief in its political stability and growing economy.
The group’s 30-year history operating in Africa and network of partners will assist in achieving its expansion plans, according to Gillis.
“Partnerships are key to making it work in Africa, as is growing a brand that is trusted to be by Africans for Africans.”
SAinfo reporter
