Marriott International’s Protea Hotels brand is expanding its presence in Africa with five new deals, including one in Ethiopia.
The property is located next to Lake Tana and a short distance from the Blue Nile River. It is expected to be rebranded as Protea by Marriott Bahir Dar by 2025 and will feature 127 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining outlets, a fitness center, and nearly 1,000 sqm of meetings and event space.
The announcement was made at the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum in Nairobi, where Karim Cheltout, Marriott International’s Regional Vice President for Development in Africa & All-Inclusive, expressed excitement about the brand’s expansion in Africa.
On October 7, 2022, MIDROC Investment Group, which is majority-owned by tycoon Sheikh Al Amoudi, signed a hotel management agreement with Marriott International to refurbish the Blue Nile Resort and convert it to a Protea Marriott Hotel.
Marriott International currently has nearly 140 properties and over 24,000 rooms across 20 countries and 19 brands in Africa.
Protea Hotels by Marriott make up more than 40 percent of Marriott International’s portfolio in Africa, with over 60 properties and more than 6,500 rooms in operation across nine countries.
