Protea Hotels Continues Expansion on the African Continent: First Protea Hotel in Botswana

http://news.marriott.com/2016/06/pro...otel-botswana/

"Protea Hotels today announced the signing of agreements for the development of its first hotel in Botswana, the ninth country in Africa in which the brand will have a presence. First established in South Africa, Protea Hotels has expanded over recent years into Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana.

As regards Africa more specifically, 10 new hotels are scheduled to open during 2016.

Protea’s new Botswana property, scheduled to open in early 2018, will be located in the capital, Gaborone. It is strategically positioned in the new Central Business District of the city where there are a number of recently-developed corporate head offices, government offices and various retail facilities. The hotel’s site was carefully selected for its visibility and accessibility; a prominent location near two of the city’s main roads."

Cheers.

There's less than 7 months left in 2016. When will they announce where all 10 new hotels will be? Or have they already in bits and pieces, but nowhere in one list?

Probably the latter, or they won't be announced until they get close to opening.

Cheers.

http://news.marriott.com/2016/06/mar...hotels-africa/

Excerpts:

"Marriott International announced today the rebranding of Protea Hotels to capitalize on the travel aspirations of Africa’s growing middle class and the increased presence of international hotel brands in Africa. The rebranding includes an updated and modernized logo and the “by Marriott” endorsement. The brand is now officially Protea Hotels by Marriott ®.

Marriott’s endorsement of Protea Hotels signifies a turning point for the South African-based brand, which Marriott acquired in 2014. Having successfully integrated Protea’s systems and operations, Marriott is enhancing Protea Hotels’ brand strength and awareness through its endorsement.

The rebranding represents Marriott’s long-term commitment to evolving Protea Hotels from a strong regional player to a globally recognized brand with international appeal by leveraging the power of Marriott. Additionally, the endorsement will strengthen Marriott’s awareness in Southern Africa by leveraging Protea Hotels’ strength in the region.

“Consumer research conducted in South Africa in 2015 confirms that the endorsement of Protea Hotels by a large, international brand company such as Marriott would elevate brand perception and preference, further supporting the strategic move to endorse the brand.”

Marriott International’s rebranding of Protea Hotels demonstrates Marriott’s sustained focus on developing the unique strengths of regional brands and integrating and amplifying those strengths within the broader context of Marriott’s global brand family.

Protea Hotels by Marriott® is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and it is one of the most widely recognized brands in Africa. The strategic footprint includes over 100 hotels throughout South Africa and seven other African countries, including Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Ghana and Uganda amongst others."

Are they ashamed of being in the remaining two countries? What is the purpose of specifically saying "and seven other", but then only listing 5, and instead of just listing the other 2, saying "including" and "amongst others"? :confused:

The two other countries are Malawi and Tanzania. I think Ghana was the newest addition, so the list is not in date (or alphabetical) order.

The Protea footprint grows to nine countries in 2018 with the addition of Botswana.

Thanks for mentioning that. I found this press release, likely already noted in the forum, but new to me. The hotel is being built in the capital of Gabarone, so despite the wonderful pictures leading one to believe it is a safari hotel, it isn't.

Opening in March 2017; Category 1.

"The Gateway between Copperbelt and Kitwe, Protea Hotel Ndola is the ideal stay for leisure and business guests alike. Strategically located with easy access to the vast array of copper mines and directly opposite the recently built, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

With a total of 80 rooms, 58 king rooms and 22 twin rooms the hotel is ideal for leisure and business guests alike. The 22 twin Guest rooms can be converted into family rooms for guests with children under the age of 12."

They must have gotten done early; showing on Marriott's website now for booking. Rates from 98-155.

Cheers.