Worldhotels enters Sub-Saharan Africa
Worldhotels, a group of unique upscale hotels, has expanded into Africa by joining forces with the Azalaï Hotels Group – the first African private hotel chain in West Africa.
As part of the agreement, six Azalaï Hotels in Burkina Faso, Benin, Mali and Guinea-Bissau have joined Worldhotels’ global network of almost 500 hotels worldwide, taking advantage of the group’s 360-degree solution, which offers everything from technology to branding.
Additional properties in Nouakchott, Abidjan and Dakar are also anticipated to join Worldhotels’ portfolio when they open their doors in the coming months.
Geoff Andrew
Growth potential
Worldhotels sees great potential in Sub-Saharan Africa – a region that is marked by substantial economic growth, which has translated into a rising tourism industry. Both business and leisure travel are accelerating and local hotel operators are increasingly looking for international partners to enhance their global exposure, without having hard standards imposed upon them.
The partnership with the Azalaï Hotels Group marks a first and important step in Worldhotels’ strategic intention to expand into Africa, and the group is looking for further opportunities within the market.
Worldhotels’ distinctive range of business offerings, which are tailored to meet the needs of private hotel operators while allowing full operational freedom, was the reason Mossadeck Bally, founder and CEO of Azalaï Hotels, selected the group as its preferred international partner.
He said: “Besides offering us their classic affiliation model, Worldhotels also provided us with a technology-only solution for some of our hotels, which doesn’t require any dedicated sales or marketing support. For our pipeline projects we particularly trust in Worldhotels’ global exposure and 360-degree services to help us strengthen our position in the international market.”
Geoff Andrew, chief operating officer of Worldhotels, said: “Azalaï Hotels have grown strongly in recent years and established an excellent reputation in West Africa under the inspired leadership of Mossadeck Bally. We believe that international recognition will certainly follow through our strategic partnership.
“Worldhotels sees immense potential in Sub-Saharan Africa and Azalaï Hotels will help us strengthen our brand in the region.”
