Radisson to scale up Morocco portfolio, aims for 25 hotels by 2030

Radisson will focus on strengthening its presence in Casablanca and Marrakech, where the group currently operates the Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center and the Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden. Radisson will also open in other destinations, such as Rabat, Tangier, Agadir and Fez, the company said in a statement.

Keeping in mind Radisson’s strategic five-year plan and the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco, Radisson said there is great potential in these cities to create a portfolio comprising hotels, serviced apartments, premium mixed-use projects and resorts.

“The introduction of the Radisson brand with the imminent opening of the Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle, in the Gauthier district of Casablanca, marks a notable development. This new establishment will be the flagship of the Radisson brand in Morocco, marking the entry of a new brand for the group in the country and underlining our commitment to quality and diversified expansion,” said Erwan Garnier, senior director, development, Africa at Radisson Hotel Group.

Radisson has extended the portfolio of Garnier to include Morocco. Since joining Radisson nine years ago, Garnier has played a crucial role in expanding the company’s African portfolio, especially in Francophone and Lusophone countries, the Indian Ocean islands and more recently, in West and Central Africa.

Despite the devastating earthquake in September 2023, Morocco’s tourism has been resilient so far, with Marrakech hosting the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings, which saw more than 10,000 people visiting the city in just a few weeks since the earthquake. By the end of the year, tourist arrivals in Morocco touched a record 14.5 million, rising 34% from 2022 levels and 12% from 2019 levels, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy.

Beyond Morocco, Radisson has also been growing its footprint in Africa and signed eight new hotels, adding over 1,600 rooms, in 2023. These new signings are part of the group’s strategy to reach 150 hotels in Africa in the next five years, up from its existing 100-hotel portfolio.

In the past three years, Radisson has opened 20 new properties in the continent, achieving a record for the company in terms of realization of its pipeline into openings. This has also resulted in 15% annual growth of Radisson’s African portfolio.

Globally, Radisson has more than 1,320 hotels in operation and under development in over 90 countries.

By Kathakali Nandi