AFRICAN & MIDDLE EAST NEWS

As the travel landscape evolves, Marriott’s scale, diverse brand portfolio, and Bonvoy loyalty program, one of the world’s largest, position it to capitalize on both leisure and business travel trends, maintaining its status as a defining force in global hospitality.

According to Ghida Alsultan, the acquisition aligns with the company’s expansion strategy in the fast-food sector.

It follows a wave of massive Gulf-backed investments along Egypt’s shores, including an US$18 billion Red Sea project and a US$29.7 billion Mediterranean development announced in late 2025.

The expansion will strategically place these machines in new, high-need areas across the city, such as major mosques, labour accommodations, and other high-traffic zones.

This tasty deal includes a sweeping 75-year exclusive master license for 13 regional markets and the US$20.8 million purchase of MAT’s existing franchise operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

This initial offering will comprise an impressive 25 hotels, expanding to 27 when including the two Turtle Bay properties.

Investor interest is also extending beyond traditional hospitality assets into eco-tourism and forestry-linked developments. Zanzibar has 11 forest conservation areas, six of which have already attracted investment interest.

Americana Restaurants continued its recipe for disciplined growth, opening 216 new stores in 2025 to bring its total network to a whopping 2,749 restaurants.

Hungry passengers can enjoy a familiar and varied selection, from global names like KFC, Burger King, and Costa Coffee to SSP’s own popular concepts like Ritazza and Panopolis.

Speaking to the media, Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew attributed the growth to a mix of smart network planning and rising demand across both regional and long-haul markets.