Radisson Hotel Group is setting its sights on significant growth in South Africa, aiming to double its presence in the country by 2030. This ambitious expansion plan, coupled with recent updates to its existing portfolio, underscores the group’s commitment to the South African hospitality industry.
Strategic Approach to Reach 25 Hotels by 2030
Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development for Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, shared insights into the group’s strategy for achieving its goal of 25 hotels by 2030. The plan includes:
Conversions and Franchise Opportunities: Radisson Hotel Group will prioritize conversions of existing hotels to enter the market quicker, either through management agreements or franchise models.
Strategic Collaborations: Exploring partnerships with existing management companies to expand their footprint. This could potentially introduce the Radisson Individuals brand to South Africa, offering a stepping stone for independent hotels with strong service scores to eventually transition to other Radisson core brands.
Upscale Expansion and Lifestyle Focus: The group seeks opportunities to expand its upper-upscale portfolio and enter the lifestyle luxury market in Cape Town with brands like Radisson Collection and art’otel, capitalizing on the city’s thriving tourism industry.
Significant Updates to Existing South African Portfolio
Radisson Hotel Group has also announced exciting updates to its current portfolio of hotels in South Africa, including:
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit Debuts: Marking a first for South Africa, Radisson opened its first safari hotel, the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, in February. This luxurious property offers guests an unforgettable safari experience amidst breathtaking scenery and exceptional service.
Expansion Plans in Safari and Leisure Regions: Building on the success of the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, the group plans to expand into renowned safari destinations like Kruger National Park and the Cape Winelands.
Targeting Secondary and Tertiary Cities: Following successful openings in Port Elizabeth and Polokwane, Radisson will target secondary cities with strong hotel demand like Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Durban, and East London. Additionally, they’ll explore entry into smaller towns strategically aligned with their expansion goals.
Extensive Renovations at Key Properties: Significant renovations are underway at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg, with 60% of rooms already completed. The refurbishment features modern upgrades and a focus on guest experience. The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, has also announced refurbishment plans, with the first phase expected to be completed by September 2024.
Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore Rebranding: Previously known as Park Inn Foreshore, this hotel was rebranded in April to reflect the renowned Radisson name in Cape Town. Following renovations, the hotel boasts a fresh, modern design and stunning views, along with the addition of South Africa’s first Filini restaurant and the vibrant Harald’s Rooftop Bar & Terrace.
Radisson Hotel Group’s Commitment to South Africa
“These significant updates to our South African portfolio reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the country,” said Sandra Kneubuhler, Country Director of Sales and District Director, South Africa at Radisson Hotel Group. “Our ongoing growth in the region underscores our position as a leading force in the South African hospitality industry. This is just the beginning of a series of exciting announcements for our South African portfolio and the unmatched experiences guests can expect from our hotels.”
