TUI Adds Hotels in Africa as Travelers Look Beyond Europe
Photo Credit: Rendering of Riu Palace Swahili, Zanzibar, Tanzania. TUI Group
Skift Take
Africa’s hotel boom is real thanks to growing demand for alternatives to overtourism, and TUI’s expansion signals confidence. But the long-term test will be whether TUI can convert pipeline optimism into actual openings.
TUI Group is placing bets in sub-Saharan destinations as it looks beyond its traditional North African strongholds to find alternatives to some European hotspots facing overtourism.
The company recently announced the addition of seven hotels across Africa, including the recently opened TUI Blue Tamala in The Gambia and new developments in Zanzibar.
The additions bring its total portfolio on the continent to 106 properties across nine countries. Until recently, the group’s Africa portfolio was heavily concentrated in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.
“North Africa has been a TUI stronghold for hotels for years,” Peter Krueger, CEO of Holiday Experiences at TUI Group, told Skift. “With increasing political stability, the whole African continent is now becoming a very attractive investment destination for new hotels.”
Alternative to Overt
