Global hospitality giant BWH Hotels doubles down on Africa with new openings, record pipeline growth and active participation at FHS Africa 2026
BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise behind WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels, has reaffirmed its commitment to Africa, citing strong market momentum and rising investor confidence as key drivers for expansion across the continent. The announcement coincides with the group’s planned participation at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa, taking place from 31 March to 1 April 2026, where the company will contribute to discussions on investment, sustainable growth, and the future of African travel.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Wytze van den Berg, VP international operations, BWH Hotels, highlighted the continent’s growing appeal to investors. “Investor confidence comes with predictability. While the world is filled with uncertainties, we are seeing growing trust and confidence across many African countries. The continent’s future projected tourism numbers are promising and reinforce investor appetite across key markets,” he said.
The company singled out Morocco and Egypt as the continent’s fastest-growing development markets. Over the past year, BWH Hotels has signed more than 25 new pipeline properties in Morocco and is actively pursuing an additional dozen projects in Egypt. These expansions are part of a broader strategy to diversify the brand’s portfolio, spanning upscale, upper-midscale, and soft-branded luxury properties.
“The momentum in Northern Africa is remarkable. These two markets are rapidly accelerating and represent major growth engines for our brand family across Africa,” van den Berg said.
BWH Hotels plans four new hotel openings in 2026, reinforcing its footprint in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. In Nigeria, the Best Western Premier McDons Skye Hotel in Owerri and the Best Western Plus Ambience Hotel Ikeja in Lagos mark significant investments in upscale and upper-midscale segments.
The McDons Skye Hotel features a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, flexible meeting spaces with advanced AV facilities, modern guestrooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with an outdoor pool. The Ambience Hotel, strategically located near Lagos’ business hubs and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, offers ergonomic rooms, high-speed connectivity, and a restaurant serving both international and Nigerian cuisine.
“These openings underscore our long-term investment in Africa and our mission to deliver high-quality accommodations in fast-growing destinations,” van den Berg said.
BWH Hotels’ expansion reflects confidence in African tourism and business travel. Ethiopia, Tanzania, Egypt, and Morocco have emerged as particularly attractive markets, driven by regional stability, increasing inbound travel, and pipeline development.
At FHS Africa 2026, BWH Hotels aims to engage investors, developers, and industry leaders on sustainable hotel growth, brand diversification, and long-term travel demand, reinforcing the continent’s central role in the group’s global strategy.
“Africa continues to be a priority region for BWH Hotels. We look forward to contributing our insights and strengthening partnerships across the continent to ensure the region’s hospitality sector remains on a growth trajectory,” van den Berg concluded.
