Accor is currently working on an ambitious East Africa expansion project, one which has gained momentum as of late with the company raising its first MGallery flag in Nairobi.
The design-led boutique hotel will soon open for guests in the city’s affluent Gigiri district, where its presence will strengthen the company’s footprint within Kenya, East Africa’s economic hub.
This is just the latest move by the world-leading augmented hospitality group to develop its positioning in the region.
“We have set our sights on strategic portfolio growth, targeting Africa’s key gateway cities, and have identified Nairobi, regarded as East Africa’s economic, financial and transport hub, as one of our priority markets for development,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Accor Middle East & Africa.
“Partnering with Jit Group not only cements our leadership presence in the city but provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase our distinct and design-focused MGallery brand in the prestigious diplomatic district where demand for premium accommodation and facilities is growing at a rapid pace,” Mr Willis elaborated.
ACCOR IN EAST AFRICA
The group has partnered with one of the region’s leading conglomerates — Jit Group.
They will be helping with the launch of the 105-key MGallery Gigiri, which will be yet another premium design-led boutique hotel.
Gigiri is the vibrant city’s diplomatic district, which is close to the United Nations’ Africa headquarters, as well as near major NGOs and international embassies.
The property currently has a scheduled opening date in the first quarter of 2021. When it debuts, it will grow Accor’s footprint in Nairobi to five properties, with three other hotels operating under the Fairmont, ibis Styles and Mövenpick brands. The city’s first Pullman property is also on track to open by the end of the year.
The group’s Kenyan portfolio also includes the Fairmont Nairobi, Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.
Jigar Patel at Jit Group added: “Gigiri is the jewel in Nairobi’s crown, home to the UN, major embassies and a large international expatriate community. By collaborating with Accor to launch Kenya’s first MGallery in this high-profile precinct, our vision is to create a sought-after business and leisure destination with a boutique flavour for visitors and residents with discerning tastes.”
THE MGALLERY GIGIRI
When it makes its debut, the MGallery Gigiri will feature 105 rooms and suites, four restaurants, including an all-day dining venue, a signature dining experience, a pool bar and a rooftop restaurant and bar, meeting rooms and a business centre and wellness facilities including a gym, pool and spa.
The location is arguably the property’s primary asset. With a prime location on Gigiri’s Limuru Road, 8km from Westlands, 10km from Nairobi’s city centre and close to Village Market, a major shopping, recreation and entertainment complex currently under expansion, it will appeal to UN and NGO delegates, consultants and contractors, as well as diplomats, leisure visitors and the local community.
Raising the MGallery flag in Kenya adds further momentum to Accor’s expansion plans in Africa where it is the leading and longest-serving hotel operator with more than 25,493 rooms across 158 properties in 22 countries and a pipeline of 10,744 rooms in 46 hotels.
It is on track to open 7 hotels in Africa in 2019 alone and 17 more in 2020. Properties in the MGallery collection are known for their original design and are memorable for the unique stories they tell.
MGallery Gigiri will be no exception. With striking architecture, sleek interiors and a futuristic edge, MGallery Gigiri is destined to become a modern landmark in the heart of Nairobi.
Source: Saint Ange Tourism Report
