Marriott estimates its development pipeline through 2023 represents up to $8bn of investment from property owners and is expected to generate over 20,000 new jobs across the region.

“Our growth across the Middle East and Africa is fuelled by a strong demand for our diverse range of well-established brands, each offering different attributes that cater to this region’s ever-changing and evolving marketplace,” said Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. 

“This region continues to present us with opportunities to further grow and enhance our portfolio across new and established markets. While the majority of our growth will be through new-builds, we are seeing an increasing number of conversion opportunities, especially in the luxury space.”

Year-to-date, the company has opened five new properties in the region and is expected to add 14 more – bringing its portfolio across the Middle East and Africa to nearly 270 properties and over 60,000 rooms – by the end of the year.

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According to the group, this move gives the hotel an advantage in the groups market, particularly in the heart of the Cape Town, which hosts a large number of conferences every year.

“We have been fielding an increasing number of requests for more twin rooms, with more local and international conferences and events being drawn to Cape Town than ever before,” says Mark Wernich, Taj Cape Town’s General Manager. “Doubling our twin capacity allows us to meet the demand for luxury accommodation for larger groups, while maintaining our superior service levels.”