International hotel giant launching new 155-room serviced apartment development in popular seaside town

The Radisson Hotel Group is expanding its presence in South Africa with a new 155-room serviced apartment development in Umhlanga.

The group recently announced it has reached a significant milestone in Africa, with more than 100 hotels across the continent in operation or under development.

Radisson Blu continues to anchor the legacy footprint. At the same time, the Radisson brand is the fastest riser, supported by a strong conversion engine and a concrete pipeline that continues to translate into openings.

Over the past five years, Radisson and Radisson Blu have ranked among the most signed brands in Africa, with one of the highest cumulative opening rates.

Building on this momentum, the group has signed over 15 new hotels totalling roughly 2,500 rooms in the last 12 months, including new-market entries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe.

Priority growth markets remain South Africa, Morocco, and Nigeria, where the Group is deepening its presence and widening its brand distribution.

Conversions also remain a core lever for scale and speed. In the last five years, more than 15 hotels, totalling almost 3,000 rooms, have joined the portfolio through conversion.

This helped the group lead openings across the continent while maintaining high brand standards and keeping owners in mind.

Radisson Hotel Group’s regional chief development officer, Ramsay Rankoussi, explained that they have crossed the 100-hotel mark in Africa by staying true to their plan.

This plan entails focusing on where they can lead, moving fast on quality conversions, and partnering with owners who share the group’s ambition.

“The next phase is about depth in Morocco and Nigeria, a smarter footprint in South Africa, and a stronger resort offering that matches where travellers want to go. Our pipeline is built to open, not just to announce.”

“That is why our conversion share is high, our time to market is short, and our brands are gaining ground in the cities and resort destinations that matter most.”

The Radisson expands its South African footprint

The group said South Africa is being reshaped with priorities in Cape Town, and targeted growth in secondary cities such as Durban and Pretoria.

It is also implementing a sharper focus on leisure corridors that include Kruger National Park, Sun City, and the Garden Route.

The Radisson is also planning to open Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga, a modern serviced apartment offering in the heart of Umhlanga’s business district, in 2029.

This project will introduce 155 rooms in a newly built development within Umhlanga Ridge, one of the area’s most established commercial and lifestyle hubs.

The property will be within walking distance of Gateway Theatre of Shopping and close to major office precincts, including Umhlanga Ridge Business Park, La Lucia Office Park, and Glass House Office Park.

The project comprises studios and apartments and is designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality extended-stay accommodation in the district.

Beyond South Africa, the group is also looking to deepen its presence in two key African markets: Morocco and Nigeria.

Radisson is expanding its Moroccan footprint with three new properties designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers.

In Casablanca Bouskoura, a 119-key hotel with suites, a rooftop restaurant, a spa, a pool, and conference facilities sits beside Palm Golf, 20 km from the airport.

In Rabat’s Technopolis, a two-building hub will offer 140 hotel rooms, 56 serviced apartments, multiple dining venues, and event spaces, tapping into corporate demand from nearby education and research centres.

Meanwhile, the Radisson Blu Resort Marrakech Ben Akil, opening in early 2028, will feature 80 bungalow-style units with terraces and private pools on a 17-hectare estate near Royal Golf Marrakech.

In Nigeria, Radisson also holds a strong position, with 13 hotels in operation and three major new projects in the pipeline.

Radisson Hotel Aba, opening in 2031, will offer 120 rooms and six junior suites on a prime riverside site, with a gym, pool, and meeting rooms, marking the brand’s debut in the city.

In Yenagoa, a 196-room hotel with suites and conference facilities is planned for 2027 to serve the growing administrative and commercial hub near Bayelsa International Airport.

Meanwhile, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Lagos Atlantic, opening in 2029, will provide 107 oceanfront rooms, including executive and Presidential suites, in Victoria Island’s prime business district.