Africa Travel 2026: Preferred Hotels & Resorts Introduces Eleven New Luxury Stays

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Preferred Hotels & Resorts is making a major investment in Africa’s hospitality industry, unveiling an ambitious expansion plan that increases its footprint on the continent. The brand has added 11 new luxury properties to its portfolio, bringing its total number of member hotels and resorts in Africa to 37, spanning across nine nations. This strategic move highlights the growing confidence in Africa’s tourism potential, further positioning the continent as a key destination for international luxury travel.

This expansion is a significant development for the African hospitality market, offering fresh opportunities for travel professionals looking to promote high-end experiences to international clients. With new openings in diverse destinations ranging from South Africa to Egypt, this portfolio growth represents a substantial leap for Preferred Hotels & Resorts in one of the world’s most dynamic tourism regions.

A Strong Performance for African Hotels: Record Increases in Bookings and Revenue

The surge in Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ African portfolio is not only indicative of the company’s commitment to the region but also reflects broader trends in Africa’s tourism recovery. According to internal performance metrics, the region has seen a 32% increase in bookings, accompanied by a 55% rise in room nights sold. More impressively, revenue has surged by 73%, and average daily rates have increased by 12%.

These figures illustrate that international travelers are not only visiting Africa in greater numbers but are also willing to spend more on high-quality, luxury travel experiences. This growing demand for upscale tourism is in line with broader global trends where luxury travelers increasingly seek authentic and immersive experiences over traditional resort holidays. For travel professionals, these numbers signal that African destinations are gaining traction among wealthy travelers who prioritize unique and enriching travel experiences.

Expanding Across Africa: New Properties in Key Markets

The expansion of Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Africa spans a broad geographic range, with new properties in established markets such as South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco, as well as emerging destinations like Niger and Equatorial Guinea. Between late 2025 and early 2026, the brand introduced 11 new properties, including both brand-new hotels and five luxury Nile River cruise vessels, which represent a key part of the offering.

In South Africa, the portfolio continues to grow, with the Last Word Makanyane set to open in the Madikwe Game Reserve in July 2026. This exclusive property features eight suites with river views, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience Big Five game viewing. Meanwhile, in Zanzibar, ENVI Paje promises an eco-conscious, barefoot luxury experience on the tranquil southeast coast, with 22 villas designed to immerse guests in nature. In Kenya, the Lion in the Sun Boutique Hotel and Spa on the Malindi coast adds a touch of Swahili charm, offering intimate wellness-focused retreats in a serene setting.

Nile River Cruises and Expanding Residences: A Diverse Luxury Offering

Among the most exciting additions are the five Nile River cruise vessels operating between Luxor and Aswan in Egypt. These vessels offer a range of luxury experiences from contemporary floating hotels to more traditional, intimate dahabiyas. For travelers looking to explore Egypt in comfort and style, these riverboat experiences offer a unique way to witness the wonders of the ancient world while enjoying world-class amenities.

Additionally, the residences category has expanded with exclusive-use properties designed for private groups seeking an unhurried, bespoke experience. Notably, the Owloon Manor House in the Cape Winelands offers a ten-bedroom estate with private chef services and customized wellness programs. Similarly, Yellowwood Cottage, located in the West Coast National Park, offers a secluded coastal retreat perfect for nature lovers.

A Focus on Regional Strengths: South Africa, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean Islands

The new properties strategically complement regional travel patterns and demand across Africa. South Africa remains a powerhouse in the African tourism market, with strong international leisure demand for destinations such as Cape Town, the Kruger region, and the Western Cape. As the meetings and incentives segment continues its recovery, luxury hotels in these regions are well-positioned to capitalize on growing demand from business travelers.

East Africa remains a popular hub for safari enthusiasts, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda drawing increasing numbers of travelers from European and North American markets. The combination of new luxury properties and safari-focused accommodations makes these destinations even more attractive for tourists seeking the ultimate wildlife experiences.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ocean Islands, including Mauritius and the Seychelles, continue to be in high demand for luxury beach extensions to African safaris. These destinations are often packaged together for travelers seeking a combination of thrilling wildlife encounters and relaxing beach stays.

Leveraging Training, Partnerships, and Commercial Opportunities

Celeste Vogel, Account Director for Africa at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, underscored the commercial opportunity this expanded portfolio presents for regional travel businesses. The brand’s strong trade engagement ensures that travel agents and tour operators benefit not only from access to these new properties but also from training support, competitive commission structures, and integration with global sales and marketing channels.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is also committed to supporting the African travel trade through ongoing initiatives. The brand is actively participating in major events such as Africa’s Travel Indaba in May, a Southern African roadshow in June, and a West African showcase in Lagos later in the year. These engagements will help agents stay informed about the latest offerings and give them the tools to market the expanded portfolio to their clients.

The Luxury Travel Shift: Shaping Future African Tourism

The growing demand for luxury travel in Africa is an important trend to watch. With travelers increasingly seeking meaningful, authentic experiences, the appeal of African destinations like South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt is expected to continue rising. For travel professionals, the expansion of Preferred Hotels & Resorts represents a valuable opportunity to promote a range of exclusive, high-end offerings that cater to the growing appetite for immersive, culturally rich travel experiences.

In an increasingly competitive market, partnering with globally recognized yet independently spirited hotel networks like Preferred Hotels & Resorts can help differentiate businesses and provide clients with unique and high-quality options.

Conclusion: Preferred Hotels & Resorts Leads Africa’s Luxury Travel Expansion

Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ expansion in Africa reflects both the brand’s commitment to the continent’s tourism potential and the growing appeal of luxury travel to international visitors. With its diverse portfolio of properties across South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and beyond, the brand is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of African tourism.

For travel professionals, the 2026 expansion offers new opportunities to craft bespoke, luxury itineraries for discerning travelers. As Africa’s tourism industry continues to evolve, the continued growth of high-end offerings will play a key role in attracting visitors from around the globe, positioning the continent as a premier destination for those seeking authentic, world-class experiences.