TUI Group, a tourism group headquartered in Germany, has announced plans to broaden its hotel business in Sub-Saharan Africa, building on its strong presence in North Africa where it currently operates 76 hotels.

 The expansion includes the introduction of eight new hotels across Cape Verde, The Gambia, Senegal, Tanzania, and Kenya, marking significant growth in the south of the continent.

The group is also launching the Mora luxury brand this year, starting with The Mora Zanzibar, which promises contemporary luxury and tailored services.

TUI Blue managing director Artur Gerber said, "With our variety of hotel brands, we will create new hotel experiences in Africa for different target groups – from price-conscious holidays in a TUI Suneo hotel via our global brand TUI Blue to a new luxury experience with The Mora. We are looking forward to contributing to the development of the African hospitality industry and working together with local communities."

In addition to The Mora, TUI Blue is planning a new project in East Africa. The TUI BLUE Watamu, a hotel with 117 rooms, will be located in Kilifi County along the Indian Ocean and will be the first TUI Blue hotel in Kenya. The project is being developed in partnership with Sands of Darakasi Resorts.

TUI Blue head of global development Wesam Okasha said: "This project is a great example of how we share our expertise as a leading leisure hotel brand with partners and jointly develop new hotels on the African continent for our guests.

"In collaboration with Valor Hospitality Partners, we are currently looking for further franchise opportunities who want to become part of our growth strategy."

TUI Group's focus in East Africa is on key destinations such as Mauritius, Tanzania, and Kenya. The company's current portfolio in Africa includes more than 90 hotels with over 30,000 rooms across seven countries.

In February 2024, TUI Group formed an alliance with Spain-based hotel chain Sercotel to expand its tours and activities sector.