Accor signs its first properties in Djibouti with three different brands

Accor is expanding its presence in Africa after signing a management agreement with Kamak Investment to manage its first properties in Djibouti.

As part of its ongoing development strategy to expand its presence in sub-Saharan Africa, Accor sets foot in Djibouti for the first time, with the launch of three hotels under three different brands, namely Pullman Living, Novotel and MGallery.

The group is collaborating with Kamaj Investments. Initially created as a real estate agency, the founder, Houssein Mahamdoud Robleh has diversified his business activities over the years to cover a variety of sectors including security, maintenance, temporary work and printing.

Over the past eight years, the Kamaj Group has expanded its real estate focus and has invested in the central market of Riyadh of which it is a private concessionaire and has acquired two hotels.

“We could not think of a better partner than Accor to help us renovate and manage the two properties and extended stay project in Djibouti City,” says Houssein Mahamdoud Robleh, founder of Kamaj Investments. We understand that there is a huge need for new hotel investment in Djibouti and Accor’s knowledge and experience as a global hospitality leader will help us achieve our goals. “

Located in the city of Djibouti, the properties will share the location with the port of Djibouti, strategically located at the crossroads of one of the world’s trade routes, connecting Europe, the Far East, the Horn of Africa and the Persian Gulf , making it the busiest waterway in the region.

“This is a development that we are very excited about as Djibouti is an attractive destination for business travelers and has a central geostrategic location thanks to its port,” says Mark Willis CEO of Accor Middle East and Africa. “This will be a first step for us in Djibouti and we look forward to being part of the overall development of the country.”

Located in the center of Djibouti, Accor plans to open the first Pullman Living project in 2023, a new construction project with 131 keys in one, two and three bedroom apartments. The property will be located in the heron district, close to the new free trade zone, embassies and high-end residential neighborhoods.

Also in the heron district, after the renovation, the existing property of Les Accacias, active since 2012. The project should be completed in 2022, after the renovation with the extension of 40 keys, for a total of 110 rooms.

This property will also represent the first mid-scale brand hotel in the node, where guests will be able to enjoy the open-air restaurant and café, a swimming pool, fitness center and gym.

The third project will involve the conversion of a historic building which will be transformed into a 50-key hotel by 2022. This new MGallery will be located in the CBD district and across the ministries. As with every MGallery property around the world, MGallery “Plein Ciel” will tell a unique story inspired by the destination, offering travelers a restaurant, café, inner courtyard, swimming pool, fitness center and gym, meeting and conference facilities. .

“The opening of these three properties promises to revolutionize the country’s hospitality landscape. To date, there are only 2 branded hotels in Djibouti and Accor will introduce three new brands to the country. The strategic location of the properties close to the Heron District and the CBD, and the natural strategic position offered by the country, combined with the demand for premium and mid-eco accommodation, should certainly have an impact on travel flows within the country ” Willis adds.

Accor’s portfolio in Africa currently includes 163 properties (26,250 keys) with an additional 81 hotels (15,989 keys) in its development pipeline, increasing its presence to 25 different brands.

With the completion of these three projects, Accor will manage a total of 291 keys in Djibouti by 2023.