Wyndham Hotel Group Opens First Hotel in Eastern Africa

First hotel on African continent to be operated by Wyndham Hotel Group under management contract, complementing the company’s existing franchised portfolio

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, April 21, 2015/ -- Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company based on number of hotels and one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN), today announced the opening of the 139-room Ramada® Resort Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. 

Complementing Wyndham Hotel Group’s existing portfolio of franchised properties in Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria and Tunisia, the hotel marks not only the company’s expansion into Eastern Africa, but is the  first property within the greater continent to be operated via the company’s growing management division.

“The opening of Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam is of significant strategic importance for us,” commented Dan Ruff, Wyndham Hotel Group’s president and managing director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean. “Given the increasing demand for quality, internationally-branded accommodation in Eastern Africa, as well as our commitment to getting closer to our guests and our customers through the expansion of our managed property division, it is a key milestone in our regional growth.”

“With exceptional facilities and a stunning beachfront location, Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam sets a new standard within Tanzania’s midscale segment and we look forward to extending a warm Ramada welcome to our first guests,” Ruff added.

Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam offers 139 rooms and suites including 117 superior rooms with a choice of ocean or garden views, 21 executive suites, and one presidential suite. All rooms have an interactive flat screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and walk-in shower or bathtub. Tinga-tinga artwork adds local flavour and a sense of East African spirit.

Extensive leisure facilities include a swimming pool and state-of-the-art rooftop gym, as well as direct access to the white sands of Jangwani Beach. Those looking to host a conference or event have the choice of seven meeting rooms, catering for up to 375 guests and five food and beverage outlets serving a range of African and international cuisines. 

Throughout the construction of the hotel, which began in 2009, significant emphasis has been placed on sustainability. Key initiatives include treating and reusing 100 per cent of all waste water, solar-powered water heating, innovative LED lighting systems and beach protection measures to prevent erosion of the hotel’s private beach. In addition, the hotel plans to produce compost from food waste, which will be used to grow vegetables for the hotel’s restaurants in a roof top vegetable garden.

Mr. Murtaza Fazal, owner of the Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam, commented, "I am delighted to have signed a long-term management agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company. I am also proud to be the first investor in Eastern Africa to introduce the well-known Ramada brand to the market. I feel sure that our new resort property on the beautiful Jangwani Beach will quickly become a popular destination for local and international tourists and business visitors alike, thanks to its attractive location, elegant architecture and excellent facilities.” 

“I am also especially gratified to be a pioneer in the introduction of many 'green' energy-saving hotel features that will help protect the environment, and will hopefully set a precedent for other African hotel owners to follow," Fazal added. 

Guests staying at Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam who are members of Wyndham Rewards®, Ramada’s free-to-join guest loyalty programme, can earn valuable points during their stay. Points may be redeemed for a wide variety of reward options including free hotel stays, air travel, gift cards for leading retailers and more. Information is available at www.wyndhamrewards.com.