Sarovar Hotels expects its new hotel in Uganda to stabilise in the coming months and remains optimistic about overall growth from its Africa business despite Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo.
The chain is banking on domestic and intra-Africa travel for growth as international demand remains muted due to travel advisories and restrictions.
Sarovar Hotels opened a 90-kes property under the Portico brand at Kampala in Uganda last month. This is the chain’s 4th property in Africa. It also runs hotels in Kenya, Zambia and Somaliland.
“While Uganda is witnessing a temporary impact on international travel sentiment, the hospitality sector remains optimistic about recovery driven by resilient domestic demand and the industry’s adaptive approach,” a Sarovar Hotels spokesperson said.
He said In the short term, international corporate travel and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segments may experience softer demand, with occupancy levels seeing a temporary moderation of around 15–25 per cent. “At the same time, we continue to see encouraging demand from domestic travellers and intra-African business and leisure movements, which are helping sustain overall market activity across the region,” he said.
“The sector has consistently demonstrated its ability to rebound strongly, and with proactive health measures, transparent communication, and traveller confidence gradually returning, the market is expected to stabilise steadily in the coming months,” he added.
Domestic footprint
Sarovar has 150 hotels spread across 90 destinations in India, Nepal and Africa. Last month it also opened properties in Bhubaneswar and Kota. These are among the 20-plus hotels openings planned in CY 2026.
While the chain has strong focus in midscale segment it is also adding properties in upscale segment under the Royal Tulip brand. It has also forayed into branded residences segment with signings in Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. The chain will rely on asset light and management contract model in branded residences space, it has said.