Global Hospitality Leader Bets on Kenyan Market Amid Tourism Surge

Global hospitality giant Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, that it has signed an agreement with AVA Hotel Limited to open the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel in Sub-Saharan Africa, located in Nairobi’s affluent Lavington suburb. The move marks a significant vote of confidence in Kenya's vibrant hospitality sector, which has seen tourism earnings and international arrivals soar to new heights.

The new property, named Ava Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will be Hilton's fifth hotel in Kenya and is part of a broader strategic expansion across the continent. The deal was announced as one of three new Tapestry Collection signings in Africa, alongside hotels in Rwanda and South Africa. Hilton plans to nearly triple its presence in Africa to over 160 hotels in the coming years, according to a statement from the company.

"With its beautiful scenery, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, Africa's travel and tourism industry is experiencing significant momentum," said Carlos Khneisser, Hilton's Chief Development Officer for the Middle East & Africa, in a statement released on Friday. "We are excited to introduce our lifestyle brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, to Sub-Saharan Africa... bringing authentic, contemporary stays to the growing number of travellers visiting Africa each year."

A Boutique Addition to Nairobi's Competitive Hotel Scene

The Ava Hotel Nairobi will feature 91 guest rooms, meeting spaces, a rooftop bar and restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. The hotel's design is intended to blend bold, contemporary aesthetics with nods to Kenyan heritage, catering to the growing demand for unique, experience-driven travel. The property will be managed by Dubai-based Aleph Hospitality, which now operates five hotels in Kenya. The precise opening date in 2025 remains to be confirmed. DETAILS UNCONFIRMED.

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, commented on the partnership, stating, "We are honoured to have been entrusted with the management of AVA Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and proud to introduce Kenya's first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel."

The hotel's location in Lavington, approximately 45 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), positions it to attract both high-end leisure and business travellers seeking proximity to the Central Business District in a more serene environment.

Investment Aligns with Kenya's Tourism Boom

Hilton's investment comes as Kenya's tourism sector demonstrates a powerful recovery and robust growth. According to the Tourism Sector Performance Report 2024, released by the Tourism Research Institute, Kenya registered a record 2.39 million international arrivals in 2024, a 14.7% increase from the previous year. Tourism earnings surged by 19.79% to KES 452.2 billion in the same period.

The positive trend is reflected in accommodation metrics. Total bed-nights occupancy grew by 16% in 2024 to nearly 10 million, with international bed occupancy increasing by 20%. In Nairobi specifically, high-class hotels saw occupancy grow by 20.7% in 2024. The government projects that Kenya will attract 3 million international visitors in 2025, with potential earnings reaching KES 560 billion.

This growth is attracting significant global interest. A March 2024 report from W Hospitality Group noted that Kenya has 31 new hotels with 4,268 rooms in the development pipeline. This influx of international brands is intensifying competition but also broadening the range of offerings for visitors, from large-scale conference hotels to the boutique, lifestyle-oriented experience promised by the Tapestry Collection.

While the increased supply presents challenges, the sustained growth in visitor numbers and government investment in infrastructure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities are expected to bolster the sector. Hilton's strategic placement of its unique Tapestry brand in Nairobi underscores a calculated move to capture a specific, high-value segment of this expanding market, betting on continued economic stability and Kenya's enduring appeal as a premier global destination.