The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group will add another Radisson Blu hotel in Ethiopia, in the city of Bishoftu.
The newly constructed Radisson Blu will open in 2020.
Carlson Rezidor has been operating a Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa since 2011 and plans to open its second Blu in the city within the next 18 months.
“Ethiopia is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with a population of more than 100 million people.
“We are further cementing our position as one of the leading hotel groups in Africa and look forward to continuing our expansion on the continent, and delighted to add our third Radisson Blu hotel in Ethiopia,” said Andrew McLachlan, senior vice president of business development, Africa & Indian Ocean for the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
“We are thankful to our partners for their trust in our brand and people – and look forward to our long-standing relationship,” added McLachlan.
Bishoftu is a popular MICE and leisure destination within Ethiopia.
It is located 35-kilometre south-east of the country’s capital city, Addis Ababa.
It is also within easy access of the country’s first international five-lane highway, leading from Addis Ababa to Djibouti.
The hotel will be located on Lake Babogaya, which forms part of the region’s renowned five crater lakes.
“Radisson Blu Hotel, Bishoftu is a great addition to our Ethiopian portfolio as we expand outside of the capital city.
“Once open, the hotel will be the first internationally branded hotel with the largest meeting and events centre in Ethiopia, outside of Addis Ababa,” added McLachlan.
The 152-room Radisson Blu hotel will have a restaurant and terrace, a specialty restaurant and a pool bar on the terrace, offering picturesque lake views.
The 1,045 sqm meeting and events spaces will include a state-of-the-art ballroom and six contemporary meeting rooms.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bishoftu will also offer a luxurious spa and well-equipped gym.
“I believe and share the aspiration of the regional government of Oromia and other stakeholders that the hotel will contribute into making Bishoftu a tourist destination city,” commented Sami Getachew, general manager of Adulita Conference & Spa Resort Hotel, the owners of the property.
“The hotel will also play a pivotal role in making Bishoftu another alternative to Addis Ababa for MICE related conferences and events in combination to the existing hotels and resorts in the city.
“I also believe that together with Rezidor’s extensive experience in the hospitality sector and their full support, we will successfully open the hotel by 2020.”