Nasdaq-listed hotel operator Marriott International will be opening two new branded Marriott properties — a hotel and an executive apartment complex — in Johannesburg’s Melrose Arch precinct in February next year.

The president and MD of Marriott Middle East and Africa, Alex Kyriakidis, said yesterday that despite the brand having had a presence on the continent for the past 35 years, it had not been represented in SA and wanted to “plant its own brand” here because the South African market was unique.

Marriott will partner with property developer and owner of the Melrose Arch Precinct, the Amdec property group, for the project, which will include a 150 room hotel and an executive apartment complex consisting of 200 units.

De Wet Schutte, of Avior Capital Markets, said SA was mostly a business and government travel market. As long as the economy grew, the demand for hotel rooms should remain buoyant, he said.