The Africa Travel Association has announced today that Marriott International, Inc. has joined the thirty-seven year old global organization as a corporate member.

With sub-Saharan Africa continuing to weather the global economic downturn and the continent being home to more than a handful of the fastest growing economies in the world, Marriot International is continuing to invest in Africa. Currently, the company has plans for a new hotel in Rwanda, two new hotels in Ethiopia and one in Ghana. Both Ethiopia and Ghana are long-time ATA member countries.

“Marriott International’s expansion to the African continent represents Africa’s strong investment opportunities” said Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director. “By building hotels on the continent, Marriott International is positioned to help grow and strengthen Africa’s tourism industry by bringing new revenue into the market. ”

Marriott International is focusing its growth on Ethiopia, Benin, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda, with a number of new properties scheduled to open over the next five years.

Africa Travel Association, www.africatravelassociation.org

Marriott International, www.marriott.com