Home » SENEGAL TRAVEL NEWS » IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands in West Africa with New Holiday Inn Opening in Senegal’s SD City Dakar

Friday, June 20, 2025

In an exciting development for the African hospitality sector, IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed a franchise agreement with Senegindia SA to bring the iconic Holiday Inn brand to Dakar, Senegal. The new property, Holiday Inn SD City Dakar, is scheduled to open its doors in 2027. This marks a significant step in IHG’s growth strategy in West Africa, contributing to the region’s expanding hospitality market.

The hotel will be part of the Diamniadio urban project, which is integrated within Dakar’s Sustainable Development master plan. Conveniently located within a short drive from Blaise Diagne International Airport, the Adbou Diouf International Conference Centre, and other key business and leisure destinations, Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will cater to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel promises to deliver modern amenities and services, in line with the Holiday Inn brand’s legacy, to provide a welcoming and comfortable stay for guests from across the world.

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Holiday Inn SD City Dakar: A Strategic Addition to West Africa’s Hospitality Market

Set to offer 150 rooms, Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will be located in one of Dakar’s most significant urban developments. The hotel will become part of the Diamniadio mixed-use area, a region that embodies Senegal’s ambition to become a leading business and tourism hub in West Africa. Once completed, the hotel will bring a modern hospitality experience to Senegal, offering a mix of both comfort and convenience for both business executives and tourists looking to explore the country’s vibrant culture and emerging economy.

As part of IHG’s strategic expansion in West Africa, the opening of Holiday Inn SD City Dakar signals the company’s continued investment in the region’s growing hospitality sector. The hotel is designed to cater to both local and international travelers, making it a central point for those conducting business, attending international conferences, or seeking leisure and cultural activities in Dakar.

Location and Accessibility: Perfectly Situated for Business and Leisure

The strategic location of Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will provide easy access to some of the city’s most prominent sites and infrastructure. Located just a short drive from Blaise Diagne International Airport, the hotel will be highly accessible for international visitors. Additionally, the proximity to major conference centers like the Adbou Diouf International Conference Centre and La Maison des Nations Unies makes it a prime option for those traveling to Dakar for business and corporate events.

Dakar Sports City and Diamniadio Industrial Park are other key locations within close reach, making this hotel an ideal choice for business travelers, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will be a convenient base for exploring Dakar’s historical sites and enjoying its bustling cultural scene, including local attractions, museums, and art galleries.

The Holiday Inn Brand: A Trusted Name in Hospitality

Renowned globally as one of the world’s most trusted and recognized hotel brands, Holiday Inn continues to evolve with a focus on guest satisfaction and innovative services. With over 1,200 hotels and resorts worldwide, the Holiday Inn brand is known for providing comfortable and affordable accommodations that cater to a diverse range of travelers.

Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will feature the next-generation Open Lobby concept, a flexible, inviting space where guests can work, dine, or unwind. This innovative design concept has been created to cater to the changing needs of modern travelers, combining both functionality and comfort in a stylish environment.

Guests will enjoy access to modern amenities, including high-speed internet, on-site dining options, a fitness center, and spacious event and meeting facilities. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will offer a personalized and enjoyable experience with the trusted service that Holiday Inn is known for worldwide.

A Growing Partnership: IHG and Senegindia SA

The collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Senegindia SA is a pivotal step in furthering the development of Senegal’s hospitality sector. Haitham Mattar, the Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts IMEA, expressed his enthusiasm about the new venture: “Bringing Holiday Inn to SD City Dakar with Senegindia SA is an exciting new chapter for IHG Hotels & Resorts. Senegal is a key destination in West Africa, and with increased government investment in infrastructure and tourism, we see a wealth of opportunities to serve both business and leisure travelers in this vibrant city.”

This partnership also highlights Senegindia SA’s commitment to driving Senegal’s urban growth and creating modern, connected destinations that cater to the needs of both locals and global travelers. A spokesperson from Senegindia SA remarked: “We are proud to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the renowned Holiday Inn brand to Dakar. This development represents a significant milestone in Senegal’s hospitality landscape, reinforcing our vision of creating a modern and forward-thinking urban destination.”

The Impact of Holiday Inn SD City Dakar on Senegal’s Tourism Sector

The opening of Holiday Inn SD City Dakar is expected to have a transformative impact on Senegal’s growing tourism industry. As the capital city, Dakar is already a key hub for business travelers, diplomats, and international tourists, and the addition of a global brand like Holiday Inn will further cement its status as a regional tourism center.

Tourism in Senegal has been on the rise, with Dakar increasingly becoming a focal point for cultural and leisure travelers. The country is known for its rich heritage, vibrant festivals, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Gorée Island. The new hotel will cater to the increasing demand for quality accommodations and will provide guests with easy access to the city’s famous beaches, cultural landmarks, and outdoor experiences.

IHG’s Growth Strategy in Africa: Expanding Across the Continent

The opening of Holiday Inn SD City Dakar is part of IHG’s strategic expansion across the African continent. With over 6,600 hotels in more than 100 countries, IHG is committed to growing its presence in Africa, where the demand for quality accommodations is growing rapidly. The company currently operates 12 hotels across the African continent and continues to look for opportunities to expand into key markets.

In addition to expanding in West Africa, IHG also has plans to increase its footprint in other regions of Africa, including East Africa and Southern Africa, as the demand for both business and leisure travel continues to rise. Holiday Inn SD City Dakar is expected to be a cornerstone in IHG’s growth strategy in Africa, helping the company establish a stronger presence in the West African market.

The Holiday Inn Experience: What to Expect at SD City Dakar

Once open, Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will offer guests a range of comfortable and contemporary features, ensuring that the hotel is well-suited for a variety of travelers. The Open Lobby concept will provide a dynamic space that caters to business guests who need a place to work, as well as those seeking a relaxing environment to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing or meetings.

The hotel’s guest rooms will be designed with modern comfort in mind, featuring spacious layouts, high-quality bed linens, and innovative technology to enhance the guest experience. Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will also offer a variety of dining options, including an all-day restaurant serving both local and international cuisine.

For those hosting events or meetings, the hotel will provide modern facilities equipped with the latest technology, making it an ideal location for corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Additionally, guests can enjoy the convenience of an on-site fitness center and business center, ensuring that both business and leisure needs are met with ease.

Looking Forward: A Promising Future for Holiday Inn SD City Dakar

The opening of Holiday Inn SD City Dakar in 2027 marks a pivotal moment in Senegal’s hospitality sector. The country’s growing tourism and business markets, coupled with IHG’s commitment to providing world-class hospitality, makes this development an exciting opportunity for both locals and international visitors.

With its modern amenities, convenient location, and world-renowned service, Holiday Inn SD City Dakar will provide guests with a comfortable and memorable stay in Dakar while helping to drive Senegal’s tourism forward. The hotel will be a key player in Senegal’s future, catering to a wide range of travelers and helping to solidify Dakar’s position as a leading destination in West Africa.

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