Infinity Developments, a Zanzibar-based developer, has acquired the Beit Al Salaam Hotel in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a multi-billion-shilling transaction. This acquisition expands the company's presence in Zanzibar's hospitality and real estate market, adding a heritage property to its growing portfolio of tourism-related investments. The company's existing investments in Zanzibar include Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences.

The Beit Al Salaam Hotel is a boutique heritage hotel whose value is linked to its historic architecture and location within one of Zanzibar's main cultural and tourism centres. Infinity Developments has appointed Dubai-based design firm Beyond Design to coordinate the renovation of the hotel. The refurbishment aims to upgrade the hotel's facilities while retaining elements of its historic architecture.

The acquisition and renovation of Beit Al Salaam Hotel form part of Infinity's wider investment strategy covering hospitality, residential, mixed-use, and heritage developments. The company has a portfolio that includes the restoration of Caravan Sarai and the ongoing restoration of the Old Fort in Stone Town. These projects demonstrate Infinity's commitment to preserving Zanzibar's cultural heritage while promoting tourism and economic growth.

Infinity Developments is currently selecting an internationally recognised hotel management company to operate Beit Al Salaam after renovations are completed. The company said its development portfolio across Zanzibar, Mainland Tanzania, and the United Arab Emirates is valued at about $600 million, spanning hospitality, residential, and mixed-use projects.

The investment in Beit Al Salaam Hotel comes as Zanzibar continues to expand its tourism sector and attract capital into accommodation, real estate, and heritage properties. Increased investment in hotel infrastructure in Stone Town could strengthen the area's capacity to capture spending from visitors seeking accommodation close to Zanzibar's cultural and historical attractions.

The Beit Al Salaam deal adds another established Stone Town property to an expanding pool of private investment in Zanzibar's tourism infrastructure. The renovation and subsequent operation of the hotel are expected to determine its contribution to the island's accommodation market. This development is part of a larger trend of growing investment in Zanzibar's tourism sector.

The successful execution of this project could have a positive impact on Zanzibar's economy and tourism industry. With its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Zanzibar is well-positioned to attract more visitors and investors. Infinity Developments' investment in Beit Al Salaam Hotel is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Key points

  • Infinity Developments acquires Beit Al Salaam Hotel in a multi-billion-shilling deal
  • The hotel will undergo renovation to upgrade facilities while retaining historic architecture
  • The acquisition adds to Infinity's growing portfolio of tourism-related investments in Zanzibar

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.