Banyan Group Announces Acquisition of Newmark Hotels, Adding 26 Hotels Across Seven African Countries

Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality company, announced a strategic partnership with Newmark Hotels & Reserves, a Cape Town-headquartered hospitality management company, and the acquisition of a majority stake in Newmark under a phased ownership structure leading to full ownership over time.

Strategic Move
- Banyan Group acquires a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, with phased ownership leading to full control.
- Newmark joins Banyan Group as a collection brand, retaining its own identity, teams, and local operating approach.

Portfolio Impact
- Newmark’s portfolio: 26 hotels, lodges, and reserves across Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
- Banyan Group’s expanded portfolio: Nearly 130 hotels, resorts, and reserves, 30+ branded residences, and 140+ spas and galleries across 28 countries.

Complementary Strengths
- Newmark: Deep regional expertise in Africa, strong owner relationships, and a diverse portfolio spanning city hotels, lodges, island retreats, and wildlife reserves.
- Banyan Group: International distribution, development, and commercial capabilities, plus a global guest recognition program (withBanyan).

Signature Properties
- QWABI Private Game Reserve (South Africa): 11,000 hectares in a UNESCO biosphere, Big Five safari.
- Motswari Private Game Reserve: Celebrating 50 years in 2026, part of Greater Kruger ecosystem.
- Gorilla Heights Lodge (Uganda): On the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas.
- Future Found Sanctuary (Cape Town): Regenerative wellness retreat on Table Mountain slopes.

Market Context
- Africa welcomed 81 million international tourists in 2025, up 8% year-on-year — the fastest growth globally.
- WTTC projects 5.4% growth in 2026 for Africa’s travel economy.
- Banyan sees Africa as a long-term growth market, with Newmark strengthening its “asset-right” model.

Leadership Voices
- Ho Kwon Ping (Banyan Founder): Praises Newmark’s entrepreneurial spirit and independence.
- Neil Markovitz (Newmark CEO): Highlights international reach while preserving local identity.
- Eddy See (Banyan CEO): Notes stronger platform for growth in Africa.
- Ho Ren Yung (Banyan Deputy CEO): Emphasizes preserving local culture and sense of place.

This partnership essentially cements Banyan Group’s footprint in Africa, combining Newmark’s local expertise with Banyan’s global reach.