Banyan Group, the independent, Singapore-listed hotel group, has announced a strategic partnership with Newmark Hotels & Reserves, the Cape Town-based hotel management company, together with the acquisition of a majority stake under a phased ownership structure ultimately leading to full ownership.
Under the agreement, Newmark joins Banyan Group as a collection brand, bringing a managed portfolio of 26 hotels, lodges and reserves across seven countries: Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The brand, its teams and its local operating approach will be retained, preserving the market knowledge and long-standing relationships that have underpinned the company’s success.
With the addition of Newmark Collection, Banyan Group’s portfolio will grow to nearly 130 hotels, resorts and reserves, more than 30 branded residences and over 140 spas and galleries, spanning 14 hotel and residential brands across 28 countries.
An alliance between two independent visions of hospitality
“We welcome Newmark into Banyan Group in the belief that the business it has built in Africa rests on strong foundations and a genuine entrepreneurial spirit. We recognise in Newmark many of the qualities that have shaped Banyan Group since its founding: independence of thought, a long-term vision and a determination to build something distinctive,” said Ho Kwon Ping, founder and executive chairman of Banyan Group.
Neil Markovitz, founder and managing director of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, noted that the company has built its business over nearly two decades “through strong teams, trusted relationships with owners and partners, and a portfolio in which every property retains its own identity.” According to him, joining Banyan Group gives Newmark “greater international reach and access to a broader network of expertise, while preserving what has made it successful.”
Newmark: a hospitality story rooted in Cape Town
Neil Markovitz has worked in Cape Town’s hospitality industry since 1990, having notably served as general manager of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel. Housed in a converted 1904 warehouse overlooking Cape Town’s harbour and Table Mountain, this property was the first to open within the V&A Waterfront before becoming one of the founding properties of the Newmark portfolio, established in 2007.
The collection today spans from Cape Town, at the foot of Table Mountain, to Victoria Falls, two of the continent’s most iconic natural landmarks, taking in some of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes along the way. The portfolio combines heritage and urban hotels, nature and countryside lodges, island retreats and private game reserves.
In South Africa’s Waterberg region, QWABI Private Game Reserve covers 11,000 hectares within a UNESCO-listed biosphere, combining Big Five safari experiences with the regeneration of land once used for farming. This same Waterberg region is also home to OKU Hotels’ recent investment, underscoring the area’s growing appeal to international hotel capital. In the Greater Kruger ecosystem, Motswari Private Game Reserve, part of the Newmark portfolio since 2013, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. Further north, Gorilla Heights Lodge borders Uganda’s Bwindi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and refuge for mountain gorillas.
The portfolio also includes Future Found Sanctuary, a regenerative wellness retreat on the slopes of Table Mountain, alongside properties in Zanzibar and Mauritius that broaden the group’s Indian Ocean island offering.
Banyan Group accelerates its African footprint
Born from the original Banyan Tree resort in Phuket, developed on the site of a former tin mine, Banyan Group has grown over more than three decades into a global, multi-brand hotel group. The group had already posted a record pace of openings during its 30th anniversary year in 2024, and in 2025 marked its 100th resort worldwide with the opening of the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore.
Africa occupies a growing place in this trajectory. The group currently operates four hotels and four spas across Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa and Tanzania, including Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, the Marrakech riads, Angsana Heritage Collection and Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, its first safari lodge. The group is also set to enter West Africa with the forthcoming opening of Dhawa Ouidah in Benin. Newmark extends Banyan Group’s regional network into Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe, while bringing specialist expertise in nature and wildlife hospitality.
“Africa represents a long-term growth market for Banyan Group. Newmark brings an established management business, durable owner relationships and strong operational capabilities that strengthen our presence in the region and reinforce our asset-right model. Its local market knowledge and development pipeline, combined with our international sales, distribution and development network, give us a stronger platform to capture the right opportunities across the continent,” said Eddy See, president and chief executive officer of Banyan Group.
A continent driven by unprecedented tourism growth
The deal comes amid strong tourism demand across Africa. The continent welcomed 81 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, up 8% year-on-year, the strongest growth of any global region, according to UN Tourism. The WTTC, meanwhile, forecasts a further 5.4% increase in the continent’s Travel & Tourism economy in 2026, placing Africa among the world’s fastest-growing tourism regions.
Africa’s hotel development pipeline itself reached a record level in 2026, while several international groups, including Hilton, have accelerated signings in sub-Saharan Africa in recent months. This momentum confirms international operators’ growing interest in a continent that remains under-represented relative to its tourism potential.
Operational continuity and next steps
Newmark will continue to operate under its current brand and leadership, led by Neil Markovitz and his management team. Day-to-day operations, property identities, owner relationships and existing commercial agreements remain unchanged, with local teams retaining responsibility for relationships with owners, guests, partners and communities.
“Newmark’s hotels, lodges and reserves are deeply connected to the places in which they operate. We want to preserve that local approach, particularly in nature and wildlife hospitality, where culture, community and the natural environment are integral to the guest experience,” said Ho Ren Yung, deputy group chief executive officer of Banyan Group.
Newmark retains its own brand presence and direct booking channels, including its website. All confirmed reservations will be honoured under their existing terms. In time, Newmark properties will also become accessible through Banyan Group’s booking platforms and will be integrated into withBanyan, its guest recognition programme, giving members access to rates and benefits at participating properties.
Moelis & Company UK LLP acted as exclusive financial adviser and White & Case LLP as legal counsel to Newmark Hotels. WongPartnership LLP acted as legal counsel to Banyan Group.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Banyan Group acquires majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves
26 hotels, lodges and reserves added across 7 African countries: Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Enlarged Banyan Group portfolio: nearly 130 hotels/resorts/reserves, 30+ branded residences, 140+ spas and galleries across 14 brands in 28 countries
Newmark retains its brand, leadership and local operating model; gradual integration into withBanyan loyalty programme
Africa recorded 81 million international arrivals in 2025 (+8% YoY), the strongest growth of any global region (UN Tourism)
Banyan Group also entering West Africa with the upcoming Dhawa Ouidah in Benin
