Valor Hospitality Expands Into Branded Residences in Zanzibar
VALOR HOSPITALITY EXPANDS INTO ZANZIBAR’S BRANDED RESIDENCES MARKET THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH CPS. FUMBA TOWN AND THE SOUL PAJE ARE THE FIRST PROJECTS IN THIS GROWTH STRATEGY.
Valor Hospitality Partners, a global leader in hotel management, has made a strategic move into Zanzibar’s branded residences and urban hospitality market. Collaborating with developers CPS, Valor will manage key projects like Fumba Town and The Soul in Paje. This expansion highlights the growing trend of mixed-use developments and lifestyle-driven residential communities across East Africa.
Fumba Town: A Groundbreaking Development
Located 30 km from Stone Town and just 20 minutes from Zanzibar’s International Airport, Fumba Town is a visionary project. Over the next decade, the development will see the construction of more than 5,000 residential units. Currently, over 650 apartments are already built and occupied. This urban city will also include retail, sports, and office spaces, alongside other lifestyle amenities.
One of the standout features of Fumba Town will be The Burj, the world’s tallest timber tower. This iconic structure will house Zanzibar’s first Canopy by Hilton hotel, slated to open by 2027. The Burj Apartments will serve as the flagship for Zanzibar’s branded residences, offering luxurious living with high-end services and facilities.
Developers CPS Africa, who have been working on Fumba Town for the past eight years, believe that bringing on a professional hospitality management company like Valor will enhance the property management services for both short- and long-term rentals. This partnership aims to elevate the overall experience for residents and visitors.
Paje: Home to The Soul Branded Residences
On Zanzibar’s east coast lies Paje, a popular tourist destination. Here, Valor has teamed up with CPS to create The Soul, a bespoke branded residences brand. This development includes 264 apartments, designed with one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. The Soul also features a private lagoon and various lifestyle amenities, making it a desirable investment for buyers.
The Soul has seen strong demand, with most units already sold. The few remaining apartments are expected to be completed soon. Buyers, many of whom are investors, are attracted to the opportunity of owning a holiday apartment in Zanzibar while benefiting from the island’s growing tourism sector.
Valor’s Expertise in Mixed-Use Developments
Valor Hospitality’s move into branded residences is a natural evolution of its global hospitality expertise. According to Mark Jakins, Head of Advisory at Valor, mixed-use and branded lifestyle developments are becoming increasingly popular across Africa. Developers and owners are seeking professional management that ensures high standards across all aspects of the guest experience, from property management to entertainment and security.
Valor’s experience in South Africa, Zanzibar, and Kenya has demonstrated the immense potential of mixed-use environments. Moreover, as urban centers like Fumba Town and Paje grow, there’s a significant opportunity for specialist hospitality management companies to add value to these developments.
Jakins noted that branded residences offer a perfect blend of modern amenities, community living, and smartly designed accommodations. Professionally managed rental schemes, in particular, can enhance investor value and boost property resale prices.
The Future of Zanzibar’s Branded Residences
The real estate market in Zanzibar is still relatively young, but it’s quickly gaining attention from international developers and investors. CPS Chief Information Officer Tobias Dietzold highlighted how partnerships with companies like Valor are elevating the standards of hospitality in the region. Valor’s global experience and professional approach are expected to boost the quality of branded residences and attract more investment.
The Soul Paje, which is nearing completion, will soon be followed by its sister project, The Soul Fumba, set for completion in 2027. This marks the beginning of a new era for Zanzibar’s real estate market, with high-quality, fully serviced residences becoming the norm.
Jakins also emphasized that branded residences are evolving into lifestyle experiences. These developments are designed to meet the needs of modern residents, offering a blend of technology, guest services, and leisure amenities. Whether it’s for retirement, family living, or fitness and wellness-focused estates, these residences provide convenience, safety, and a sense of community.
As urbanization continues to accelerate across Africa, developers are being presented with new opportunities to create modern, state-of-the-art urban centers. Dietzold believes that projects like Fumba Town can become economic hubs, positively impacting the region’s growth. He also stressed the importance of careful planning to maximize the potential of these developments.
Valor Hospitality is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, bringing its expertise in hotel management to branded residences. With a team of international hospitality experts, Valor aims to create lifestyle brands that align with the vision of property developers and the needs of local residents.
