One of Thailand’s leading hotel operators, Centara Hotels & Resorts, has announced that it is to open its first property in Africa following the signing of a management contract for Centara Grand Addis Ababa Hotel in Ethiopia.

The hotel, which is under construction, is expected to open in December 2017 and will include a Spa Cenvaree, fitness club, at least 300 rooms, three restaurants, a bar, meeting facilities and a swimming pool.

Development work on the hotel will be carried out by Ethiopian-based company, Yencomad Construction.

Centara currently owns and operates 42 luxury hotels in Thailand, with a further 18 resorts across the Indian Ocean. The location in Ethiopia – which is seen as an emerging market for luxury property – will bring Centara’s total number of properties to 60.

Senior vice president of sales and marketing for Centara, Chris Bailey, said: “We believe that our reputation and our Thai management style will combine with our growing customer base, generating global business for what will be an outstanding new hotel in Addis Ababa.”

Centara operates 27 branches of Spa Cenvaree, which also offers its newly launched value brand, Cense by Spa Cenavaree, providing core spa services for busy travellers.

The Thai hotelier has a policy for growth in the Indian Ocean with strategic destinations in Africa. Centara opened a new resort in Mauritius earlier this year and is opening a second location there under its five-star brand in December.