Banyan Group, listed on the Singapore Exchange, has announced a strategic partnership with Newmark Hotels & Reserves, a Cape Town-headquartered hospitality management company. The deal includes the acquisition of a majority stake in Newmark under a phased ownership structure leading to full ownership over time.
Newmark joins Banyan Group as a collection brand, bringing a managed portfolio of 26 hotels, lodges and reserves across seven countries. The properties span Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Newmark will retain its existing brand, teams and local operating approach, Banyan Group said.
With the addition, Banyan Group’s portfolio will comprise nearly 130 hotels, resorts and reserves, more than 30 branded residences and over 140 spas and galleries across 14 hospitality and residential brands in 28 countries.
Executives welcome the partnership
Ho Kwon Ping, founder and executive chairman of Banyan Group, addressed the rationale for bringing Newmark into the group.
“We welcome Newmark to Banyan Group with confidence in the strength of the business it has built in Africa and the entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped it,” said Ho Kwon Ping. “We see in Newmark many of the qualities that shaped Banyan Group from the beginning: independence of thought, a long-term view and the conviction to build something distinctive. We look forward to what we can build together across Africa.”
Neil Markovitz, founder and chief executive officer of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, described what the tie-up gives his company.
“Over nearly two decades, Newmark has built its business through strong teams, trusted owner and partner relationships and a portfolio where each property retains its own identity,” said Neil Markovitz. “Joining Banyan Group gives us greater international reach and access to a wider network of expertise while retaining what has made Newmark successful.”
Eddy See, president and chief executive officer of Banyan Group, set out how the deal fits the group’s Africa strategy.
“Africa is a long-term growth market for Banyan Group,” said Eddy See. “Newmark brings an established management business, long-standing owner relationships and strong operating capabilities that deepen our presence in the region and strengthen our asset-right model.”
Existing Africa footprint
Banyan Group’s existing footprint in Africa comprises four hotels and four spas across Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa and Tanzania. These include Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, Marrakech Riads, Angsana Heritage Collection and Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, described by the group as its first safari lodge. Banyan Group is also set to enter West Africa with the upcoming Dhawa Ouidah in Benin.
Newmark extends Banyan Group’s presence into Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe, adding specialist expertise in wildlife and nature-based hospitality. The continent welcomed 81 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, up 8 percent year on year, according to UN Tourism cited by the companies.
Ho Ren Yung, deputy chief executive officer of Banyan Group, spoke about preserving Newmark’s local character.
“Newmark’s hotels, lodges and reserves are closely connected to the places in which they operate,” said Ho Ren Yung. “We want to preserve that local approach, particularly in nature-based and wildlife hospitality, where culture, communities and the natural environment are integral to the guest experience.”
Newmark will continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership, led by Neil Markovitz and the current management team. Day-to-day operations, property branding, owner relationships and existing commercial arrangements will remain unchanged, Banyan Group said. Over time, Newmark properties will also become available through Banyan Group’s booking platforms and its withBanyan guest recognition programme.
