How Serena Is Elevating Travel With Sustainability, Culture, And Unforgettable Stays
From elegant city hotels in bustling capitals to breathtaking safari lodges and tranquil beach resorts, Serena Hotels has long been synonymous with world-class hospitality across Africa and beyond. Blending architectural heritage, cultural storytelling, and five-star service, Serena delivers not just stays, but complete travel experiences that celebrate the destinations in which they operate.
With innovation, sustainability, and guest personalization at its core, Serena continues to shape meaningful journeys for travelers while empowering local communities.
Go Places sat down with Maureen Okore, Regional Marketing Director for Serena Hotels Africa, for an insightful conversation on what makes Serena unique, its loyalty innovations, sustainability initiatives, and the brand’s showcase at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2025.
- Could you kindly introduce yourself and share your role within the Serena Group of Hotels?
My name is Maureen Okore. I’m the Regional Marketing Director for Serena Hotels in Africa. My role entails taking care of marketing strategy, public relations, digital marketing, loyalty, and also driving e-commerce to ensure that we get conversions on our website. I would say what makes my role quite interesting is because we love to share Serena stories with our guests in order to share meaningful guest experiences and what our business also does to deliver guest needs.
- Serena Hotels is renowned for offering world-class hospitality across some of the most iconic destinations in Africa. Could you share your unique brand story and the signature experiences guests can expect across your properties?
What makes Serena Hotels unique as a brand is the fact that our portfolio is very rich. We have city hotels, we have resorts, we have camps and we have lodges. So because of this rich portfolio of properties, whether you’re a business traveler, or a wanderlust seeking adventure in the bush, we cater to your needs.
When you get into our properties, for example a city hotel, you find that the architecture of the building alone tells a story. It’s a living piece of history and a piece of art that embeds itself in the ecosystem where the hotel is built. Over and above coming for game drives, breakfast at the Lion Rock in Kilaguni, or maybe a bush breakfast or a bush dinner, our portfolio and the way the properties are structured is an experience in itself.
I believe that Serena is not just a hotel. We offer a 360 travel experience—engaging with our guests pre-arrival, guiding them on what to expect, tailoring to their dietary needs, and making their stay truly unique.
- From your stunning city hotels to your breathtaking safari lodges and beach resorts, Serena Hotels has a strong reputation for exceptional service and authentic experiences. What do you believe sets Serena apart in today’s highly competitive hospitality market?
Guests particularly visit specific properties because they want to see a specific associate who tended to them during a previous visit. That personal connection is part of what sets us apart.
Serena Hotels is also deeply committed to sustainability—whether through reforestation, cultural integration, or community engagement. From Maasai village visits and Swahili culinary experiences, to turtle hatchling releases and tree planting, we ensure that culture, conservation, and community form part of the guest journey.
- Serena recently launched the Prestige Global Club. Could you tell us more about what it offers, and how digital transformation or innovation is enhancing guest loyalty and elevating the overall Serena experience?
Prestige Club historically was a manual points-based system. With digital transformation, Prestige Club has now evolved into an app accessible worldwide. Guests can join Prestige Club as regular members or Prestige Plus with an annual subscription of $95.
With Prestige Plus, members enjoy discounts on dining, spa, laundry, and more. You can redeem and earn points across both Africa and Asia, giving you options in over 33 properties across eight countries. Everything is at the touch of a button, making loyalty seamless and rewarding.
- As you prepare to engage with the global travel trade community this year, what new experiences, packages, or initiatives will Serena Hotels be highlighting to captivate both returning and new buyers?
We have infused innovation into our services. Beyond Prestige, we’ve introduced a platform called Way2, allowing trade partners and guests to curate and personalize itineraries for safaris and experiences.
We are also responding to emerging trends—such as the growing demand for night game drives, which are now popular at Sweetwaters Serena Camp in Nanyuki. Additionally, we’re actively refurbishing our hotels, improving meeting facilities, heating pools, and refreshing rooms to align with guest feedback and evolving expectations.
- Over the years, platforms like MKTE have become key in strengthening connections across the tourism industry. Going towards this year’s countdown, how has your continued participation supported Serena Hotels’ visibility, growth, and industry relationships?
Events like MKTE are vital in building visibility and relationships. They allow us to showcase not just Serena Hotels but also the destinations we represent. These interactions strengthen our industry ties while giving buyers and trade partners a chance to experience the breadth of our offerings.
- Looking ahead, what exciting projects, developments, or expansions can the industry and your guests look forward to from Serena Hotels in 2026 and beyond?
Africa is not just a destination, it is an experience—and Serena is investing to elevate that experience further. We are actively refurbishing and upgrading our hotels across the region—ensuring enhanced meeting spaces, wellness upgrades, and refreshed rooms—while staying true to our promise of service excellence.
- What message or invitation would you like to share with local and international buyers who will have the opportunity to engage with Serena Hotels this year?
I would like to wrap it up by welcoming everyone to the Serena Hotels Africa stand at MKTE 2025. We are going to have very good offers and amazing information on our different properties—from experiences to product upgrades—that will greatly enhance your guest journeys. You’re most welcome to our stand, and we hope to see you there.
- Serena Hotels has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Go Places. Could you share how this partnership has enhanced your brand visibility and supported your journey over the years?
Our partnership with Go Places has greatly improved our brand visibility, especially on digital platforms. Go Places has consistently showcased our F&B content and supported our key events. This collaboration has brought us cross-exposure to new audiences, strengthening our reach and visibility across the tourism industry.
Maureen Okore is the Regional Marketing Director for Serena Hotels Africa, overseeing strategy, PR, digital marketing, loyalty, and e-commerce. Passionate about storytelling and sustainability, she champions Serena’s mission to deliver meaningful guest experiences across Africa and Asia.
Interview by Nev Jiwani, Group Managing Director, Go Places
Tel: +254202842333 / Cell: +254732123333
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Email: nairobi@serenahotels.com
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