Respected MENA operator Rotana Hotels & Resorts has revealed ambitious plans to operate 100 hotels by 2020, with UK and European expansion high on the agenda.
The firm is on track to open 16 new hotels by the end of 2017, bringing its total inventory to 19,485 keys across 75 properties.
Speaking at WTM 2016 in London, Omer Kaddouri, president & CEO of Rotana, said:
“Rotana has an ambitious global expansion strategy and the vast number of property openings due to take place in 2016 and 2017 will not only increase our presence in a range of destinations but will also allow us to reinforce our position as a one of the leaders in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe.
“Europe remains an important market for Rotana and we are keen to expand our pipeline into this continent. Rotana made its European debut last year with its entry into Turkey and our focus now is to open hotels in key European cities, including Paris, Barcelona, Frankfurt, as well as the UK. The UK is a key source market and throughout 2017 one of our focuses will be the cruise business to GCC countries, where we are anticipating 7% growth from the UK market.”
The group’s existing pipeline includes five new properties in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia, two in both Turkey and Iraq, and the opening of Rotana’s first ever properties in both Iran and Muscat, Oman.
The operator also plans to commence expansion work on its popular UAE property, The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, next year.
The addition of these new hotels and expansion at The Cove will see more than 3,750 keys added to the Group’s existing inventory by the end of 2017.
“We are dedicated to developing new opportunities and we are particularly excited about the opening of Rayhaan Imam Reza by Rotana in Iran and the iconic Saadiyat Rotana Resort in Abu Dhabi,” said Kaddouri.
“Iran’s tourism industry is flourishing, illustrating the tremendous potential within its hospitality sector, and we’re thrilled that we’ll be able to offer our award-winning hospitality to those visiting. Saadiyat Island is an exceptional destination, set to become an internationally renowned arts hub, and we believe our brand is ideally positioned to cater to the needs of global travellers seeking luxury facilities and world-class service.”
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