MINEOLA, NY HVS International reports that a number of European-based hotel companies have announced plans for expansion within the Middle East.
Hilton International has five hotels slated to open in 2001, bringing its number of managed hotels in that region to 29. By year s end Hilton plans to open hotels in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Arab Emirate Ras al-khaimah, Dubai, two hotels in Egypt, another on the Red Sea coast and another in Cairo.
Meanwhile, Accor plans to bring its total in the region to 71 through the development of 10 new hotels, three of which would be built in the United Arab Emirates, two in Egypt, two in Yemen and one each in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Bahrain.
Radisson SAS has recently opened the 328-bedroom Radisson SAS Golden Resort, Sharm El Sheikh and plans to operate 10 hotels in Egypt by the end of 2003.
Additionally, Bass Hotels and Resorts currently operates 111 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, and has 25 hotels under development, with more in the pipeline.
While the Middle East is seen as a growth market, it is also considered an important feeder market to destinations around the globe. Growing brand awareness is, therefore, becoming an increasing priority for the international hotel companies, said HVS. (5/16/01)
SOURCE: HVS International