DUBAI At the Arab Travel Market, which was held here recently, a number of international hotel chains reported plans for expansion throughout the Middle East.
Hilton said it plans to open five new hotels in 2001, bringing its total to 29 hotels in the region. The company said it will open new properties in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and the Gulf Arab Emirate Ras al-khaimah, Dubai; Egypt; among others.
Accor plans to focus on developing 10 new mid-scale hotels in the region, bringing its Middle East portfolio to 71 hotels. Three hotels would be built in the United Arab Emirates, two in Egypt, two in Yemen, and one each in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Bahrain.
In addition, Radisson SAS said it will mark its debut into Egypt with the opening of the 328-room Radisson SAS Golden Resort, Sharm El Sheikh later this month. By the end of 2003 Radisson SAS plans to operate 10 hotels in Egypt.
Bass, which currently operates 111 properties in the Middle East and Africa, also has 25 hotels under development in the region with more in the pipeline. (5/4/01)
SOURCE: HVS International