Hong Kong-based luxury hotel operator Shangri-La is targeting the Gulf region for growth with new properties planned in Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
The company has confirmed two openings are planned for in Doha in the final quarter of this year, while Shangri-La also has its sights set on further growth throughout the region, and has prioritised Dubai and Saudi Arabia for upcoming projects.
The company entered the region in 2003 and already has five properties in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.
Additionally, a regional sales office was set up in Dubai in 2012, reflecting the company’s growth plans for the area.
Speaking to Hotelier Middle East, Rob Weeden, Shangri-La VP sales and marketing EMEA, India & Indian Ocean, said: “It’s no secret that the company would like to open more properties in Dubai. We’re in down town here, we’re in Deira and it would be great to have something down near the beach resorts.”
Commenting on plans for Saudi Arabia, Weeden said: “The discussions that we’ve had so far have been very positive. We’re working with people and companies that know the infrastructure required in Saudia Arabia and I’m sure we’ll put together a very nice collection there.”
Although Weeden said that there were no confirmed plans as of yet for Saudi Arabia properties, the company has Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah on the radar and is already in discussions with developers on future projects.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts operates 81 hotels and resorts throughout Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East, and Europe, with a room inventory of over 34,000.
In addition, new hotels are under development in Mainland China, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Qatar, Sri Lanka and United Kingdom.
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/hong-kong-hotelier-says-targeting-gulf-for-growth-533941.html
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