FOLLOWING the opening of the group’s latest property, Rotana president and CEO Selim El Zyr is positive about the future.
He said: “While 2008 was a record year for the hospitality industry in the Middle East, and therefore Rotana too, during the last quarter we saw reductions across all markets, in line with the overall world economic turndown. This has affected our industry in general throughout 2009 and across the region. For Rotana, our Dubai properties were mostly
affected, and it must be borne in mind that Rotana currently manages more hotels in Dubai and the northern emirates than any other single operator. “Despite this, we have achieved our budgets and in many cases surpassed these.
“Looking ahead, with an ambitious and assertive expansion plan, Rotana will continue to improve and expand on the full range of services offered to its guests throughout the Mena region. The company plans to grow its portfolio in the region to 68 properties by 2012.
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Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana |
“Rotana’s strategic aim is to have a property located in every key city in the Mena region.
“We are in a global economy and whatever occurs in the west affects the east. Having said that, we believe the Middle East, and in particular the GCC, has a great local potential to maintain the economy in the area in a much healthier status than other parts of the world.”
In 2010 the company will open nine properties including the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Hili Rayhaan by Rotana in Al Ain, the Centro Barsha and Amwaj Rotana, Jumeira Beach, City Centre Rotana and Oryx Rotana in Doha, Fujairah Arjaan by Rotana, Centro Sharjah Airport and Erbil Rotana.
El Zyr believes that: “Value for money is a key in this time and our Centro Hotels by Rotana brand comes to fill that niche.”