FOLLOWING a steady 2010, Rezidor is looking forward to higher occupancies and a strong increase in revpar this year. 2011 will see the launch of Rezidor’s first lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni in Kuwait as well as the opening of another Radisson Blu opening in Downtown Dubai.
“The region has been a mixed bag with strong performances from markets in Egypt and Saudi Arabia and we have seen the occupancies in Dubai performing well. It is still a little early to say that the region has recovered but it’s fair to say that things are looking up,” said Marko Hytonen, area vice president for Rezidor.
“We currently have 14 properties in our development pipeline. We have three openings scheduled for 2011 (Hotel Missoni Kuwait, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown and Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa) and the remaining hotels are spread through 2012-2014,” he added.
The company also plans to venture into new markets this year. “We see a lot of potential to further develop our resort portfolio and we will also look to grow our Park Inn by Radisson brand further in the region. In terms of locations, our development remit covers 16 countries across the Middle East and parts of Africa,” added Hytonen.
“I think there are still many opportunities out there for us. We have two emerging brands in the region – Park Inn by Radisson and Hotel Missoni – where there is clearly a lot of potential to further develop both. We believe that lifestyle brands have high potential in the region and with Hotel Missoni, guests will get a taste of new luxury in a stylish, yet relaxed setting. We also see a number of opportunities to further increase our presence with our core brand Radisson Blu.”
The company has also set a benchmark with its Green Key certification for six of its hotels in the UAE. However, Hytonen is now aiming to have our entire regional portfolio Green Key certified in 2011. “It is a challenging target but as a responsible business company, we feel now is the time to recognise our efforts through third-party certification.”