ACCOR Middle East, which recently launched an Arabic website to strengthen its presence in the region, will have a significant presence at ITB Berlin this year.
“ITB Berlin is the key place to learn about new trends, market developments, and to deepen existing business relations,” says Amal El Ansari, director of sales and marketing for Novotel Deira City Centre, Suite Novotel Mall of the Emirates, ibis Deira City Centre, ibis Mall of the Emirates and ibis Al Rigga. “This was exactly our aim last year, as we managed to prepare for the new season and renewed the collaboration with our international partners.”
“ITB Berlin is the B2B platform for trade visitors, it is an excellent opportunity to meet business partners and to do business,” he continues. “It is a wonderful opportunity to explore the whole world within a few hours. We aim again to meet our existing partners and find new ones. Also, to initiate the discussion regarding the upcoming summer period and search for new business opportunities to increase our sales.”
EXPANSION IN SAUDI ARABIA
Meanwhile, Accor Middle East has forged a strategic alliance with the Alesayi Group, a leading Saudi Arabian conglomerate, to develop a minimum of 10 new properties by 2018 across the kingdom.
The deal was signed by Alesayi Group President and CEO Sheikh Mohammed Omar Kassem Alesayi and Accor Group chairman Sebastien Bazin.
Christophe Landais, managing director, Accor Middle East, says: “Through this ibis network development, Accor ensures its leading position in this segment in the region, acquired since the opening of ibis Dubai World Trade Centre in 2003. Simplicity, comfort, standardisation and a full food and beverage (F&B) offering are the marks of success of ibis. These qualities strongly contribute to guest satisfaction and brand recognition.”
Accor Middle East’s current network of 61 hotels with over 14,500 rooms (as of December last year) in the Middle East includes 12 ibis hotels accounting for almost 3,000 guest rooms. Presently, seven ibis hotels comprising 2,000 rooms are under development across the region.