CONRAD Hotels, the luxury brand of the Hilton International group, has announced the opening of it’s first new hotel on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the brand’s first regional property outside Egypt.
“We hope to announce five or six hotels over the next couple of years,” said Richard Blamey, VP marketing, Conrad Hotels.
The Middle East is an important source market for existing Conrad Hotels, Blamey said. “We have good relationships with people staying with us elsewhere and our name is known in the region.”
The group hopes to build new hotels rather than take over the management of existing ones. “Conrad being a luxury brand within the Hilton family, it’s important that the differences between the two are clear.”
The group is keen to increase its portfolio in India, China and North America, says Blamey. “Opportunities are exploding, nowhere is off limits.”