The Gulf will see a new hospitality brand emerge prior to this year’s ATM: Ecos Hotels, which is being promoted by the group behind Coral International and Corp Executive Hotels.
More information was not available at the time of going to press, but will be forthcoming at ATM.
Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas, however, said it had a lot to talk about at the event. Michel PJ Noblet, managing director, said, “We have many exciting and innovative projects lined up in the coming months and we hope to unveil these at ATM.”
The group’s strong financial performance has given a big boost to its development strategy in the region. Continuing its saga of success, the company has chalked out aggressive plans for growth – both regionally and internationally – that will significantly boost its business in the months ahead. “The Middle East no doubt remains our stronghold but we have many unique opportunities lined up outside the region particularly in Asia and North, South and East Africa,” said Noblet.
Within the UAE, the group has accelerated development: a 160-unit hotel apartment in central Bur Dubai and a 174-unit property in Fujairah are part of its growing portfolio in the emirates, while new projects are taking shape in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, which will see the heritage-style Qasr Al Falah.
The chain entered Oman recently with the opening of Coral Hotel, Muscat and now has another project coming up in Sohar. It is also close to finalizing deals in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Plans are well-advanced for a luxurious five-star hotel in the commercial heart of Cape Town, while a 128-room project in Khartoum, Sudan, is progressing well and is set to start operating sometime in 2008.
Closer home, the 130-room Coral International Hotel, Al Khobar, had a soft opening a few weeks ago. In Lebanon, the two Coral properties located in Rouche and Commodore are expected to open next year.
The hotel has also recently contracted to open a new five-star property, Coral Boutique, Aleppo, in the heart of Aleppo, Syria. Featuring 65 rooms, it is designed to offer the perfect balance between style and comfort.
“All our projects are advancing well and are due for completion as per schedule. What’s wonderful is each one is exceptional,” said Noblet.