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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

International hotel chain eyes Oman expansion

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The Hong Kong based-global hospitality chain, Swiss-Belhotel International, says it is looking to ramp up its presence in the Sultanate via the planned addition of new properties to its budding portfolio.


The company recently signed a management agreement with Al Salaam International Hotel LLC to operate Swiss-Belinn Muscat in the Sultanate. The 3-star property, which is expected to open in 2019, is coming up at a strategic location in Seeb not far from Muscat International Airport.


“We are proud to add the Swiss-Belinn Muscat to our superb portfolio of hotels in the Middle East,” said Laurent A Voivenel (pictured), Senior Vice-President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International.


“Oman’s tourism industry has experienced strong growth over the past few years, and this is expected to continue. However, the country’s hospitality sector is currently dominated by luxury 5-star or 4-star hotels leaving an enormous gap and opportunity in the midscale sector. Hence it is the perfect time for us to enter the market and position the hugely successful 3-star Swiss-Belinn brand capitalising on the rising demand for high quality affordable accommodation,” Voivenel explained.


In comments to the Observer, the hotelier underlined Swiss-Belhotel International’s commitment to supporting the growth of Oman’s tourism industry.


“The GCC market is integral to our global expansion strategy and Oman is a very important destination for us. The Middle East and Africa are strategic markets for Swiss-Belhotel International with 17 per cent of the global portfolio centred in the region. We have got an extremely strong development pipeline in the region with a portfolio of over 3,500 rooms across 12 cities. In Oman too we have several projects under consideration. Our target is to have at least three hotels signed in Oman by 2020.”


Swiss-Belhotel International currently operates 73 hotels worldwide and has 77 projects in the pipeline. It is counted among the top 100 hotel companies in the world offering a choice of 14 brands in 22 destinations across four continents with 10 regional offices.


“The scale and diversity of our brands allows us to serve any market segment or need. We are counted among the top 100 hotel companies in the world offering a choice of 14 brands in 22 destinations across 4 continents with 10 regional offices,” Voivenel added.


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