OMAN — Oman debut for mid-scale Swiss-Belinn brand as Asia operator introduces three new Middle East properties to the region; four-star property on schedule in Iraq as demand for mid-scale accommodation continues to drive hospitality sector opportunity. Swiss-Belhotel International, one of Asia's leading mid-scale hotel operators, is returning to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this May with a detailed update on the group's ambitious expansion plans for the Middle East, and information on the trio of new hotels currently under development in the region. Bahrain will be the next Gulf State to welcome the Swiss-Belhotel brand with the flagship Swiss-Belhotel Seef currently finalizing its pre-opening program ahead of an early 2014 launch. This will be followed by the introduction of the first Swiss-Belinn branded property in Muscat, Oman at the end of 2013. “Our network now covers 100 hotels and under-development projects in 12 countries, and the Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions as part of our global expansion program. “Oman and Bahrain are both pushing ahead with ambitious agendas for tourism development, and this fits perfectly with our own focused regional strategy,” said Gavin Faull, president and chairman, Swiss-Belhotel International. Completing the trio of the Middle East properties opening soon, Swiss-Belhotel will reveal details of its management agreement to operate a 110-room property in the heart of Erbil in Northern Iraq. “We have been closely monitoring the development landscape in Northern Iraq for several years. “Swiss-Belhotel Erbil will occupy a prime location in the city with the opportunity to capitalize on the surging demand for mid-range accommodation, which is currently dramatically under-serviced, while making no compromise on the consistent delivery of superior quality hotel products and services,” remarked Faull. Swiss-Belhotel Erbil Iraq will feature up-to-the-minute services and facilities, including a speciality restaurant, in a bright, modern setting, designed to appeal to both business and leisure travelers. The opening of the Bahrain property will provide Swiss-Belhotel with access to weekend leisure business from neighboring Saudi Arabia, as well as the opportunity to be part of Bahrain's economic vision for tourism expansion. A 29-storey tower with full sea and city views, the hotel has 153 spacious guestrooms and suites, state-of-the-art facilities and an all-day-dining restaurant occupying a stunning 10th floor poolside terrace location, and speciality rooftop restaurant with panoramic views out over the coastline. Swiss-Belinn's entry into the Sultanate of Oman will bring an innovative hospitality service standard providing outstanding quality accommodation to its capital with exceptional value. The three-star hotel which will open on Sultan Qaboos Street in the popular Ghubrah area, has 95 en suite air-conditioned rooms with a working desk, flat screen satellite TV and in-room safe, as well as leisure facilities including a contemporary-styled casual all-day dining venue and al fresco terrace area serving shisha and snacks. Led by Gavin Faull, president and chairman, senior Swiss-Belhotel International executives will be attending ATM 2013 meeting with hotel developers, investors and industry associates. “The success of Swiss-Belhotel International's growth strategy to date is testament to the ongoing and, in some regions, rising global demand for modern, well-equipped, and well situated mid-scale hotel accommodation. Our business model is one that can sustain today's economic environment and we are excited about the prospect of expanding into new Middle East destinations and introducing new brands to market,” added Faull. — SG
