KATARA HOSPITALITY ACHIEVES MULTIPLE SUCCESSES IN 2015
04 January 2016
Global hospitality company continues on an upward trajectory with hotel openings and project pipeline milestones during 2015
Katara Hospitality, the leading global hotel developer, owner and operator based in Qatar, achieved a multitude of successes in 2015, further illustrating continued milestone achievements in contributing to Qatar and the world’s hospitality landscape through investment and development of peerless iconic hotels in key global destinations.
“The year marked the achievement of many significant milestones, particularly in hotel development and subsequent opening of iconic landmark properties,” said Katara Hospitality’s Chairman, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani. “Our goals bear strong alignment with Katara Hospitality’s vision for strategic growth in Qatar and expansion into new markets beyond our borders such that as we enter 2016, we are well positioned for yet another year of success in our pursuits as an internationally recognised leader in the global luxury hospitality sector,” he added.
During the year, Katara Hospitality witnessed the opening of Excelsior Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, as well as the legendary Royal Savoy Lausanne, a Murwab Hotel. Both properties had recently undergone a meticulous renovation and redesign, restoring their rich heritage and historic landmark status before reopening. The acquisition of Westin Excelsior Rome from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Inc., marked Katara Hospitality’s third hotel in the Italian market, bringing Katara Hospitality’s worldwide property portfolio to 35 properties.
“The opening of the Excelsior Gallia in Milan, and the Royal Savoy in Lausanne, coupled with the acquisition of The Westin Excelsior Rome, further highlights Katara Hospitality’s vision to preserve the heritage of iconic properties across the world, as well as our commitment to continued strategic growth through international expansion, investment and acquisitions as we work towards our target of 60 properties by 2026,” said Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality.
In Qatar, Sealine Beach Resort and The Ritz-Carlton Doha, which both offer impeccable standards and ambiance in idyllic settings, are undergoing massive renovations which will reveal redefined luxurious offerings. Owned by Katara Hospitality and managed by Murwab Hotel Group, Sealine Beach Resort’s extensive enhancements which will be completed in 2016, include an entirely new wing with an additional 20 villas and room upgrades to appeal to local and international family holiday makers in a resort style setting. As the quintessential showcase of exquisite Arabian hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton Doha’s property-wide renovations will unveil fully transformed guestrooms, a modernized spa and VIP club lounge. Offering 5-star opulence in a contemporary setting, the two-phase project coined ‘the re-imagination project’ is expected to be complete in mid-2017.
The launch of Murwab Hotel Group, Katara Hospitality’s standalone operating arm which manages a collection of international upscale boutique hotels and brands, signifies the start of a new era and continued quest for growth into new markets for the company as it leverages 45 years’ experience in the luxury hospitality sector. Murwab Hotel Group, rooted in Qatari heritage and Arabic hospitality, is a rapidly growing hotel-management company, with six Qatar-based projects in its pipeline. Two of these projects include Sealine Beach Resort currently under renovation, which will be rebranded to Sealine, a Murwab Resort while the recently opened Saraya Corniche Hotel is operated under Murwab Hotel Group.
Katara Hospitality has received numerous prestigious accolades for its continued contribution to the Qatari and global luxury hospitality landscape. Some noteworthy awards include being named the “Middle East’s Leading Hospitality Development Company” for the second consecutive year and “Middle East Leading Tourism Development Project” for the iconic Katara Towers development expected to open in 2018 in Doha’s Lusail City Marina District, at the 2015 World Travel Awards hosted in Dubai this May.
Katara Hospitality also clinched the prestigious Seven Star Special Award for “Remarkable & Exceptional Achievement in the Luxury Hospitality Industry” award at the illustrious Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards ceremony in Bali this September, one which is a further testament of the company’s commitment to developing iconic luxury hotel properties in key travel markets. To cap the year off, Katara Hospitality scooped three esteemed awards at the December edition of the World Travel Awards held in El Jadida, Morocco, by being named “World’s Leading Hospitality Company” for the third year running, “World’s Leading Hotel Suite” for the Katara Suite at the recently reopened Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan and the coveted “World’s Leading Landmark Hotel” for The Peninsula Paris, a Katara Hospitality flagship property in the French capital.
Katara Hospitality’s contributions to the hospitality landscape throughout the course of 2015 have illustrated the company’s continued pledge to investing in unsurpassed hotels in Qatar while growing a collection of iconic hotels in key markets across the globe. Sustained commitment and the renowned pursuit of excellence in executing the organisation’s growth strategy will likely result in more successes for Katara Hospitality in the coming months.
