Subsequent to signing an agreement with Al Dana Development LLC, Cristal Hotels and Resorts has announced its arrival in Qatar with the opening of its second international branch office: Cristal Hotels and Resorts Qatar.
Cristal Hotels and Resorts Qatar follows on from the Lebanon Office, which opened in February 2012. The development is another example of the aggressive expansion plan being carried out by Cristal Group which, agreed upon last year, will increase the company’s portfolio and brand presence in the region significantly.
As Qatar’s economy progresses and diversifies, there are plentiful opportunities on the horizon for growth and investment. Qatar Airways, the country’s national airline, is one of the world’s fastest growing carriers, with its aircraft fleet of somewhere in the order of 100 continuing to grow. Doha International Airport offers top-level service and security to visitors from around the world, and the recently completed renovations to the multi-million dollar terminal further enhance the services available to regional and international travellers. And of course, when New Doha International Airport opens in the not too distant future these services will reach a whole different level.
Commenting on the Cristal Group’s expansion in Qatar, Peter Blackburn, President and CEO of Cristal Hotels and Resorts, said: “Qatar’s economy has witnessed an impressive growth in the last eight years. Today it ranks first in Economy Competiveness within the Middle East and 26th globally based on the recent report of the World Economic Forum. As a country Qatar has become one of the key markets for tourism and hospitality industry. And we believe there is still a great potential for the further growth for both inbound and outbound travel. Our new base in Qatar will allow us to get even closer to the region’s traveller and understand their needs, which will translate into an even better hotel product that we will make available to our clients”.
Cristal Hotels and Resorts Qatar LLC branch office will be located in Doha, overlooking all of the development and operations of the up and coming hotels. The company expects to bring a total of three new properties to its portfolio in the next five years, with the first hotel expected to be opened in 2013.
“With numerous world class events already attracting MICE business as well as leisure travellers, we are confident that our expansion plans will enrich our portfolio further with exciting new properties. Qatar’s strategic location, its wealth in resources and its growing GDP are only confirmation of the positive business outlook in this key market. With our already strong presence in the UAE hospitality market, we positively look ahead at Qatar and the great prospects it presents within the lodging and tourism industry.” Peter Blackburn concluded.
