Hyatt focusing on the Middle East and other international hotel news

Hyatt focusing on the Middle East after outperforming competition
Hotel group Hyatt achieved the highest occupancy and room rates in the world in the Middle East during the first half of 2008, according to new research. Consultancy Deloitte’s Middle East office found Hyatt’s occupancy rates in the region during the first half of 2008 were the highest in the world at 75.3%. Hyatt’s average room rate in the Middle East also topped the list at $180 (£124) and revenue per available room grew by 21.6% $135 (£93m). Hyatt has announced the signing of a management agreement with Abu Dhabi National Hotels for a Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, signalling the company’s intention to focus on the Middle East and China in 2009. The hotel is set for completion in 2010 and is located on Saadiyat Island. In 2009, Hyatt will open two other properties in the Middle East: Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club & Spa and Grand Hyatt Doha.

Hilton Hotels signs management agreement for Hilton Salvador da Bahia
Hilton Hotels has signed a multi-year management agreement with IMOCOM Group, a consolidated group of real estate companies and participations, for a full-service 5-star Hilton hotel in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil.  The 170-guestroom Hilton Salvador da Bahia is scheduled for completion in 2011 and will be Hilton’s third hotel in the country. Located in the capital of the north eastern Brazilian state of Bahia, the waterfront Hilton Salvador da Bahia will be part of a restoration project in the city’s historic centre. Recreation options will include a swimming pool, fitness centre, day spa, and 3,000 square feet of retail space, while business travellers will have access to over 8,000 square feet of meetings space, including six meeting rooms and two ballrooms.  The hotel will offer one signature restaurant, a lobby bar, and 70 on-site parking spaces. 

Rotana signs its first property in Baghdad
Summit Hotels and hotel management company Rotana have signed a joint agreement for the management of a five-star hotel in Baghdad to open in early 2012. The hotel is located within the International Green Zone in Iraq, which is the heavily guarded diplomatic/government area in central Baghdad. The five-star property will feature 250 rooms and suites, Club Rotana executive floors, several restaurants and bars, banqueting and conference facilities and complete recreational areas including a Bodylines health and fitness club and a swimming pool. The agreement is part of the company’s aim to have a property located in every key city in the Middle East. Rotana currently manages 24 properties throughout the Middle East with plans to reach a portfolio of 67 properties by 2012.
 
Starwood Hotels drops three of its current properties
Starwood hotels has announced that it will no longer be managing three of the hotels in its current portfolio. Starwood Hotels in Hawaii & French Polynesia and Louis Wane, owner of the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, Sheraton Moorea and Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, announced that upon mutual agreement, Starwood will no longer manage these properties. The effective date will be during 2009. Starwood will continue to manage three other properties in the region, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Le Meridien Tahiti and Le Meridien Bora Bora. Starwood has operated both the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti And the Sheraton Moorea since August 2000 under its Sheraton Hotels flag and the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa since February 2002 under its Luxury Collection flag.

By Gemma Sharkey

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