Business | Tourism
Starwood Hotels unveils plan for three more Saudi properties
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc on Monday said it plans to open three new hotels in Saudi Arabia.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:35 November 24, 2008
Dubai: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc on Monday said it plans to open three new hotels in Saudi Arabia.
The company has signed a long-term management agreement with the Al Hokair Group to open Four Points by Sheraton Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, Four Points by Sheraton Dhahran and Aloft Riyadh.
The addition of these properties increases Starwood's portfolio to 13 hotels in Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East continues to be one of the strongest sectors of Starwood's rapidly growing global portfolio, as the company continues to expand in the region at a record rate.
Currently, Starwood operates 50 hotels and resorts in the Middle East under five of its nine distinct and compelling brands, including Sheraton, Le Meridien, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton and the Luxury Collection. Starwood expects to double its portfolio in the broader Europe, Africa and the Middle East region to approximately 500 properties by 2013.
"The signing of these three new properties in the Middle East underscores Starwood's commitment to expanding its footprint in this fast-growing market. We are proud of the trust bestowed upon Starwood's brands by the Fawaz Al Hokair Group and we are looking forward to exploring future possibilities to expand our partnership," said Roeland Vos, president of the Starwood Europe, Africa and Middle East division.
Fawaz A Al Hokair, chairman of the group, said: "Partnering with Starwood Hotels & Resorts provides us a great opportunity to further extend our business offering and move into the hotel segment with two truly world-class brands. We foresee long-term benefit for both parties as existing facilities do not meet demand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
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