Hospitality Management plans 4,000 additional rooms

Dubai: Hospitality Management Holdings, the UAE-based hotel management company, has announced 35 new projects, across the Middle East and North, South and East Africa, which will bring 4,000 additional rooms to their portfolio.

The value of HMH projects currently under development is estimated at over Dh4.5 billion, company officials said.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, chief executive Manafa LLC and vice-chairman of HMH, said, "We have succeeded in achieving just double the number of hotels we initially planned. Five years ago, the target of 25 properties seemed over ambitious. However, today we have 15 hotels operational and 35 contracts signed which is absolutely remarkable."

Michel Noblet, managing director, HMH, said: "Our objective is to have 100 hotels by 2012."

Choice

The company currently has four brands under its umbrella. Noblet said, "We offer a complete spectrum of choice in terms of hospitality with each of our brands catering to a different segment," adding that all their "hotels are well equipped to tap into the region's growing demand for business and leisure."

HMH has rapidly widened its reach internationally by forging several strategic alliances such as a tie-up with Skywards - the frequent flyer programme from Emirates, HUSA Hotels, a hospitality group from Europe, HMC - Hospitality Marketing Concepts and Boutique Hotels and Resorts International.

Outlining the company's future strategy, Noblet said, "Business environment is getting unusually challenging. Consolidation, expansion and strong development in existing and emerging markets, brand image, product standards, World Class Service and training are tactical to our success."

The company, established in 2003, has 15 hotels operational with 2,500 keys. By 2011, it aims to have 50 hotels under management.