Katara powers ahead

KATARA Hospitality, Qatar’s leading hotel developer, owner and operator, was recently named Hospitality Company of the Year at the Arabian Business Qatar Awards 2014.

“We are delighted to be recognised for the strides we are taking towards achieving our vision of becoming a leading owner, developer, and operator of iconic hotels around the world,” Katara Hospitality’s chief executive officer and board member Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla tells TTN.

Last November, Katara Hospitality was named the World’s Leading Hospitality Company at the 2013 World Travel Awards. In May 2014, World Travel Awards again recognised Katara Hospitality as the Middle East’s Leading Hospitality Development Company.

Katara Hospitality currently has 28 properties in operation or under development, and aims to up the number to 30 by 2016. Earlier this year, the company acquired five iconic properties in key European cities – the InterContinental Carlton Cannes, the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, the InterContinental Madrid, the InterContinental Frankfurt, and the leasehold interest in the InterContinental De La Ville Rome.

PENINSULA PARIS

In August, Katara Hospitality announced the opening of the spectacular Peninsula Paris, following an extensive four-year restoration. “I personally feel that one of the most fascinating aspects of the property – initially opened in 1908 - is the heritage and legacy it represents,” Al Mulla says.

Formerly known as the ‘majestic hotel’ at the height of the Belle Epoque, The Peninsula Paris was the place to be seen. Located in a magnificent historic building on Avenue Kléber in the exclusive 16th arondissment, the hotel is just steps away from the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe.

SHERATON DOHA

Katara’s next property, Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, is expected to reopen next month. “The Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel is currently undergoing major renovation and refurbishment with the aim to bring the property back to its former glory,” Al Mulla says.

“The project will see the full renovation of all guest rooms, public areas, recreation facilities and the conference and meetings space. The design of the newly renovated property will reflect perfectly the synergy between the striking 1970s architecture of one of Doha’s most recognised landmarks, with all the functionality that is expected of a leading 21st century luxury hotel.”

Currently, Katara Hospitality owns two operating brands; the home-grown Merweb brand focuses on managing hotels in Qatar with plans to expand in the GCC countries, while the Bürgenstock Selection oversees three properties in Switzerland. “Both brands are quintessential to the heritage of their respective communities, allowing us to localise our hospitality concepts while maintaining an individualised service approach which gives us a competitive edge. Additionally, we also own and manage the Sealine Beach Resort in Qatar.”

At the end of 2013, Katara signed an agreement to manage a new hotel in Doha under the Merweb brand, which is scheduled for opening next year. “We have also signed letters of intent to manage two additional properties under the umbrella of the Merweb brand, both currently under development in Doha.”

UNIQUE INVESTMENT

Katara’s investment strategy is not necessarily determined by a hotel’s location, explains Al Mulla. “When engaging in a project, we always look for something special, something extraordinary that sets that property apart. We acquire and further invest in properties that have set the standards in the industry.

“We will continue to invest in and develop unique properties, taking the pioneering spirit that saw us lead hospitality development in Qatar and applying it to iconic hotels around the world,” the CEO tells TTN. “We will continue to follow a healthy diversification strategy that aims to introduce a network of four- and five-star business hotels and leisure resorts in high-potential markets around the world. We will focus on the luxury market as well as the corporate and leisure segments, covering a wide area of tourist requirements.”

“We are continuing to explore investment opportunities United Kingdom. North America is also a possibility and, of course, we intend to further expand in Asia and Africa.

“Katara Hospitality has not yet announced any plans to invest in the UAE but if an iconic hotel in the UAE catches our interest and is aligned with the organisation’s brand values and ethos, investment options would be considered.”

By Rashi Sen