IFA Hotels and Resorts (IFA HR), a leading real estate developer specialising in international hotel and tourism resort projects, has registered more than $100 million in sales for the first six months of 2009.

This was achieved through its global network across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia.

“This is a unique achievement given the global downturn in the real estate sector and a great testament to the strength of the IFA HR brand and the quality of our diverse products,” said Werner Burger, president & COO of IFA HR.

“These positive results are driven by successful businesses across all our markets, led by strategies that have promptly responded to fast changing market climates.”

IFA HR has a track record in developing and selling a wide range of investment and lifestyle products to a large international client base, including shared ownership products such as the Pine Cliffs Vacation Club (Portugal), Fairmont Heritage Place (in both South Africa and Dubai) and the IFA Yacht Ownership Club (based in the UAE, Thailand and France).

This gives IFA HR the ability to market its products to a captive audience, instead of implementing traditional marketing strategies, said a statement.

Piaras Moriarty, vice president client management with IFA HR in the Middle East, said: “We have a diverse product offering which contributes positively to our sales targets.  For example, sales in our first private residence club in South Africa, Fairmont Heritage Place Zimbali, have been increasing due to a proactive targeted marketing strategy and a superior product.”

“Our clients are discerning individuals who demand high quality products and service, which is exactly what we offer,” he added.

“Our strength lies in the ability to create products that meet a wide range of clients; we strive to remain innovative and offer newer and more exciting products, which we believe is the key to our success,” Moriarty continued.

“We have the ability to utilise a global sales team, taking advantage of the seasonality of our resort locations throughout the year.  This gives us the ability to cross sell our portfolio between our international offices, resulting in significant cost savings.”

Construction work on all IFA HR’s ongoing projects is making firm progress with increased man power; many projects will be handed over this year in Dubai, Lebanon, Thailand and South Africa.

As the majority of the company’s resort properties are managed by international five star hospitality partners, home owners experience superior services during, and after, receiving the keys to their units.

Burger added: “We always stay heavily involved in the day to day operations of our projects since we sell, lease and manage our properties.  We started handing over our Pine Cliffs project in Portugal fifteen years ago and are still helping our customers re-sell their units if they so choose.” – TradeArabia News Service