AccorHotels, a leading international hotel operator, has signed a management agreement with Iranina company Aria Ziggurat for its first Novotel and ibis properties in Tehran, Iran.

A subsidiary of Iran Cultural Heritage and Tourism Investment Corporation (SEMEGA), Aria Ziggurat is the owning company of the two properties.

The new hotels – Novotel IKIA and ibis IKIA – are connected to the main terminal of Imam Khomeini International Airport and scheduled to open in October. AccorHotels is the first international hotel group to launch its brands in Iran.

Sébastien Bazin, AccorHotels’ chairman and CEO, said: “We are very excited about signing this partnership with Aria Ziggurat in Iran. We are certain that Novotel and ibis will fit perfectly into the growth momentum that Iran’s hospitality sector is enjoying. Our brands are looking at huge growth potential in this country, which is home to almost 80 million people and is expanding its economy. Our ambition is to develop an important network in the country thanks to our global portfolio of brands covering all segments, from luxury to midscale and economy.”

The almost 500-room cluster hotels encompass a midscale hotel – Novotel IKIA (296 rooms) – and an economy hotel – ibis IKIA (196 rooms). Strategically connected to the main terminal of Imam Khomeini International Airport, within a 45-minute drive from downtown Tehran, the two new hotels are ideally positioned to attract domestic and international business travellers and tourists. Guests will enjoy a choice of Iranian and international cuisine, large meeting rooms and convention venues, and wellness facilities including spas, fitness centres and swimming pools.

Dr Mehdi Jahangiri, Aria Ziggurat’s chairman, added: “We believe the expertise of international hospitality groups will upgrade local standards and existing levels of service in our hotels, and ultimately add value to our business. This important agreement with AccorHotels for the management of Novotel and ibis IKIA hotels in Tehran is a prosperous beginning that defines our new offer of hotel service along with an Iranian taste of hospitality and rich culture to our valued customers, partners and employees.”

AccorHotels currently manages 71 hotels in the Middle East, spanning every segment from luxury to economy, in 10 countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. – TradeArabia News Service