The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's leading hospitality chains, is set to open 17 hotels this year across the Middle East region.

The global hotel operator will add over 3,000 rooms to its existing operating portfolio of 8,500 rooms in the region. The hotel openings are concentrated across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its brand presence in prime locations across the GCC.

Mark Willis, area vice president, Middle East & Turkey, Rezidor Hotel Group said: “2017 is the year of hotel openings and a very exciting period for the Group. With 17 hotels opening across the Middle East we are seeing the fruits of our team’s work over the last few years, and the continued trust from our Owners to manage their asset. We are especially pleased to see the geographical spread of our growth across the region in key markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and also increase our brand presence across our entire portfolio; the iconic and stylish Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson, our fresh and energetic mid-market hotel brand and our exciting new lifestyle select Radisson Red brand.”

“As a globally respected hotel group and employer of passionate hoteliers we are further delighted to create significant employment opportunities across the region. With our anticipated growth in 2017 the Group remains firmly on track to have 100 hotels & 20,000 rooms in operation by 2020,” Willis added.

The hotel openings in the UAE, will see Carlson Rezidor add almost 1,000 rooms to its operating portfolio, making it 13 hotels and 3,000 rooms in operation, by the end of 2017. This includes the highly anticipated opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, the group’s most prominent opening in Dubai in recent years. The 432 room hotel with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa has a prime location at Dubai Water Canal, within Business Bay, and will showcase a number of exciting new restaurants and bars.

Meanwhile, another high profile opening in the UAE is Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Motor City, which is set to open by Q3 2017. The hotel will set a new standard for the brand with its unique design and has a location where there are plans to create a new destination along the Dubai race track.

In Q3, Radisson Blu Residence, Silicon Oasis and Radisson Blu Hotel, Ajman are set to open their doors. While looking further ahead Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2018 and is the sister property to the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront, as the Group further strengthens its presence in prime locations across the Emirates.

With an impressive 30 hotels and over 6,000 rooms in operation and in development in Saudi Arabia, 2017 marks the group’s first hotel opening in the Holy City of Makkah, with Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Makkah Al Naseem. The 462-room hotel for religious travellers is located about 103 kilometres from King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and scheduled to open in Q2 this year.  

The openings across the kingdom will see Carlson Rezidor secure a leading position in Jeddah and Eastern Province but also a growing portfolio in other primary cities, secondary cities and Holy cities. A total of six openings are scheduled for the Radisson Blu brand, including the imminent opening of Radisson Blu Residence, Dhahran and five openings for the Park Inn by Radisson brand, including Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Makkah Al Naseem. The Group will also introduce the Park Inn by Radisson brand to Jeddah later this year.

The group extends its presence in Egypt, with the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Nasr City, a 298-room property located in the city’s largest district. The expected opening is expected Q4 2017.

Last year, was another strong year for Carlson Rezidor in terms of growth and development signings, with 13 hotels and over 2,600 rooms signed in the Middle East. To support this growth, the regional team in Dubai and in Saudi Arabia was increased, while the regional office was also expanded, as the company look set for another strong year. - TradeArabia News Service