HK hotel company’s Middle East plan

Doha, Kuwait and Sharjah in the UAE have all been earmarked as locations for new Swiss-Belhotel International properties, with the Hong Kong-based company setting a target of 10 properties in the next three years across the region.

Swiss Belhotel International vice president operations and development Middle East Edgar Solenthaler said the company was building on its relationship with joint venture partner Alpha Tours to expand its portfolio.

"The growth in the hotel industry at the moment is predominantly here [in the Middle East] because of the speed that hotels are coming into the market, and the growth that is sustained by most of the governments in the region," he said.

"We are definitely looking at other areas across the Middle East as well [for further developments]. Projects in the pipeline include the Dead Sea and Amman in Jordan, Saudi Arabia (around the major cities), Turkey and Abu Dhabi."

Solenthaler said there was also likely to be a project in Dubai announced shortly.

He said the company was initially looking to diversify its portfolio in terms of locations for new and signed properties.

"I think it is better to have your eggs spread out in various destinations," he said. "It will help you eventually if there are market fluctuations - if you are spread out then you are covered. But I know Dubai is the key: once you have Dubai then you have everyone wanting to talk to you."

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