Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President of Development at Rotana Hotels and Resorts, highlighted that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, are the main markets for the company. With a strong presence in these countries, Rotana Hotels and Resorts is positioned as one of the leading hotel management companies in the region.

At the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2024 in Dubai, Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President, Development, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, shared insights into the company’s current projects and future growth strategy. As a leading hotel management company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rotana has been instrumental in transforming the hospitality landscape in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. With an eye on future growth, Rotana Hotels and Resort is expanding its presence in key markets including Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Central Asia.

Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President, Development, Rotana Hotels and Resorts emphasized that the Future Hospitality Summit is an essential platform for Rotana, bringing together investors, developers, and consultants from around the world. With the global hospitality industry evolving rapidly, the summit provides an opportunity for Rotana to explore partnerships and investment avenues that align with its strategic objectives.

Expanding Into Key Markets: Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Central Asia

Rotana Hotels has been a major player in the Middle East, but its expansion plans extend far beyond the region. As highlighted by Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President, Development, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Saudi Arabia is a significant focus for Rotana Hotels and Resort due to its growing tourism and hospitality sector. With the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aiming to increase tourism as a major contributor to its GDP, there is an urgent need for more branded hotels. Rotana Hotels and Resorts is positioning itself to fill that gap by expanding its portfolio in various cities across Saudi Arabia, including business and leisure hubs.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, Africa is another region where Rotana Hotels and Resort sees tremendous potential. Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President, Development, Rotana Hotels and Resorts pointed out that Africa is in dire need of branded, quality hotels—not necessarily luxurious, but clean, secure, and well-managed properties. With increasing economic development and tourism growth across Africa, Rotana aims to offer midscale and upscale accommodations that meet the needs of business travelers and tourists alike. The company is targeting key markets in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, which are currently underserved by branded hospitality providers.

The third major region in Rotana’s growth strategy is Central Asia, a natural extension of its existing footprint due to its close ties with the UAE. With growing political and economic relations between the UAE and Central Asian countries, Rotana Hotels and Resort aims to capitalize on these connections by expanding its hospitality services in key markets like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. These countries are seeing increasing demand for branded hotels, particularly in their major cities and business centers, making it an ideal region for Rotana’s expansion.

Investment and Franchise Model

Rotana has long been known for its expertise in hotel management, operating properties on behalf of owners who seek professional management services. However, as El Zyr mentioned during the summit, Rotana also introduced a franchise model in 2019, enabling developers to benefit from Rotana’s established systems, standards, and infrastructure without a full management agreement. The franchise model allows for greater flexibility while still maintaining the high standards that Rotana is known for.

Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President, Development, Rotana Hotels and Resorts highlighted that many developers who have invested millions in building and furnishing hotels seek a trusted partner to manage these valuable assets. Rotana’s extensive experience in managing hotels across different regions, combined with its systems and operational expertise, make it an attractive option for developers looking to maximize returns on their hospitality investments.

MICE Opportunities at Rotana Hotels and Resorts

In addition to its hotel management services, Rotana offers a wide range of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities across its portfolio. Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President, Development, Rotana Hotels and Resorts noted that Rotana has several hotels equipped with conference halls, auditoriums, and meeting rooms designed to cater to different business needs. Larger properties within the portfolio offer more elaborate conference facilities, including conference halls as large as 1,000 square meters, making them ideal for large-scale corporate events, conferences, and exhibitions.

However, not all Rotana properties are designed with extensive MICE facilities. The availability of these amenities depends on the nature of the hotel, with limited-service hotels offering more modest meeting rooms, while larger properties are better equipped to handle major events.

Key Source Markets for Rotana Hotels and Resorts

Rotana’s diverse portfolio attracts customers from various markets depending on the type of property and its location. For example, resorts located along the Red Sea in Egypt tend to attract Russian, British, German, and Italian tourists, while business hotels in cities like Abu Dhabi draw GCC travelers from Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. This flexibility allows Rotana Hotels and Resort to cater to a global clientele, ensuring its properties are well-positioned to meet the demands of both leisure and business travelers.

Rotana Hotels and Resorts continues to demonstrate its leadership in the hospitality industry through its strategic expansion into key markets, including Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Central Asia. With a focus on providing high-quality, branded hotels that meet the needs of a diverse range of travelers, Rotana is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The company’s participation in Future Hospitality Summit 2024 highlights its commitment to innovation, investment, and creating lasting partnerships that will drive the hospitality industry forward.

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2024 in Dubai, UAE, is a key gathering of global leaders, investors, developers, and industry professionals in the hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors. Held annually, the summit serves as a platform for discussing emerging trends, innovations, and investment opportunities in the hospitality industry. With participation from over 1,600 attendees, representing 500 companies from 60+ countries, FHS 2024 facilitates collaboration and dialogue among top industry stakeholders.

One of the significant focuses of FHS 2024 is on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and strategic investments. The event includes panels, presentations, and networking opportunities, offering attendees insights into market trends and developments. Notable discussions center on the Saudi Arabian tourism boom, the rapid rise of African tourism markets, and the expansion potential in Central Asia.

The summit is an essential event for industry professionals aiming to stay ahead of the curve, providing a platform to explore new partnerships, investment opportunities, and future growth strategies. As the global hospitality industry continues to evolve, FHS 2024 remains a crucial event for shaping the future of travel and tourism.

Rotana Hotels and Resorts is a leading hotel management company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), known for its diverse portfolio of properties that cater to both business and leisure travelers. Established in 1992, Rotana has grown to become one of the most prominent hospitality brands in the Middle East, with a presence in key markets including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, Jordan, and Turkey.

Rotana’s success is driven by its commitment to providing high-quality service, professional hotel management, and tailored solutions for property owners. The company operates hotels across several segments, from luxury resorts to midscale and upscale business hotels. In 2019, Rotana introduced its franchise model, allowing developers to leverage the company’s systems, standards, and expertise without a full management agreement.

One of the hallmarks of Rotana’s portfolio is its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) offerings. Many of Rotana’s properties feature state-of-the-art conference halls, meeting rooms, and event facilities, catering to the needs of business travelers and corporate clients. Rotana is well-regarded for providing excellent service to both leisure guests and MICE participants, offering a range of facilities to suit different event sizes and requirements.

Looking ahead, Rotana is focusing on expanding its footprint in key markets, including Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Central Asia. With its extensive experience in hotel management and a growing portfolio of branded hotels, Rotana is poised to continue its leadership in the global hospitality industry, providing tailored solutions that meet the needs of its clients and guests.

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