Millennium Eyes Saudi Arabia
MAY 3, 2007 There is great opportunity for tourism development in Saudi Arabia which many companies have not yet taken advantage of, according Ali Lakhraim, President, Middle East & Africa, Millenium Hotels & Resorts, speaking to Breaking Travel News at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, in Dubai.
"We are planning a very aggressive expansion into Saudi Arabia that will put us on top of all the main players in Saudi Arabia in prime locations, such as Mecca, Medina and Riyadh." He revealed that the group are planning to add three hotels and 4000 rooms in coming months.
The Millennium group, which launched into the Middle East five year's ago, are rapidly growing their portfolio which currently consists of 20 hotels in regions such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Egypt and Doha - some of which are still under construction. According to Lakhraim, the Millennium is one of the fastest growing companies in the Middle East, and is aiming to add hit 30 hotels by next year.
Other than Saudi, the group is also eying regions in the UAE and Egypt. Commenting on the exceptional growth in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Lakhraim revealed: "It's a tourism driven market, with so many projects and developments that can not be ignored. Commented on the challenges Key challenges are that resources are becoming quite difficult, especially in keeping with global yet local: "Good people are not just lying in the street today."
Commenting on AHIC, Lakhraim revealed: "The conference is growing year after year. This is one of the main events that is held before ATM and is one of the best places to get together and network. It gives us a lot of exposure."
www.millenniumhotels.com
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