Engaging its stakeholders, customers, and partners on a global platform, Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, showcased its wide-ranging collection of modern and sophisticated hotels at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2018 held from the 5-7 November, 2018.
Marking its 12th consecutive year of successful participation at the leading global event for the travel industry, Rotana showcased its eight newly opened hotels in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for this year, as well as its incredible pipeline that comprises of six upcoming properties scheduled for opening by the end of this year and 2019 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and the UAE.
The company also highlighted the figures reflecting steady growth in the UK room nights at its properties in the UAE market. At Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi, UK room nights grew by 13% between 2017 and 2018. During the same period, Rotana also increased its percentage share of UK visitor room nights compared to the city from 21.4% to 29.4%. Similarly, in Dubai, UK room nights at Rotana properties witnessed a year-on-year increase of 4.6%.
Guy Hutchinson, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, said: “As a strategic gathering of experts, industry stakeholders and professionals in the travel, tourism and hospitality businesses, the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2018 offered Rotana an excellent global platform to highlight its milestones, growing portfolio of world-class offerings, and robust expansion plans. Following a year of sustained performance across growth indicators and continued expansion, we are gearing up for a more promising 2019, which will be complemented by the opening of our six new hotels in key markets. We remain committed to continuing to deliver exceptional guest experiences, leveraging the insights gained from this event and building on the success of our strong portfolio of hotels.”
To cement its pre-eminent position in the UAE’s hospitality market, Rotana opened four properties in 2018. The company reached a new milestone when it opened its flagship property Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, a luxurious five-star hotel that features 327 rooms and suites, in addition to 13 private beach villas, in Abu Dhabi. The Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, which opened in March added another 315 keys to the company’s inventory in the capital city.
Further strengthening its foothold in Dubai’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector, Rotana continued its expansion in the emirate with the opening of the modern, architecturally-striking five-star hotel Al Bandar Rotana (190 keys), the hotel apartment complex Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana (90 keys). In addition, Rotana opened 189-room Centro Salama in Jeddah and 156-room Centro Olaya under the brand ‘Centro by Rotana’ in September and October, 2018.
In line with its long-term growth strategy, Rotana opened three new Global Sales offices in Paris, Milan and Amsterdam in July to drive business from these key markets. Complementing the company’s existing offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Germany, Russia, the UAE, and the United Kingdom, the new offices are already helping Rotana grow its client base in those markets.
Saudi Arabia continues to remain Rotana’s key focus market for expansion, with two properties are scheduled to open in different cities of the Kingdom in the first and second quarters of 2019. As part of its plans to tap new markets, the company will launch two new properties in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in addition to opening hotels in Iraq and the UAE with the aim of further deepening its presence in these markets.
In a true testimony of the company’s achievements in its pursuit of service excellence, Rotana has been recognized at key local and international award ceremonies. In 2018 alone, Rotana won 19 awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East, the Business Traveller Middle East & UK Awards, and Gulf Business Awards 2018.
Rotana’s impressive pipeline includes six hotels set to be launched from the Q1 2019 through to Q4 2019:
Centro Corniche, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia – opening Q1 2019
Offering an impressive location, this Centro hotel sits on the Al Khobar Corniche and boasts unobstructed views of the sea. Featuring 247 rooms and suites, Centro Corniche’s amenities are specifically geared to the needs of the travelling executive including well-appointed meeting rooms, three dining outlets, gymnasium and swimming pool.
Johari Rotana, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania – opening Q1 2019
Set to be Rotana’s first property in East Africa, Dar Es Salaam Rotana will be located in the MNF Square in the Tanzanian capital Dar Es Salaam. The luxurious hotel will feature 256 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, along with a fantastic culinary, business and wellness offering.
Bosmal Arjaan by Rotana, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – opening Q1 2019
Strategically located at the Bosmal City Centre complex in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, Sarajevo, Bosmal Arjaan by Rotanawill be the second tallest residential tower in the Balkans region. Managed under the ‘Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana’ brand, the property will feature 130 two and three-bedroom units, in addition to a gymnasium, two indoor pools, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and multiple treatment rooms.
Dana Rayhaan by Rotana, Dammam, Saudi Arabia – opening Q2 2019
The first Rotana property to open in Dammam under the Rayhaan brand, Dana Rayhaan by Rotana will be conveniently located next to the city’s main cultural attractions, including the heritage city, and only minutes away from King Fahd International Airport. The hotel will feature 285 rooms and suites, and a modern design that compliments the values of Arabian culture.
Al Jaddaf Rotana, Dubai – opening Q2 2019
Al Jaddaf Rotana will be located in the developing hub of Al Jaddaf, home to Dubai’s cultural village. The luxury hotel will feature 338 rooms and suites, along with an array of food and beverage establishments.
Slemani Rotana, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq – opening Q4 2019
Slemani Rotana will be conveniently located in the bustling heart of Sulaymaniyah city. Complete with 240 modern rooms and suites, business centre, fitness facilities, five meeting rooms and a choice of four dining outlets, Slemani Rotana will provide premium hospitality and impeccable service.