Katara Hospitality, the leading global hotel developer, owner and operator based in Qatar, achieved a multitude of successes in 2015, further illustrating continued milestone achievements in contributing to Qatar and the world’s hospitality landscape through investment and development of iconic hotels in key global destinations.
“Our goals bear strong alignment with Katara Hospitality’s vision for strategic growth in Qatar and expansion into new markets beyond our borders such that as we enter 2016, we are well positioned for yet another year of success in our pursuits as an internationally recognised leader in the global luxury hospitality sector,” said chairman Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani.
During the year, Katara Hospitality witnessed the opening of Excelsior Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, as well as the legendary Royal Savoy Lausanne, a Murwab Hotel. Both properties had recently undergone a meticulous renovation and redesign, restoring their rich heritage and historic landmark status before reopening. The acquisition of Westin Excelsior Rome from Starwood Hotels & Resorts marked Katara Hospitality’s third hotel in the Italian market, bringing the Qatari company’s worldwide portfolio to 35 properties.
“The opening of the Excelsior Gallia in Milan, and the Royal Savoy in Lausanne, coupled with the acquisition of The Westin Excelsior Rome, further highlights Katara Hospitality’s vision to preserve the heritage of iconic properties across the world, as well as our commitment to continued strategic growth through international expansion, investment and acquisitions as we work towards our target of 60 properties by 2026,” said CEO Hamad Abdulla al-Mulla.
In Qatar, Sealine Beach Resort and The Ritz-Carlton Doha, are undergoing massive renovations which will reveal redefined luxurious offerings. Owned by Katara Hospitality and managed by Murwab Hotel Group, Sealine Beach Resort’s extensive enhancements which will be completed this year, include an entirely new wing with an additional 20 villas and room upgrades. The Ritz-Carlton Doha’s property-wide renovations will unveil fully transformed guestrooms, a modernised spa and VIP club lounge. The two-phase project coined ‘the re-imagination project’ is expected to be complete in mid-2017.
The launch of Murwab Hotel Group, Katara Hospitality’s standalone operating arm which manages a collection of international upscale boutique hotels and brands, signifies the start of a new era and continued quest for growth into new markets for the company as it leverages 45 years’ experience in the luxury hospitality sector.
Murwab Hotel Group, rooted in Qatari heritage and Arabic hospitality, is a rapidly growing hotel-management company, with six Qatar-based projects in its pipeline. Two of these projects include Sealine Beach Resort currently under renovation, which will be rebranded to Sealine, a Murwab Resort while the recently opened Saraya Corniche Hotel is operated under Murwab Hotel Group.
Katara Hospitality has received numerous prestigious accolades for its continued contribution to the Qatari and global luxury hospitality landscape. Some noteworthy awards include being named the “Middle East’s Leading Hospitality Development Company” for the second consecutive year and “Middle East Leading Tourism Development Project” for the iconic Katara Towers development expected to open in 2018 in Doha’s Lusail City Marina District, at the 2015 World Travel Awards in Dubai.
Katara Hospitality also clinched the prestigious Seven Star Special Award for “Remarkable & Exceptional Achievement in the Luxury Hospitality Industry” award at the illustrious Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards ceremony in Bali.
To cap the year off, Katara Hospitality scooped three esteemed awards at the December edition of the World Travel Awards held in El Jadida, Morocco, by being named “World’s Leading Hospitality Company” for the third year running, “World’s Leading Hotel Suite” for the Katara Suite at the recently reopened Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan and the coveted “World’s Leading Landmark Hotel” for The Peninsula Paris, a Katara Hospitality flagship property in the French capital.