Swiss-Belhotel International Middle East, will actively participate at this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. The hotel group has embraced an aggressive expansion plan resulting in eight hotel management agreements in less than a year in the Gulf, with an ambitious plan to surpass double-digit figures by year end.   According to Vice President Operations & Development in the Middle East, the group is also eyeing Kazakhstan.

Swiss-Belhotel International Middle East complemented by strong representation from their Far Eastern hotels will join Alpha Tours at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. 

“We are delighted to be showcasing our sister properties at this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the region’s leading event for the industry.   It will be the first introduction to the Middle East for many of our General Managers who are planning to share details of new projects with trade, media and consumers at the event.” said Mr Gavin Faull, President, Swiss-Belhotel International.

According to Faull, the chain now has a total of 25 operating hotels worldwide with another 19 expected to open in two years.  The new hotels will almost double the chain’s total number of rooms from 3,281 to 5,925 (reflecting an increase of some 2,644 rooms).

Closer to home, Mr Edgar Solenthaler, Vice President, Operations & Development, Swiss-Belhotel International Middle East explains that it’s full speed ahead for Swiss-Belhotel in the region following recent announcements of expansion into Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and yet another property in the United Arab Emirates.

Not wanting to give away too many details, Solenthaler did say, “We are very excited that we may be announcing a second hotel project in Dubai in the coming weeks which will bring our total hotels in the UAE to three; two in Dubai and one in Sharjah.”

What’s new on the horizon for Swiss-Belhotel International Middle East?  According to Solenthaler, the group is eyeing Kazakhstan which enjoys overwhelmingly high average rates and occupancy.  

Anticipated openings for the group in 2008 include Dubai in mid-July and Doha in September.