Cristal Hotels and Resorts, based in Abu Dhabi announced the opening of its new branch in Lebanon; after signing the agreement earlier this month with two new partners and businessmen Elias Badr and Edmond Marjaba; operations are due to start in February 2012.

This announcement comes in line with their major expansion and development initiative in the Levant region, which expects to bring a total of 10 new properties to their portfolio.

Cristal Group Holdings Incorporated is expanding internationally and the new branch in Lebanon will be the start. Paving the way for the group's imminent regional expansion drive. Currently operating two hotels in Abu Dhabi; Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi and Cristal Salam Hotel, this new office will definitely increase their market presence and capitalize on future development projects.

Cristal Lebanon Hotels & Resorts Management Office will be responsible for all the development and operations of the upcoming hotels in Lebanon and the Levant region and the team will be led by Peter Blackburn the company President and CEO.

Commenting on the topic Peter Blackburn said, "While the global economy seems to show a recovery and the climate for interest in hotel looks encouraging, we are pleased that Cristal Group development pipeline is filled with potential growth for the company. We are confident of meeting the hospitality needs across all segments of travellers within this region and we are looking forward to start our new projects in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, which will be great additions to our existing portfolio of hotels in the UAE."

He further added, "We see an opportunity across different segments and are equipped to meet the market needs with our various hotel brands for both mid-scale and upscale markets. The overall strategy of offering high-quality accommodation and services with reasonable price is one that fits well at any time, especially now that everyone is looking for extra value."

"Being able to cement our leadership position in the region with the opening of our new office in Lebanon is very gratifying and we are most grateful to our partners that continue to entrust their hotel assets to the Cristal Group for enabling this stellar performance. Adding this number of hotels to the network in the coming years has required us to invest significantly in our regional infrastructure to support both the new hotel openings as well as the existing hotel and in doing so ensuring our ability to sustain similar growth in the coming years," he added.