Starwood Hotels is set to open 25 new hotels by 2015 as it expands into the Middle East region.
Starwood Hotels is set to open 25 new hotels by 2015 as it expands into the Middle East region.
A spokesperson confirmed that the additional properties would equal a 50 per cent growth for the chain.
“With more than 70 per cent of the world’s growth over the decade coming from fast-growing markets such as the Middle East, the region plays a central role in our global expansion and development strategy,” said Frits van Paasschen, president and chief executive officer.
It is anticipated that Starwood will add ten new hotels across the UAE in the coming years – making it a key base for their Middle East operations.
Guy Wilkinson, general manager of Viability, told Gulf News that Dubai is expected to continue to expand and this will ensure long-term demand for hotel rooms.
He added that both Emirates and Etihad Airways are set to increase their flights to Dubai with additional aircraft and new routes.
At the end of 2009, Starwood owned, leased, managed and franchised a total of 979 hotels in around 100 countries.
Written by Alex Cochrane.