Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. signed a contract with Best Holdings Limited on November 15 to build a second Le Méridien in Bangladesh, Le Méridien Resort and Spa at Bhaluka near the city.
"It's a special day for us. We executed a new contract with Amin Ahmad, Chairman, Best Holdings Limited today to build a second Le Méridien property in Bangladesh at Bhaluka, a short distance away from the city," said Dilip Puri, Managing Director, India, and Regional Vice President, South Asia, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide at the grand opening of Le Méridien Dhaka in the city.
Rashed Khan Menon, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Amin Ahmad, Chairman, Hasan Ahmad, President, Best Holdings Limited, the organisation which owns Le Méridien Dhaka and Ashwani Nayar, General Manager also spoke on the occasion.
The Regional Vice President, South Asia, Starwood said, "I believe in the opportunity of the markets, particularly Bangladesh, because I see so many similarities when I look at the population and demographics, to replicate and truly bring in international quality hospitality products which can be enjoyed by local Bangladeshis and international tourists coming here.
"Our relationship with Chairman Amin started about three years ago when this building was complete and he was very keen to tie up with a very good international brand. Seeing this property come to life in these three years, seeing the commitment and passion he and his son has shown, it is reflection of people who believe in quality."
"I went round the hotel. I am proud to say and I'm working for the largest hotel company this is the flagship Le Méridien of Starwood anywhere in the world."
"Give us your patronage and we won't disappoint you," he appealled to the residents of the capital city.
Recalling Starwood's association with Dhaka, Dilip Puri said, "Starwood has a very long history with the city, operating Dhaka Sheraton Hotel for 30 years and The Westin Dhaka for eight to nine years. We know the city, we know the country, we understand the market, we certainly understand the people here."
"We have some great relationships for which Starwood could build some business in the country," he said.
He said, Starwood is the largest operator of hotels in this part of the world. Across South Asia, which includes Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, we have over 54 hotels operating and another 42 hotels under development.
Amin Ahmad said, "Tourism will grow in the country if there is infrastructure and international quality of service. Keeping this as my goal I have built up this Le Méridien which has been declared the brand's flagship property."
He informed that the hotel received "Most Innovative Design and Luxury Facilities in a Business Hotel, South Asia" award for design.
"Presence of this high quality hotel will speak of the hospitality scenario of the country," Amin Ahmad said.
He hoped that Le Méridien and Starwood would further enhance the reputation of the hotel with their professionalism and high quality of service.
Hasan Ahmad said, "Over 12 lakh people directly and 27 lakh people indirectly are involved in travel and tourism industry in the country. Over 10 lakh more jobs will be created in hospitality sector by 2024."
Hotel and tourism revenue is increasing at the rate of 25 per cent and demand for five-star accommodation is increasing at the rate of 15 per cent, he said, adding for this reason domestic and international investors are coming forward to invest in the sector, which will accelerate the growth of tourism.
He said Le Méridien Resort and Spa at Bhaluka will have 208 rooms, waterfront restaurant, swimming pool, banqueting and conferencing facilities, individual spa, cineplex, world class landscaping and artificial beach.
Rashed Khan Menon, said, "A new star has been added to the hospitality industry of the industry. It will certainly enhance the quality of celebration of Visit Bangladesh Year."
He spoke of different initiatives to make the celebration of the year a success including the holding of an international conference on Buddhist tourism. The conference has given dividends.
"I've been to WTM and they have identified Bangladesh as one of great places to visit," he said.
"I went round the hotel earlier and I was confident that this hotel would be a great and its different venues would build their own presence by their own qualities.
Praising the initiatives of Amin Ahmad and Hasan Ahmad, he said, "The private sector will have to take the initiative. They will have to be the engine of growth in the tourism sector. The government will only facilitate."
Ashwani Nayar, the hotel's General Manager, who has been living in Dhaka the past two years, said, "The response from the people of the city has been very encouraging. Business is ramping up and we are optimistic about the market."
"They (patrons) have found the hotels to be of value. And we have been the most happening place, with us hosting some of the most important events in these few months," he said.
Following the opening ceremony which took place at the rooftop ballroom on floor 16, guests enjoyed a lively performance by popular folk band, Joler Gaan (Songs of the Water) known for their contemporary reinterpretation of Bangladeshi rural music.
A gourmet spread with live buffet stations featuring signature dishes from the hotel's six dining venues, was one of the highlights of the evening.
Le Méridien Dhaka, the city's largest upscale hotel, offers 304 guestrooms and suites, featuring the French brand's signature amenities and destination inspired moments of discovery. For culinary experiences, guests have a choice of international and local flavours.
Latest Recipe, the interactive all day dining restaurant with a live kitchen setup, features an evocative mix of international and authentic local cuisine.
Favola, the Italian specialty restaurant, offers some of the most diverse flavours from Italy, while Olea serves the best of Mediterranean delights. 15 Above is the chic lounge bar offering stunning views, while Latitude 23 transforms from a casual coffee house by day to a vibrant social scene in the evening.
The hotel also features the signature Explore Spa, a fitness centre as well as the highest skyline infinity pool on the floor 16.
No comments:
Post a Comment