UAE: Louvre HotelsTo Open 40 Properties In Mena

Louvre Hotels Group, one of the largest hospitality groups in the world, is looking to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) by opening 40 budget and economy hotels over the next five years, a senior Louvre Hotels executive said ahead of his company’s participation in next week’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016.

Driving the group’s expansion in the region will be two of its fastest-growing brands – Première Classe, a modern, limited-service budget hotel focused on comfort, connectivity and convenience; and Campanile, a value-driven mid-market brand that caters to new-age travellers.

Rami Moukarzel, vice president - development and acquisitions, Mena, Louvre Hotels Group, said: “The new hotels aim to fill the existing gap in the budget and economy segment. Louvre Hotels already has a formidable footprint in Mena, managing 60 hotels and more than 8,000 guestrooms, and our experience and presence in the region has ensured we understand better the needs and dynamics of diverse regional markets.

"Expansion opportunities have been identified across the GCC, commencing with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman, and we are also exploring opportunities in emerging markets in North Africa and the Levant,” he said.

“The potential to develop a footprint of our Première Classe and Campanile brands spreads across primary, secondary and even tertiary cities in markets such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. Première Classe and Campanile are both globally established names, and in bringing these well-renowned brands to the region, we aim to redefine conventional notions of what a budget or economy hotel should be, by offering guests quality-focused serviced hotels that combine comfort, convenience and technology amenities in an affordable package.”

Première Classe will open its first hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2018, while the first of many Campanile hotels in the region will be announced in the coming months for a 2018 opening.

Première Classe and Campanile operate more than 650 properties worldwide.

A highlight of the Campanile hotels is a specially designed hub at the heart of each property, created to offer an experience beyond a smooth check-in and check-out process, with vibrant open spaces meant for hotel guests or surrounding residents to meet, socialise, entertain, dine or simply grab a quick snack on the go.

“Creating vibrant social spaces all across the property has become vital for attracting young travellers who are always seeking opportunities for social interaction,” Moukarzel said.

The ATM runs from April 25 to 28 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Louvre Hotels can be found at stand HC0565 located in Sheikh Saeed Hall.