Move brings 9 new hotels from the Middle East and Europe into Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio by 2017.
CHICAGO – January 12, 2016 – Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Katara Hospitality, two of the world’s leading hospitality companies, have entered into a master partnership agreement for the recently launched Murwab Hotel Group, Katara Hospitality’s standalone hotel operating division. Effective immediately, four of Murwab Hotel Group’s existing luxury hotels in Qatar and Switzerland have been brought into representation of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and five additional properties that are currently under development in Europe and the Middle East will join over the course of the next 18 months.
Designed to support Murwab Hotel Group’s strategic vision for ambitious expansion following its March 2015 launch, the move allows the company’s properties to tap into Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ unrivalled sales capabilities in the corporate and leisure travel sectors, expertise in the independent and small hotel collection space, innovative marketing and distribution platforms, and network of sales professionals located in 40 offices worldwide. In turn, the alliance allows Preferred Hotels & Resorts to establish first-time presence in Qatar and greater brand awareness in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
“Throughout its history and especially over the past five years, Katara Hospitality has proven to be one of the most dynamic and exciting hospitality brands in the world. We are honored to have been recognized for our successful output in key markets and selected as the best partner to support their hotel operating arm, Murwab Hotel Group,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, President & CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “With a shared vision to provide unparalleled hospitality through the world’s finest, culturally inspired luxury hotel experiences, we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”
“We are delighted to be partnering with Preferred Hotels & Resorts for our recently relaunched hotel operating division, Murwab Hotel Group and are confident that the services provided by Preferred Hotels & Resorts will be strategically aligned with the principles underpinning Katara Hospitality’s presence on the global stage.” commented Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality.
The collective Murwab Hotel Group portfolio extends guests an authentic connection to local culture while featuring contemporary amenities and anticipatory services. Immediate Murwab Hotel Group additions to the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio include Saraya Corniche Hotel (Doha, Qatar), Sealine Beach Resort (Mesaieed, Qatar), Simaisma, A Murwab Resort (Doha, Qatar) and Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne (Switzerland). Five properties across Qatar and Switzerland that are scheduled to open this year through 2017 will also join the brand portfolio.
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About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The iPrefer™ guest loyalty program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Family℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.
About Murwab Hotel Group
Murwab Hotel Group is Katara Hospitality’s standalone operating division which manages an international collection of boutique upscale hotels and brands offering contemporary hospitality steeped in cultural heritage. The Murwab Hotel Group currently manages properties under its three main areas of business: Murwab Hotels, The Bürgenstock Selection as well as a collection of independent non-branded upscale properties.
Murwab Hotels is a contemporary collection of stylish upscale hotels that offer dynamic and engaging hospitality. Murwab Hotels connect with local culture and traditions to offer truly authentic experiences. The Bürgenstock Selection offers first class Swiss hospitality, luxurious facilities and a stylish symbiosis of the traditional and modern. All three establishments under The Bürgenstock Selection offer high standards of exclusive service and distinctive characteristics.
Murwab Hotel Group also manages a series of independent upper mid-scale properties in Qatar. Each property offers an experience defined by local flavor reflected throughout the design and the distinctive scenography. For more information, visit murwabhotelgroup.com.
About Katara Hospitality
Katara Hospitality is a global hotel owner, developer and operator, based in Qatar. With more than 45 years’ experience in the industry, Katara Hospitality actively pursues its strategic expansion plans by investing in peerless hotels in Qatar while growing its collection of iconic properties in key international markets. Katara Hospitality’s portfolio has grown to include 35 owned and / or managed hotels and the company is now focused on achieving its target of 60 hotels in its portfolio by 2026. As the country’s flagship hospitality organisation, Katara Hospitality supports Qatar’s long term economic vision.
Katara Hospitality currently owns properties spread across three continents in Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand. While it partners with some of the finest hotel management companies, Katara Hospitality operates owned and non-owned hotels through its standalone operating arm, Murwab Hotel Group
Katara Hospitality has gained global recognition for its contributions to the Qatari and international hospitality landscape, through numerous prestigious accolades from the industry. For more information, visit katarahospitality.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
For Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Caroline Michaud
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Relations
Tel: +1 312 542 9218
cmichaud@preferredhotels.com
For Katara Hospitality
Amena Tena
Corporate Manager, Communications
Tel: +974 4423 7801
amena.tena@katarahospitality.com