Katara Hospitality, the leading global hotel investor, developer, owner and operator, has announced major steps forward in the 12 months since its rebrand, launched at Arabian Travel Market 2012.  Exhibiting again at the 2013 trade show, Katara Hospitality said it has accomplished significant milestones in acquisition, investment, development and operations.

“Our new brand was launched last year as a platform for growth,” said Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality.  “Our goal is to own 30 properties by 2016, with another 30 in place by 2030.  Over the last twelve months, we have made important steps forward towards those targets.”

Acquisitions

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Barwa Real Estate in May last year, Katara Hospitality has recently completed the acquisition of Somerset West Bay Doha. This is the first operational property out of three assets to be acquired under the agreement.

With 200 two- and three-bedroom fully serviced apartments, Somerset West Bay Doha represents the company’s first venture into the niche market of serviced residences. It also marks Katara Hospitality‘s first partnership with Singapore-based Ascott Limited, one of the world’s largest international serviced residence operators.

Current developments

Katara Hospitality has continued development work on new and refurbished hotel properties in France, Switzerland and Italy, with new properties adding 500 keys on track for opening in 2013.

In Paris, on Rue de Fabourg St Honoré, the Buddha Bar Hotel Paris has been created within the shell of an 18^th Century building. Due for a soft opening in early Summer, the property will provide a lifestyle experience with five star service standards complementing the celebrated “eatertainment” concept of the Buddha Bar brand.

Set to open towards the end of 2013, The Peninsula Paris will emerge as one of the most luxurious destinations in Europe representing a legendary hospitality legacy of more than a century.

Also due to open in the latter part of this year, Excelsior Hotel Gallia Milan is the “youngest” hotel amongst Katara Hospitality’s growing international investments. Initially opened in 1932, the hotel has undergone a major renovation with expansion incorporating an adjacent building.

In addition, the ground-breaking event for the IconicTowers in Lusail City, Qatar, will take place by the middle of 2013.  An architectural translation of Qatar’s country seal, the complex is expected to open in 2016.

Operations

Katara Hospitality’s portfolio of operational properties has grown to 13 hotels, partnering with 11 international hotel management companies.

“Today, Katara Hospitality is a company worth more than USD 50 billion, with more than 6,000 rooms operating or under development, across eleven international markets,” added Katara Hospitality CEO.

He concluded: “We are proud of the heritage of our company, being the pioneers of hospitality in Qatar.  Now we are taking that pioneering spirit and applying it to iconic hotels around the world, striving to create peerless hospitality environments”.