– Move Brings 9 New Hotels From The Middle East And Europe Into The Preferred Hotels & Resorts Portfolio By 2017-

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 honoured to have been recognised 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 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.

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 travellers 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 Programme. The iPrefer™ guest loyalty programme, Preferred Residences^℠, Preferred Family^℠, Preferred Pride^℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travellers 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 flavour reflected throughout the design and the distinctive scenography. For more information, visit murwabhotelgroup.com