Katara Hospitality, the Qatari hotel developer, owner and operator, has been recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Hospitality Development Company by the World Travel Awards.

Voted by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, the prestigious title caps off a year of reputed accolades for the Qatar-based company, which has included the Tourism for Italy award for the Excelsior Hotel Gallia Milan and the ULTRA Best Hotel in Asia award for its Raffles Singapore property.

The World Travel Awards acknowledge and reward the leading tourism and hospitality organisations in the world, and is recognised as an international hallmark of industry excellence.

His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality, said: “We are honoured and grateful to receive this recognition from our esteemed industry peers as we strive for further growth in 2014 and beyond.”

“This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, at every level of the business, who all strive for excellence in what they do, and without which we would not be able to succeed as an organisation”, added Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality.

Hospitality partner Fairmont Raffles Hotel International (FRHI) congratulated Katara Hospitality on the achievement with a bespoke four square metre cake at Katara Hospitality’s stand at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Dubai. Partners, visitors and neighbouring exhibitors enjoyed the cake, which was cut by Katara Hospitality CEO, H.E. Faris Bin Roumi Bin Mohammed Al Naimi, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Arab Emirates, and Peter French, President of Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

Katara Hospitality is currently developing Katara Towers, Lusail Marina District, a feat of modern architecture and design, built on Doha’s futuristic Lusail City development. The property will accommodate a five-star hotel and lavish six-star hotel, and is expected to be completed by 2017.

Other current hotel developments in the works include the major renovation and refurbishment of Doha’s most iconic hotel, the Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and the development of the Merweb Plaza Hotel, in the heart of Doha City. The Sheraton renovation will modernise the interior and functionality of the iconic 1970s property once complete, bringing it up to world-class standard. The Merweb Plaza Hotel will boast 175 rooms for business travellers once finished and is managed under Katara Hospitality’s home-grown operating brand, Merweb.

Katara Hospitality will also open two key properties in its European portfolio later this year – The Peninsula Paris and the Excelsior Gallia in Milan.

Currently in its final redevelopment stages, the Peninsula Paris will emerge as one of the most luxurious destinations in Europe representing a legendary hospitality legacy of more than a century. The Excelsior Hotel Gallia Milan – the “youngest” hotel amongst Katara Hospitality’s growing international investments – is also undergoing the final stages of a major renovation that includes the expansion of an adjacent building.

Katara Hospitality currently has 23 properties in its global portfolio, all operational or under development.