Katara showcases its specialities

Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel developer, owner and operator based in Qatar, is launching ‘Katara Specialities’ at the 2016 Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

The distinctive andunique food and beverage concept will showcase Qatari cuisine at selected Katara local and international properties.

'Characterised by signature Qatari dishes, the ‘Katara Specialities’ concept is created to award our hotel properties’ esteemed guests with culinary experiences that are synonymous with Qatari heritage and Arabic hospitality,' says Katara Hospitality CEO Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla.

Selections will be included within all-day dining and room service menus. Visitors to Katara Hospitality’s stand at the ATM will get a flavour for the new concept as dishes will be served throughout the event.

'We will also be marking an important milestone on the Katara Hospitality stand as InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, also known as the ‘Grand Dame' of Dutch hotels, this year celebrates 150 years since it first opened its doors to the public in 1867. This milestone is significant in that it marks the hotel’s place as the oldest property within the organisation’s portfolio of prestigious iconic landmark properties in Europe’s key travel destinations,' he says.

Katara Hospitality, taking part in the ATM for the 10th time, has established itself as a key player in the luxury hospitality sector by leveraging from more than 45 years of experience, says Al Mulla. 'The ATM presents Katara with an opportunity to further highlight its pole position in the luxury hospitality sector, as well as its peerless portfolio of iconic and heritage properties located in key travel destinations across the world.

'It is through such platforms that we are able to share business insights, contribute to dialogue on travel industry trends in the markets in which we operate, as well as highlight our organisation’s ongoing successes and strategic pursuits in the years ahead,' he adds.

RECOGNITION

As Qatar’s flagship hospitality organisation, Katara Hospitality has attained worldwide recognition for its contributions to the local and international hospitality landscape. The recent launch of Murwab Hotel Group, Katara Hospitality’s standalone operating arm which manages a collection of international upscale boutique hotels and brands, is symbolic of the start of a new era for the organisation, as it aims to continue on its upward trajectory in the hospitality industry with a new focus in hotel operations management, he says.

'This year we will witness the addition of more hotels to the Murwab Hotel Group, to add to the recent openings of Simaisma, a Murwab resort, and Saraya Corniche Hotel, also operating under Murwab Hotel Group.'

Also, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Katara Hospitality recently entered into a master partnership agreement wherein four of Murwab Hotel Group’s existing luxury hotels in Qatar and Switzerland are now represented by the independent hotel brand.

Five additional properties which are currently under development in Europe and the Middle East will join the fold in the next 18 months.

Al Mulla says his organisation has always assumed a tactical approach to expanding the business.

'While strategic acquisitions and expansion into key travel destinations such as Italy, France and Switzerland have been of primary focus in highlighting the organisation’s ambition and pursuit for growth in recent years, moving forward Katara is also focusing on upgrading its existing Doha portfolio of hotels,' he says.

In Qatar, Sealine Beach Resort and The Ritz Carlton Doha are both undergoing massive renovations to reveal five-star service offerings in redefined luxury design aesthetics.

The Sealine Beach Resort is expected to open during the course of the year.

Switzerland’s Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, located on an alpine cliff a spectacular 500m above Lake Lucerne is currently undergoing a transformation, with its completion planned for 2017.

For Katara last year witnessed a multitude of achievements, with significant milestones in hotel development and the subsequent opening of iconic landmark hotels. These accomplishments further cemented Katara Hospitality’s position as a leading player in the global luxury hospitality sector.

'We witnessed the opening of Excelsior Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, as well as the legendary Royal Savoy Lausanne, a Murwab Hotel, properties of which had both undergone a meticulous renovation to restore their rich heritage and iconic landmark status. Katara Hospitality also acquired the Westin Excelsior Rome from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, expanding Katara Hospitality’s footprint across the European market,' he says.

UNIQUE OFFERINGS

Al Mulla says Katara Hospitality remains competitive in its product offering, with each property offering unique packages that reflect the diverse needs of its guests. Also, with the ongoing upgrades to its existing portfolio Katara is able to offer true value for its guests through the latest in luxury amenities, state-of-the-art facilities and world class food and beverage venue and menu selections.

Al Mulla admits that the current market is highly competitive with a wider range of players vying for similar traveller segments and pursuing diversification strategies. However, many opportunities have arisen within the sector to cater to a broader range of travellers, he says.

'Diversification is key in today’s challenging and competitive hospitality landscape. To continue to cater for the diverse needs of our guests across the globe, we will continue to invest in enhancing the experiences we offer across our existing portfolio of hotels. In addition, by investing in peerless iconic properties in key travel destinations we are securing hospitality legacy for the future,' he concludes.

By K S Sreekumar