
Having just opened its ninth property in the region, the Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, the group is looking to expand further.
According to David Crowl, vice-president, sales and marketing, Europe, Middle East and Africa: “All market segments have been affected by the global recession, more seriously our corporate travellers. The least affected has been the leisure segment and it’s the leisure segment that is coming back.”
Geographically, the Gulf region has remained the most resilient for the Four Seasons brand with markets such as North America and the United Kingdom most affected. According to Crowl, revenue per available room was down by an average of 25 to 30 per cent globally.
Looking ahead at 2010, Crowl emphasises the importance of maintaining the momentum. “We used to look at the world from a calendar standpoint, 2010 won’t be any different from what is happening in 2009. We are hoping that the business environment will improve. The priority will be to bring our travel partners into our hotels. Markets like Asia and the Middle East present a great opportunity for expansion for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts,” he added.
![]() |
Four Seasons Hotel Beirut |
As well as Beirut the company will open four new properties in China in 2010, two in the US and one in Morocco. The Four Seasons is also eyeing an expanding portfolio of properties in the Middle East and Asia going into 2011, with new developments planned in Bahrain, Vietnam (Cham Island) and multiple properties in China.
The group will also grow its presence in North America and Europe, but plans to open its first hotel in Dubai were scrapped last year. The 400-room property was expected to complete the Four Seasons Golf Club development in the Al Badia district of Dubai Festival City when it opened in 2011.