Gulf News: UAE-based Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas has signed its first contract for a five-star boutique property in Syria and is looking for new hotels in the country.
Coral managing director Michel Noblet said the company is also discussing another contract to manage a five-star hotel in Damascus.
Syria has witnessed a significant increase in tourist arrivals, but suffers from a shortage of quality hotels. Noblet said his company is entering the market to benefit from the growth potential. "Syria is one of Middle East's top-performing tourism destinations. We have taken our first steps and expect the rewards to be worthwhile," he said, adding that Coral is pursuing more opportunities in the country.
According to Noblet, visitor arrivals into Syria increased to 3.4 million last year from 2.1 million as the country was becoming more popular as a tourist destination.
Khaldoun Makhlouf, chairman of Julia Dumna, the company that is building the Dh55-million Coral Boutique Aleppo, said Syria needs more hotels if it wants to sustain the tourism growth.
"We certainly have a lack of accommodation options and need more hotels if we are to continue enjoying a 15 per cent growth rate per year," he said in Dubai. |