Qatar is set to become a more popular tourist destination as a result of the government’s efforts to ‘put the country on the map’, according to an expert in the hotel industry, who said that the predicted growth of the economy here is an indication of the potential in the local and regional markets.
Global officer of worldwide operations for the Ritz-Carlton, Bob Kharazmi said that the market in Qatar is very strong, stating that he had no doubt that the government’s economic predictions would come true.
He added that the number of four and five star hotels set to open over the next year was an indication of the strong market growth here.
“This is a very vibrant market,” he said, adding “with the new international airport and the incredible reach of Qatar Airways around the world, I think that the upcoming hotels will be absorbed by the increase in demand”.
At the moment, the Ritz Carlton operates two properties in Qatar; the Ritz-Carlton Doha, and the Al Sharq Village and Spa, and Kharazmi is visiting the country to check up on both hotels.
He expressed his pleasure with the workings of both properties, and said that although the summer is a traditionally slow time of the year, this year has seen an increase in business compared to previous summers.
Kharazmi noted that both properties are also looking forward to Ramadan, and said the Holy Month offers a chance to serve the local community – something the staff at both hotels always looks forward to doing.
Ritz Carlton has identified the Gulf and the Middle East as a major potential market, and Kharazmi explained that as well as the five properties the brand currently operates in the region, they are also opening a second property in Dubai in the fourth quarter of this year, one in Abu Dhabi in around a year, three properties in Oman and three more in Egypt.
With two properties currently located in Doha, Kharazmi said that there are no plans to open any more here.[Read More]