Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the launch of four new brands in the Middle East in 2019. Coming to the region for the first time are Grand Swiss-Belresort (Bahrain), Swiss-Belsuites (Bahrain), Swiss-Belboutique (Kuwait) and Swiss-Belinn (Oman and Qatar) with openings scheduled over the next few months.
Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated, “We are very excited to introduce this year four new brands in the Middle East region from our unique and diversified portfolio of 14 brands giving greater choice to our guests. This creates a tremendous opportunity for growth as we expand our brand portfolio in the market offering more options to both owners and travelers in more destinations. Our aim is to position Swiss-Belhotel International as the best alternative to blue chip companies in the market offering superior returns, unbeatable value and unforgettable experiences. Passion and Professionalism are the core of our brand culture.”
Emphasizing on the brand concepts Laurent stated, the Grand Swiss-Belresort is a distinctive luxury brand offering premium amenities and service for discerning travelers. On the other hand, Swiss-Belboutique is a stylishly designed upscale urban, lifestyle brands in the 4-star category offering guests a personalised experience in contemporary and intimate settings right at the heart of all the action. Similarly, Swiss-Belsuites is primarily designed for long-stay guests and families who desire additional space. It offers stylishly furnished, thoughtful spaces for both working and living.
Laurent added, “Swiss-Belinn is a brand positioned in 3-star category and has been created around the core concept of fewer frills in trendy surroundings with a focus on amenities and services that guests actually want at an affordable price. The hallmarks of this brand are accessibility and connectivity for smart and technology savvy travelers on the go.”
Elaborating on the changing profiles of travelers and how Swiss-Belhotel International is responding to the changes, Laurent stressed, “We are seeing a new generation of travelers who are in search of unexpected and authentic, locally inspired experiences. They are looking for accommodations that are trendy and well-designed and are equipped to cater to their lifestyles. At Swiss-Belhotel International we are well-placed to meet these emerging trends with a comprehensive choice of brands offering spectacular portfolio of hotels to serve the varied market segments.”
Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the opening of seven hotels this year in the MENA region that are already in pre-opening stages with Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belinn Doha opening in Q2 of 2019 followed by Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair Bahrain and Swiss-Belinn Airport Muscat opening in Q3 of 2019. Three others namely Swiss-Belhotel Al Aziziyah Makkah, Grand Swiss-Belresort Seef, Bahrain and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq will be ready for opening in Q4 of 2019.
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector.
Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC).
She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book.
She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter.
Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler.
It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
