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AS further evidence of tourism taking off in the kingdom, a leading hotel group has announced details of a major land purchase agreement and plans to develop a 'signature property' in Bahrain which it will own and manage.
According to senior executives, regional hospitality brand, Shaza Hotels, has also purchased prime properties in Cairo and Marrakesh and will act as both investor and operator of 'Eastern-inspired hotels' in these key gateway cities - including the one planned for Bahrain Bay.
Chairman Mohamad Hammour said that these new developments are just the first of a series of projects the hotel group has in the pipeline.
He said: 'Shaza Hotels' investment in key gateway cities of Cairo, Bahrain, and Marrakech demonstrate the company's commitment to the region and our belief in the on-going strength of the region's expanding tourism sector.
'We are successfully forging ahead with our ambitious development plans and will continue to extend our regional footprint, with aspirations to eventually spread the Shaza brand world-wide.'
Part of the large-scale waterfront reclamation project in Bahrain, the Shaza Manama Hotel in Bahrain Bay will be built on approximately 43, 000 square meters of land and comprise a 285 room hotel, along with 20-25 serviced apartments.
The $2.5 billion landmark waterfront project located in the heart of Manama includes residential, retail and commercial developments.
Located in an upscale district of Marrakech and a short walk from La Mamounia, the Koutoubia Mosque and Jama'a El F'naa, the Shaza Marrakesh Hotel will be perfectly placed in close proximity to a number of popular restaurants and attractions.
With architectural and engineering works already underway and renowned international firm Bilkey Llinas Design leading the interior design, all of the properties promise to reflect the true spirit and warm hospitality of the Middle East and North Africa region in a contemporary and design-led environment.
A partnership between Kempinski, Europe's oldest luxury hotel brand and international financial firm Guidance Financial Group, Shaza has several hotels under various stages of development and aims to acquire and operate up to 30 luxury five-star hotels over the next eight years.
