Kempinski Heads for success in annual GCC Road Show

Following a successful effort last year, Kempinski is embarking on its annual road show this month, visiting key cities in the GCC to showcase its portfolio of luxury hotels to leading tourism operators and key decision-makers in the Gulf region.

With the tourism industry in the Middle East generating over $29 billion per annum *(according to the World Tourism Organisation - UNWTO) and an increasing number of GCC residents choosing to travel intra-regionally, Kempinski is aiming to capture a larger share of the business through strategic alliances with trade partners. The road show will highlight the very distinctive leisure and business facilities available at each of the Kempinski properties in the region, in addition to international properties that list the GCC as a prime feeder market.

'2006 was an important year for Kempinski, with impressive occupancy rates across all GCC properties and the addition of three new hotels, the group have gained momentum as the fastest growing luxury hotel operator in the region. With the tourism industry expected to grow further this year, driven largely by rapidly expanding economies in the GCC, Kempinski is seeking to reinforce its position as the preferred accommodation for GCC travellers,' said Mr. Ulrich Eckhardt, Senior Vice President Area Middle East and Africa.

Widely regarded for managing some of the most prestigious hotel properties in Europe, Kempinski is planning to add up to 14 luxurious properties to its growing portfolio of hotels in the Middle East and Africa. Further announcements will be made during the forthcoming Arabian Travel Market exhibition in Dubai, including a foray into new niche market concepts.

Among the highlights of this year's road show is the completion of Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea and Djibouti Palace Kempinski, rounding off two spectacular new leisure and business destinations. Elsewhere in the region, Kempinski is set to open a new luxury property in Bahrain, part of the awaited Bahrain City Centre shopping and leisure complex, as well as a five star deluxe hotel at 'The Wave - Muscat', the prestigious resort development in Oman. In addition, some magnificent properties in Syria and Jordan are planned. Namibia, Tanzania, Ghana, Morocco and Egypt are high on the agenda, together with the international newcomer Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva.

The road show is expected once again to contribute significantly to the luxury hotel group's growth projections in 2007. 'We are capitalising on our remarkable performance last year to sustain our momentum for 2007. The road show has been a significant tool for us in maintaining a close relationship with our partners. This year, we hope to excite them once again with more exclusive details of current developments in the group, and reward their support with bigger incentives,' Eckhardt ended.