Kempinski to manage five new properties in Middle East and Africa

"These are landmark projects to be involved in, all of them being situated in the top tourist and business destinations in the Middle East and Africa. We have joined together with an esteemed company to establish this partnership. I am delighted to working with Nesco to create luxury properties and embrace the creative process facing us. Each one will have its own unique charm and character, and we aim to integrate touches of local traditions and customs throughout" said Ulrich Eckhardt, President Middle East & Africa, Kempinski.

In the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh, Kempinski will manage a new build luxury hotel on a large beachfront site in the Hadabet Madrset El-bya area of the city. The
Kempinski Hotel Sharm el Sheikh will open in 2011 with 200 rooms and suites, a wide variety of restaurants and bars, a spacious lobby, majlis and a Kid's Club. There will also be a 2500 m2 spa and fitness area, swimming pool, beach grill and water sports facilities on the hotel's private beach. The hotel is being designed by WAT&G. The destination is popular year-round for its warm climate and some of the world's best diving opportunities.

In Damascus, Kempinski will manage three very different properties. The Kempinski Hotel Khan Sulaiman Pasha is a historic building within the walled old town of Damascus, which is being restored under the supervision of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Opening in 2009, it will be an exclusive boutique hotel with 30 rooms and suites. Among the distinctive highlights planned are a large majlis, a huge traditional Syrian hammam and a cocktail lounge. An existing hotel under renovation in the west of the city, in the embassy and commercial district, will become the Kempinski Hotel Al Hayat opening by the end of 2008. The 153-room five star luxury hotel is being designed to attract both leisure guests and business travellers. Lastly the Kempinski Hotel Damascus will have 200 rooms and suites, a selection of restaurants, private dining rooms and cigar room, plus a fitness and spa. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2010.

Kempinski returns to Morocco's capital, Marrakech, with the new, five star luxury Kempinski Hotel Marrakech which will open in 2010. The property is situated
10 minutes from the city centre, opposite the Agudeal Gardens on a massive 26,000 m2 site which will become landscaped gardens. The Kempinski Hotel Marrakech will have
206 rooms and suites, seven duplex suites and a 300 m2 Royal Suite, a fine selection of restaurants and lounges, a majlis and a 1000 m2 spa and fitness centre, including two swimming pools. Extensive meeting and conference facilities are also planned, which will be an additional draw for the hotel in attracting business travellers.

Commenting on the new additions, CEO of Kempinski Mr. Reto Wittwer said, "The potential for expansion in the Middle East and Africa region is phenomenal, but in line with our definitive growth strategy these properties were carefully selected to be representative of Kempinski's distinctive luxury experience whilst maintaining firm roots in the local culture and environment."

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