Travco Group's Middle East expansion plan gains momentum

'This expansion plan aims to increase its presence worldwide with particular emphasis on the Middle East, making best use of its long experience, valuable business relationships and renowned reputation of excellence,' says Hamed El Chiaty Chairman and CEO of Travco Group International.

In addition to its regional office in Dubai, Travco has branched out in two GCC countries introducing Oman, and then Abu Dhabi, with future plans to add Qatar and Jordan. Meanwhile, the leading leisure company has initiated development projects with tourism ministries and authorities of these countries to further capitalize on the promising tourism potential of the region.

Adding to its success in Dubai, Travco has expanded its portfolio with the launch of its first resort in the UAE, the Miramar Al-Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah which will be managed by Iberotel Hotels & Resorts. The property features a 200 m-long private beach and a delightful setting in an area of unspoiled natural beauty making it an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. The luxurious 5-star hotel is designed in the Moorish style of architecture with clusters of 322 guest rooms, most of which are overlooking the sea.

The second 353-room hotel JAZ Royal Miramar is being planned and construction will get underway in mid 2008, with estimated cost of EURO 100 million upon the completion of the two-hotel project. Osama Bushra, Chief Operating Officer of Travco in Dubai unveiled plans to add another 'boutique hotel' in the Cultural City in Dubai, as well as another JAZ property featuring 200 guest rooms and estimated cost at Euro 40 million in Dubai's Waterfront.

As a pioneer in exploring new tourism markets and promoting new destinations across the Middle East, Travco chose the Sultanate of Oman for its booming tourism industry and is currently engaging in constructing and managing hotels and resorts in the country. The first property planned in Oman is Marina Palace Resort, designed by the internationally acclaimed Krause Bohne Architects and Planners International. The resort is set on 76,000 m² piece of land, featuring a five star hotel and a residential area, overlooking a private 450 m beach front, and will be executed over a period of 18 months.

The luxurious hotel will feature a 500 state-of-art guest rooms and suites. The property will comprise a fully-equipped health club and fitness center, a grand ballroom, a beauty center, and a business center with a number of meeting rooms. Additionally, the hotel will offer three specialty restaurants, three lounges and a number of bars at its lobby, beach and pool. At a walking distance from the hotel, there is a Marina Boardwalk and a shopping arcade; in addition to, a number of other specialty restaurants. Moreover, the resort's residential area is set on 17,000 m², featuring apartments and duplexes.

Additionally, JAZ Hotels & Resorts, the hotel management company of Travco Group, unveiled plans of the inauguration of the Tala Bay at Aqaba-Jordan, which is scheduled to open in October 2008, the property is planned to be managed under the group's luxury hotel brand, JAZ.

Set on 65 thousand square meters, the hotel will be part of Jordan's first integrated resort and residential community known as Tala Bay. The five-star resort is ideally situated, and consists of two stepped platforms; 11.9m above sea level for one and 7.5m high for the other. The plush resort features a 160m- wide beachfront, 306 guest rooms and suites, most of which overlook the sea.

The preliminary design of the hotel includes contemporary furnished guestrooms to be located on a three storey annex of the hotel's main building to ensure guests' privacy. The main building and its annex are at a walking distance from the sea shores. The development project will cater also to business travelers through the ballroom and meeting room available.

The lavish resort, will comprise a highly advanced fitness center, including a sauna and Jacuzzi; children's club, multi-purpose court, and an extensive swimming pool complex; in addition to, seven world class food and beverage outlets. Moreover, the resort enjoys a perfect location in Tala Bay, allowing easy access to most of its sports facilities, outlets and Marina.