REGION AS WELL AS INTERNATIONALLY. HERE HAMAD ABDULLA AL-MULLA, CEO, KATARA HOSPITALITY, REVEALS THE COMPANY’S FUTURE AMBITIONS.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What role has Katara Hospitality played in Qatar’s development over the years?

HAMAD ABDULLA AL-MULLA: We have been at the forefront of our industry sector for more than four decades and are well-known for our commitment to the local market and economy.

[...] In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar’s hospitality market is booming and we intend to maintain our leading position by developing world-class hotels in Qatar that are not only relevant to our portfolio, but emblematic for the country as well.

The hospitality landscape in Qatar is evolving at a rapid pace and as part of this growth we recognise the importance of diversification, especially catering to the increasing international arrivals.

Also, in working closely with key industry partners such as Qatar Tourism Authority, we gain valuable knowledge of the type of guests visiting the country.

As a result, our owned and managed properties in Qatar cover a large area of demand, from high-end business travellers to more cost-conscious ones, while catering successfully to the MICE segment and offering outstanding recreational facilities.

Our goal at Katara Hospitality is to leave an outstanding legacy for future generations; we use our resources and 45 years of expertise to invest in heritage properties around the world. […]

Another opportunity presented by the growth of the local tourism sector is that we can truly build brand legacy for Qatar through investment in our greatest hospitality assets and building future icons.

Mega projects such as the futuristic development of Lusail City, home to Katara Hospitality’s Katara Towers, Lusail Marina District development, will help diversify Qatar’s economy and enhance its image.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Katara Hospitality’s global portfolio already includes 35 hotels in operation or under development. What is the next target for the company?

HAMAD ABDULLA AL-MULLA: […] We achieved our goal of 30 properties two years ahead of schedule and with our current portfolio of 35 owned and / or managed hotels, we are now focussed on achieving an ambitious target of 60 hotels over the next 10 years.

Our continued vision is to develop a portfolio of unique properties that are celebrated hospitality icons across the world. We will continue to invest in the restoration and discrete modernisation of these iconic hotels […].

Europe remains a key part of our focussed international expansion. […]

Another core area of focus for Katara Hospitality is the refurbishment and upgrade of our existing Doha portfolio.

Sealine Beach Resort will see the addition of 20 new villas as well as the detailed landscaping of the existing chalets, villas, indoor and outdoor facilities. We are also undertaking a phased renovation of the rooms, spa, lobby and restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha.

Doha Marriott Hotel will also undergo a full phased renovation this year in addition to the opening of Hotel Park. […]

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What aspects set the company’s Murwab brand apart from its peers in the same category?

HAMAD ABDULLA AL-MULLA: […] Murwab Hotel Group currently manages properties under its three main areas of business: Murwab Hotels, The Bürgenstock Selection as well as a collection of independent non-branded upscale properties owned both by third -party owners and Katara Hospitality.

Following on our success as the owner and operator of Sealine Beach Resort, Qatar's first leisure destination resort built in 1994, we take great pride in Murwab Hotels, our home-grown hotel brand.

Rooted in Arabian hospitality heritage with the modern enhancements required by the 21st century traveller is a true differentiation for the brand.

[…] Murwab Hotels provides modern hospitality services, tailor -made for business travellers’ looking for efficient services. […]

Our ultimate goal for Katara Hospitality is to be one of the leading hospitality organisations in the world and in addition to this our strategic vision for Murwab Hotel Group over the next 10 years is to be one of the world’s premier hospitality management brands dedicated to providing unique and unrivalled guest experiences