The Spanish company Sol Melio, the second largest European hotel chain, entered the Lebanese hotel sector by signing an agreement to manage the Riveria Hotel in Raouche, Beirut.
The management deal is part of the Sol Melia’s expansion plan in the Mediterranean, and will be effective for 12 years with the option of renewal.
According to Gary Peters, Sol Melia’s vice-president for development, the chain is currently negotiating other deals with five hotels in Lebanon as well as outlets in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the Emirates. Peters added that Lebanon would still act as a gateway for regional tourism and business traffic in the future.
Marcello Pigozzo, executive vice-president for the MENA region, pointed out that Riveria would benefit from the company’s presence in feeder markets, including Latin American cities and major West European capitals.
Sol Melia has 410 hotels in 32 countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey, and is joining a growing list of international hotel chains investing in Lebanon, such as the French Group Accor, currently managing three hotels in conjunction with Idarat, the Bass Group managing Phoenicia, Vendome and Holiday Inn hotels, and the US-based chains Choice and Starwood. — (Banque du Liban et d'Outre-Mer Sal)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
