Budget boom
Another of MENA Hotels and Resorts’ brands, yet to be launched, is Bayti Suites; a collection of budget suites to be located in residential areas for medium- and long-stay travellers.
To grow this brand, the company is planning to offer its services as an operator to the many small, unclassified independent hotels struggling to gain business licences under the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) ratings system.
“There are plenty of self-standing Saudi-managed hotel apartments looking for proper operators to look after the quality and increase income and revenue so they can gain a business licence,” explains Mazkour.
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“Without licences these hotels will be out of business, but in order to qualify for a licence and a hotel classification they need to meet regulations set by SCTA in terms of fire safety, hygiene, room size and emergency exits. And they need an operator to help them to do that.
“So we’re offering these services for these hotels and will not ask for more than the minimum expected level of service; just a clean bed, towel and shower for clients. The hotels will be run on a budget concept and will make more revenue through our GDS systems and other networks.”
According to deputy CEO Al Hokair, the Bayti growth strategy will be the chain’s “niche”.
Ultimately, it is through the strategic development of MENA Hotels and Resorts brands — with $79 million currently invested in developments — that it hopes to compete with other leading GCC operators.
“MENA is a local, regional brand and if you look at the success stories of regional brands in the area, we aspire to take MENA Hotels and Resorts to such heights,” Al Hokair asserts.
“After two or three years, MENA Hotels and Resorts will be the biggest group in the Middle East, the same as Rotana or Coral, but a Saudi company,” he concludes.
MENA Hotels and Resorts brands
MENA Grand
• Luxury hotels
• Centrally located
• Generally large-sized properties with between 350 and 500 rooms
• Service facilities including restaurants, business centre, leisure facilities
• Targets business travellers and leisure tourists
MENA Suites/Plaza
• Quality residential suites
• Located in residential, leisure and business areas
• For medium to long stays
• Comprise between 150 and 250 suites and apartments
• Limited service F&B, business and leisure activities
• Targets businessmen, professional expatriates
Bayti Suites
• Budget suites in residential areas
• Targets medium to long stays
• Comprise between 50 and 100 suites
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