Crowne Plaza Kuwait marks 30 years in business
Crowne Plaza Kuwait celebrated its 30th anniversary last week, having opened in 1982 as the Holiday Inn Kuwait - one of the first Holiday Inn hotels in the Middle East.
A testament to owner Jawad Bukhamseen’s pioneering spirit, the signing of the contract in 1977 with Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inn, helped to kick-start the growth of the brand in the region.
Joining Bukhamseen to commemorate this milestone was Spence Wilson, son of Kemmons Wilson, and his wife Becky.
The celebrations at the hotel are part of a tour the Wilson family are undertaking across the Middle East and India, to commemorate the Holiday Inn brand's 60th anniversary. Launched in Memphis, Tennessee in 1952 by Kemmons Wilson, the brand has become one of the most recognisable hotel brands in the world.
Article continues on next page...
Marking the occasion, Jawad Bukhamseen, founder and owner of the hotel and chairman of Bukhamseen Group Holding Company, said: “Thirty years is a significant milestone for any hotel. I’m very proud of how far we’ve come and how successful the hotel has been since it was opened in 1982. Through the years we’ve continued to expand, grow and develop, always with our guests’ interests at heart. We have kept our loyal guests and attracted new ones, and built an enviable reputation.”
“It’s an honour to have Spence Wilson and his wife Becky here to share this milestone with us. When I signed the contract with Spence’s father, the family values of the brand were a key part of my decision to put the Holiday Inn name above the hotel door. I welcome them back here today as members of our family.”
Article continues on next page...
Spence Wilson, commented: “We’re very proud to be part of this hotel’s heritage. Holiday Inn has made its mark in the Middle East, and this hotel played a key role ever since it opened in Kuwait in 1982. We’d like to thank Mr Bukhamseen and his family for their continued support and the integral part they have played in helping to move the brand forward in the Middle East. I wish him and the hotel continued success.”
In the past 30 years, the hotel has expanded substantially, remaining relevant and current for both local and international guests.
Today Crowne Plaza Kuwait, which rebranded in 1997, boasts more than 300 rooms, 3500m2 of event facilities, four popular ballrooms and seven distinctive restaurants. Its leisure facilities are second-to-none in the city, with a 3500m2 spa and a state-of-the-art health club. The hotel has won numerous accolades in recognition of its continued success including ‘Best Business Hotel’ by Business Traveller Middle East in 2011.