Katara closes 2014 with 30 hotels in portfolio

Katara Hospitality has confirmed that its long-established goal of 30 properties by 2016 has materialised two years ahead of schedule due to acquisitions, investment and development, with the group now holding 30 hotels in operation or under development.

During 2014, Katara Hospitality added six international properties; in June, the company acquired five properties in Europe, adding the InterContinental Carlton Cannes, the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, the InterContinental Madrid, the InterContinental Frankfurt, and the leasehold interest in the InterContinental De La Ville Rome to its portfolio. Katara Hospitality also expanded to the London market with an investment in The Savoy, a Fairmont managed hotel.

Katara Hospitality chairman H.E. Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani said: "Achieving our goal of 30 properties two years ahead of target is indeed a major achievement which has earned us global recognition as one of the world’s leading hospitality companies.

"As we continue our journey of expansion in Qatar and internationally, Katara Hospitality is now focusing on its next strategic target of expanding its portfolio of iconic hotels to 60 properties by 2026."

“The year 2014 has marked a series of successes for Katara Hospitality with the addition of new properties, new investments and new markets,” added Katara Hospitality’s chief executive officer and board member, Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla. “As we enter 2015, Katara Hospitality is well positioned for another successful year ahead with several new hotel openings and developments planned over the coming months.”

Katara also opened a number of properties, including Peninsula Paris, Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and Excelsior Hotel Gallia.

The company has received a number of awards during last year, including the Hospitality Company of the Year at the fifth Arabian Business Qatar Awards.