Citymax to expand with new hotels, brands & region

Citymax Hotels, a mid-scale brand of Landmark Hospitality, is expanding with three new hotels — two of them will be in Dubai (Al Barsha and Business Bay) and one in Ras al Khaimah.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Citymax Hotels COO-hotel division Russel G.G. Sharpe said: “We are trying to diversify and evolve, and our evolution is based on our core brand. The new developments we have are the new hotels; we are building another two hotels in Dubai, and one in Ras al Khaimah. And we are looking at two other key developments.

“Currently we have 1200 rooms, by end of 2016 we should have 2000 rooms, and then by 2018, we are doubling the size of the company and will have 5000 rooms.”

Alongside the new hotels for the core brand, Citymax is also introducing new verticals. “We have our core brand, Citymax, and then we are looking at a new product called Citymax Plus, which will foray into resorts and Citymax serviced apartments.”

Citymax Plus is claimed to have bigger rooms, with an intent to serve the family travel market. 

Sharpe further added: “We have already signed contracts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Doha, Bahrain, and are looking at East Africa, India, Far East, and in particular, Bangkok.”

The company’s expansion plans are riding on the successful year Citymax has had, registering more than 95% occupancy in 2014. Moreover, Citymax Al Barsha and Ras al Khaimah are slated to open in 206, while the one in Business Bay is scheduled for 2017.