Coral shows confidence in KSA with new property

Coral Hotels and Resorts has entered into an agreement with Al Fanar Group to manage the firm’s new hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Coral Jeddah — currently under construction and slated to open in early 2011 — will feature 54 rooms, eight suites and eight studio apartments, as well as two restaurants, a roof-top café, three function rooms, a health club and a pool.

Coral revealed that its expansion in Jeddah is the result of a development strategy that will see the group spread throughout Saudi Arabia, where it already operates several hotels, with management contracts for two additional KSA properties signed at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.

Commenting on the brand's plans, president and chief executive of Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), Michel Noblet, noted that the Saudi Arabian government’s investment in infrastructure had given “a tremendous boost to domestic tourism as well as Haj and Umrah travel”.

“In addition, increasing business travel has opened up extensive opportunities across the entire spectrum of the hospitality sector,” he continued.

“As the gateway city to Makkah, Jeddah benefits from pilgrims whose numbers are expected to reach eight million by next year.

“A 20-year redevelopment programme is underway that aims to revitalise the old city centre, as well as take in mega projects such as the King Abdullah Economic City and Jeddah Hills, and the expansion of Jeddah International Airport to handle 30 million passengers annually.

“All of this means there will be a sustained requirement for all levels of hotel accommodation from the deluxe to the value brands.”

Al Fanar Group general manager and owner Abdoul Aziz Al Shabrgi added that he was delighted to secure the management expertise of Coral Hotels and Resorts to operate the Coral Jeddah.

“With Coral, we can expect international standards twinned with an understanding of the local culture that will establish the Coral Jeddah as a boutique hotel that can cater to the needs and expectations of both business and leisure visitors,” he said.