Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, a global hotel company that operates over 120 hotels in 19 countries is all set to expand its portfolio by running 100 hotels in the Middle East by 2013.
The Millennium has 8 hotels in UAE and the number is expected to go up to 15 or more in the UAE, including the Grand Abu Dhabi, the largest in the emirate with 850 rooms and hotel apartments. There will be new hotels coming up in Dubai, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah soon. M&C is currently in advanced talks with the Aldar Properties to run hotels on Yas Island. The group that has bought Baltimore Hotel in Los Angeles will open Millennium Marina in Oman, which overlooks the Gulf of Oman. The new hotel in Fujairah also overlooks the sea.
Ali Hamad Lakhraim, President and CEO of Millennium & Copthorne Middle East Holdings, said “Most projects will be in the UAE because of its atmosphere that attracts investment. And there is a big demand from tourists, especially Europeans. Also, [the area] is a destination for religious as well as medical tourism. Our plan is to open a hotel in every major city of the region”.
