Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 9 March, 2008: Hong Kong headquartered Swiss-Belhotel International has announced their eighth hotel in the Middle East region to be named Swiss-Belhotel Dead Sea, Jordan following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Amman based, Winter Valley Tourism Investment Co PLC.    

The news comes just weeks after the Jordan Travel Mart where more than 22 travel and tourism companies as well as a host of tour operators, hoteliers, transport companies, airlines and travel-related associations came together under one roof. 

Located on the Northern shores of the Dead Sea the new four star hotel will feature 165 guest rooms, 4 food and beverage outlets, banqueting and meeting facilities, and a wellness spa.   The hotel is scheduled for completion in 2010.

"We are looking forward to working with Swiss-Belhotel International in the coming years, and on what will be one of the most exciting hotel projects in the region." said Mr Fakhri Hazineh, Chairman, Winter Valley Tourism Investments Company.

"Our rapid expansion in the region has seen us announce eight hotels in little more than a year, with representation for the Swiss-Belhotel International brand now confirmed in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and most recently Jordan." said Mr Gavin Faull, President Swiss-Belhotel International.  

"Swiss-Belhotel International is delighted to enter the Jordanian tourism sector which enjoys strong support from His Majesty, King Abdullah.   Tourism is vibrant sector of the Jordanian national economy, accounting for 14.4% of the country's GDP, the second largest contributor." he said.

The government embraces a 5 year national strategy for the development of tourism in the country.  Travel segments showing potential, include the wellness and medical tourism. 

"We are very pleased to be working with Winter Valley Tourism Investment Co on the new Swiss-Belhotel Dead Sea, Jordan.   The location is ideal, with growth indicated for the Dead Sea region, which continues to enjoy increasing demand for package holidays.  The Dead Sea and Petra consistently rate at the top of the list, as highlights for both domestic and inbound tourists." said Mr Edgar Solenthaler, Vice President, Operations & Development, Swiss-Belhotel International Middle East.

Swiss-Belhotel International has more than 20 years of experience and enjoys strong global brand recognition.  The group intends to add several properties to its Middle Eastern portfolio over the coming years in both resort and city locations.

Swiss-Belhotel International offers complete management solutions encompassing all aspects of hotels, serviced apartments, club and golf operations.

Swiss-Belhotel International manages 40 hotels and projects, with more than 6,000 rooms globally.  Hotels are located in China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Oman and Kuwait.   The group also has a Middle East development office located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and hotels under construction in the Middle East region including Doha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sharjah and Dubai.  For more information on Swiss-Belhotel Hotels & Resorts please visit www.swiss-belhotel.com

-Ends-

ABOUT WINTER VALLEY TOURISM INVESTMENT CO
Winter Valley Tourism Investment Co was founded in late 2005 by a group of well known investors and business owners in Jordan.  The company is listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE:WIVA).  Chairman:  Mr Fakhri Hazinehl; Vice Chairman:  Mr Waddah Al Suki.

FURTHER INFO:    
Edgar Solenthaler,
Swiss-Belhotel International                             
Middle East Regional Office - Dubai
T:  +9714 294 9888 
F:  +9714 294 8416
edgarsolenthaler@swiss-belhotel.com

Sharon Garrett, PR Consultant
Swiss-Belhotel International
T:  +9715 0 550 5486
sgarrett@eim.ae

Ms Bonnie Wai,
Swiss-Belhotel International
Corporate Head Office - Hong Kong
T:  +852 2836 5555
F: +852 2893 9555                            
bonnie@swiss-belhotel.com                                   
www.swiss-belhotel.com

© Press Release 2008