MUSCAT -- Following the signing of a joint venture agreement, Premier Inn, Britain's biggest and fastest growing hotel brand, have announced plans to introduce the mid-market hotel chain to Oman. Premier Inn owns and operates over 550 hotels and more than 38,000 rooms in the UK and Ireland and recently opened the first of a number of properties planned for the UAE, in Dubai.
This new venture marks the beginning of a strategic partnership with Abdulalim bin Mustahail Rakhyoot and Premier Inn Hotels LLC (a joint venture between Premier Inn and The Emirates Group) to develop the Premier Inn brand within Oman. Premier Inn will introduce their high standard, "value" hotel model into the Oman hospitality market with plans for at least three sites to be opened in the country in 2010. Initial target areas will be Muscat, Sohar and Salalah and it is expected that the first phase of development alone will involve an investment of around RO 37 million.
Abdulalim bin Mustahail said: "The Sultanate is renowned for its natural beauty and hospitable people and provides the kind of blend that appeals to holidaymakers from around the globe. It is important that Oman continues its drive to develop tourism within the Sultanate by associating with renowned quality brands, which is why we are very pleased to welcome Premier Inn to Oman."
In Dubai, Premier Inn has set the benchmark in the value hotel sector by offering room rates from as low as RO 52 (AED 495) per room per night. Continuing this pricing strategy and forging strategic partnerships around the region lends further weight to Premier Inn's commitment to be the dominant brand in the region's budget hotel sector.
The development map that Premier Inn LLC is currently working to has an objective of operating 6000+ rooms across the GCC by 2012. Darroch Crawford, Managing Director of Premier Inn, said: "The value for money we offer is unprecedented in this region. The Middle East is known for its high quality, yet highly-priced hotels. At Premier Inn we offer our guests a great product that won't break the bank."
The first Premier Inn in the region is located in Dubai Investments Park, adjacent to the Green Community. The hotel features 308 modern and stylish rooms with a contemporary restaurant, bar and Costa Coffee outlet in addition to a rooftop swimming pool and whirlpool bath. Further Premier Inn developments are under construction at Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai International Airport and at Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi. Premier Inn has won a host of awards including, most recently, 'Best Business Hotel Brand (over 50 sites)' in the 2008 Business Travel Awards, 'Best Family Travel Facilities' in the 2007 Parent Friendly Awards and 'Innovation in Sales' at the 2007 National Sales Awards.
By Staff Reporter
© Oman Daily Observer 2008
