Jan. 15, 2007 -- Following the successful launch of its accelerated development plan in the Middle East and Africa with the announcement of seven distinctive new luxury hotels in the region, Kempinski Hotels is gearing up for greater growth by tapping into the projected increase in Middle East outbound travel, launching new properties in Russia, China and Central Europe.

Europe's leading luxury hotel group is well positioned to offer Middle East and European tourists an unrivalled selection of top end hotels in emerging markets, increasing its global portfolio to 92 unique and award-winning hotels and making it the most represented hotel group within the Leading Hotels of the World.

"The Kempinski brand has been associated with the finest tradition of luxurious and elegant European hospitality for over a century, and combined with the distinctive qualities of the locations where it operates, provide a luxurious and unique leisure experience," said Reto Wittwer, President and CEO of Kempinski. "Our extensive experience and understanding of the global hospitality industry reflects in the distinctive qualities of our properties across the globe, and enables us to establish our presence in emerging markets as the need for luxury hotels and resorts arises."

Taking advantage of the surging Chinese economy, which is experiencing an unprecedented growth in tourist arrivals, Kempinski is asserting its presence as one of the major players in this important market, with an impressive portfolio in key destinations. Following the group's successful entry in Shanghai in 2004, Kempinski has signed an agreement with Shanghai An Shun Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. to manage Kempinski Residences Hongqiao, its third property in China's largest city, set to open late 2007.

In other burgeoning areas such as the southern island of Hainan, the group is gearing up to open the Kempinski Hotel Sanya on January 15th 2007. Only one hour from Hong Kong, and easily accessible by air from major Chinese cities the private beach resort will feature luxurious suites and villas, an impressive selection of international restaurants and the stunning Angsana Spa, operated by the Banyan Tree Group.

In Russia, Kempinski signed an agreement with OOO Volga-Invest Ltd. to manage a 250 room hotel in the Nizhny Novgorod, now considered one of the Russia's most progressive economies. The Kempinski-managed property will be the city's first five-star international luxury hotel when it opens at the end of 2009. Set in the historic centre of Nizhny Novgorod, the hotel will be built in a contemporary architectural style, and is the third Kempinski property in Russia after the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski in Moscow and the Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 in St. Petersburg.

In addition to its appeal for international and national business travellers, Nizhny Novgorod's wealth of historical and cultural sites are attracting increasing numbers of leisure travellers annually, and a Kempinski Hotel will provide tourists more reasons to enjoy their stay in this historic city, which includes such popular tourists attractions such as The Gorky Museumand the Volga cruise.

Heading westward to Georgia, Kempinski Hotels announced it will manage a hotel in the capital city of Tbilisi. The group recently signed an agreement with Capital Vostok SA to manage a five star luxury hotel in Tbilisi's city centre, on the main boulevard and close to the opera house. The hotel will open in 2009.

The Kempinski Residences Prague will bring the first five star luxury full-service executive residences to the beautiful and historic city. Scheduled to open in 2008, this unique property will have contemporary and sophisticated styling that wonderfully preserves the classic façade of the original building, a listed historical property.

A popular year round destination, Prague is considered the capital of both the Czech Republic and Central Europe and boasts a rich blend of Gothic, baroque and Renaissance architectures and diverse cultural heritage.

Wittwer noted that the projected increase in Middle East outbound travel bodes well for the new Kempinski properties. GCC tourists continue to explore new destinations in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as China for both leisure and business reasons. "While we will continue to strengthen our presence in existing locations, we have also strategically identified new markets where we can pioneer the luxury hotel category, and offer these destinations to our existing guests. This is a comprehensive and strategic approach to address the needs of the world traveller, many of whom are coming from this region. In doing so, we enhance our position as the preferred choice for the luxury hospitality experience," he added.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Middle East and North Africa Business Report, Amman, Jordan

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