Iberostar Hotels & Resorts reported a record turnover of €728.5 million for 2006, up 12 percent on 2005’s figure of €650 million. The hospitality group has 98 hotels currently in operation and will celebrate this year by opening its 100th hotel in Jamaica.

Heike Genshow, Iberostar’s Marketing Director says: ‘We are delighted with a 12 percent increase in turnover and we put this positive figure down to a number of factors.  Last year, we invested a total of €298 million in the construction of new hotels and the refurbishment of our current properties.  Our guests come back time and time again because Iberostar delivers quality at value for money and this requires a commitment to continual investment. ‘

A further €280 million will be invested between 2007 and 2008 which will include the opening of 12 new hotels, including 6 new properties in the Mediterranean and the continuing expansion of the chain in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Heike Genshow goes on to say: ‘Services are also key.  Last year we launched the Thai Zen Space, authentic Asian spa experiences in selected Spanish properties and this year we will be rolling out a dedicated Butler Service.  30 percent of our customers are repeat visitors and we are constantly looking for new ways to enhance their experience by listening to their feedback and providing new services.’

Evidence of the chain’s plans to grow its presence in the Caribbean is the opening of its first property on the island of Jamaica. The all-inclusive five star Iberostar Rose Hall Beach is due to open in May this year in Montego Bay.  Other notable five star openings include The Iberostar Grand Paraίso scheduled for this month in Mexico and The Iberostar Playa Alameda to open later this month in Cuba.

Further testament to Iberostar’s commitment to continual investment is the case of its flagship property in Tenerife, The Iberostar Grand Anthelia, which has been recently awarded 5 star status after a significant process of refurbishment.  This hotel will be the first five star property in Spain for the company.
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