Accor Hospitality Middle East is signing for a new Sofitel hotel, the Sofitel Muscat & Spa.

The opening, scheduled for January 2011 will see the Sofitel brand venture into the Sultanate for the first time with over 230 rooms and a location on the Azaiba beach front.

Sofitel Muscat & Spa will be owned by Al Mashriq Hotels & Tourism LLC and managed by Accor Hospitality Middle East.

The major announcement affirms Accor Hospitality Middle East’s aggressive development plans for the region. A leading developer of all hotel segments, from budget to upscale, the international hotel group continues to expand its regional portfolio of four brands - Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Mercure, Novotel and Ibis and fully aims to reach its ambitious target of developing 70 hotels by 2011.

Says Christophe Landais, managing director, Accor Hospitality Middle East, who spoke at today’s ceremony:

“We are thrilled to open yet another Sofitel hotel in a brand new market. Oman is undeniably the region’s emerging leisure capital; I believe our hotel will meet the growth in demand for the deluxe five-star hotel sector in the Sultanate and the region, and will undoubtedly set the benchmark with its contemporary lifestyle appeal, spa facilities and French flair, all symbolic of our most upscale hotel brand.”

Sami Ahmed Macki, managing director, Al Mashriq Hotels and Tourism, who was also present for the ceremony, added: ‘We are delighted to sign this strategic development agreement with Accor Hospitality at a time when the Sofitel brand is being elevated in the international luxury hotel market. I believe the Sultanate is ready to receive more upper upscale international hotel brands and so we anticipate a fruitful opening and partnership with Accor Hospitality.’

True to the new positioning of the Sofitel brand, Sofitel Muscat & Spa will provide guests all the luxuries of an elite expansive beach hotel, from its well-being bedrooms to the unique luxury spa.

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