Rotana Hotels & Resorts is driving forward its ambitious vision of operating 100 hotels by 2020, with the opening of 16 new properties by the end of 2017.

The group’s ongoing strategic growth momentum will include the opening of five new properties in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia, two in both Turkey and Iraq, and the opening of Rotana’s first ever properties in both Iran and Muscat, Oman.

The extension work on one of the company’s iconic UAE resorts, The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah will also take place next year.

The developments will see more than 3,750 keys added to the group’s existing inventory by the end of 2017, helping Rotana grow its portfolio to 75 operating hotels and 19,485 keys in total.

Speaking at World Travel Market in London, Omer Kaddouri, president, Rotana comments: “Rotana has an ambitious global expansion strategy and the vast number of property openings due to take place in 2016 and 2017 will not only increase our presence in a range of destinations but will also allow us to reinforce our position as a one of the leaders in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe.”

“We are dedicated to developing new opportunities and we are particularly excited about the opening of Rayhaan Imam Reza by Rotana in Iran and the iconic Saadiyat Rotana Resort in Abu Dhabi.

“Iran’s tourism industry is flourishing, illustrating the tremendous potential within its hospitality sector, and we’re thrilled that we’ll be able to offer our award-winning hospitality to those visiting.

“Saadiyat Island is an exceptional destination, set to become an internationally renowned arts hub, and we believe our brand is ideally positioned to cater to the needs of global travellers seeking luxury facilities and world-class service.

“Europe remains an important market for Rotana and we are keen to expand our pipeline into this continent.

“Rotana made its European debut last year with its entry into Turkey and our focus now is to open hotels in key European cities, including Paris, Barcelona, Frankfurt, as well as the UK.

“The UK is a key source market and throughout 2017 one of our focuses will be the cruise business to GCC countries, where we are anticipating seven per cent growth from the UK market,” added Kaddouri.

“Africa also has tremendous potential for growth and we currently have a number of projects under various stages of development across the continent including in Marrakesh, Luanda, Dar es Salaam and Lagos.”

Watch at Breaking Travel News chats with Rotana chief executive Omer Kaddouri at World Travel Market 2016: