Cristal inks deals for 3 Saudi hotels

Cristal Hotels and Resorts said on Sunday it has signed agreements to manage three hotels in Saudi Arabia. The announcement comes as the hotel operator embarks on a long-term expansion drive in key markets across the Middle East, a statement said. The company also announced the establishment of its subsidiary Cristal KSA to serve the fast growing Saudi Arabian market. Cristal KSA said it will be managing the Cristal Amaken Hotel, which will open in 2014 in the 2nd Industrial City in Riyadh; Cristal Himmah Hotel, which will open in 2015 in Dammam; and Cristal Siyaha Hotel, which will open early 2013 in Riyadh. The new hotels will collectively add more than 600 hotel rooms to the Gulf kingdom's burgeoning hospitality market. Peter Blackburn, president & CEO, Cristal Hotels and Resorts, said: "Saudi Arabia has been a very important growth destination and the new management agreements for the three hotels will certainly drive forward our expansion initiatives. "The demand for hospitality amenities in Saudi Arabia continues to surge and we are therefore thrilled to deliver more than 600 hotel rooms within the next two years through joint efforts with our local partner." The group said it currently manages two hotels in Abu Dhabi, the Cristal Grand Kadri Hotel in Lebanon and the Cristal Itsandra Beach Hotel in Comoros, which are currently undergoing refurbishment, and will be operational by the end of 2012.