IRAQ | Tourism & Archaeology

[sheytanElKebir]

Starwood Hotels and Resorts, operator of the Sheraton hotel chain, will open two new facilities in Iraq, 20 years after shutting down its operations there when the First Gulf War broke out.

"We were there [in Iraq] 20 years ago and we had to leave, we've waited some time to find the right partners and right project to re-enter the country," Neil George, Starwood's Vice President of Acquisitions and Development in the Middle East region, told Hotelier Middle East.

The American hotel operator is choosing Kurdistan, the most stable region in Iraq, to re-enter the country.

Stamford, Connecticut-based Starwood has signed an agreement with Erbil-based property owner, BCD, Co. to open a 221-room, 39-suite Sheraton hotel, and another with Ranj Co. and Helar Co. for a 250-room Four Points by Sheraton, both of which are slated to open in 2015.


Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Autonomous region in northern Iraq, sharing borders with Iran to the east, Turkey to the north and Syria to the west. It is Iraq's fourth-largest city with a population of approximately 1.3 million.

"Erbil is the right place in Iraq to re-enter, it's stable, safe -- there are lots of economic incentives and lots going on. It's a bit of a haven for economic development in Iraq so that's our first point then we'll grow elsewhere," George told HME.

"We had to wait until we got comfortable with the security situation and until we were able to reasonably reassure our guests of a safe experience," George added. "Erbil was a natural choice, it's regarded safe. It hasn't had a single incident in the last decade."

Starwood first opened two hotels in Iraq, in the cities of Basra and Baghdad, in 1982, which were closed in 1990 following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait that triggered the First Gulf War. Security concerns still remain in these areas as the Iraqi military continues to stave off insurgent groups following the completion of U.S. troop withdrawal in December 2011, marking an end to the eight-year Second Gulf War.

"Now we are going back mainly into the autonomous regions," said Guido De Wilde, Senior Vice President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East region, Bloomberg reported. "We saw the opportunities for new hotels that opened there like Rotana, which are doing extremely well. There are positive elements there: oil, gas and stability."

The hotels are expected to service corporate investors and developers, George told HME.

[sheytanElKebir]

Dubai-based Coral Hotels & Resorts has tied up with United Iraqi Trading Company to manage deluxe property Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad in Iraq.

Situated in the heart of Baghdad in one of most prestigious avenues in Jadriya area, the Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad is merely 5 kilometers from International Zone (formerly known as the Green Zone) district – a heavily guarded diplomatic area. Conveniently located 30 kilometers from Baghdad International Airport, the deluxe hotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s key attractions such as the National Theatre, the National Museum, the Latin Church and Aaras Tourist Village.

Michel Noblet, President & CEO, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, said, “This development aligns perfectly with HMH’s strategic growth plans in the region. We are thrilled to take our brand to Baghdad and to welcome this amazing destination to the Coral family. Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad embodies the distinctive experience that our guests expect from Coral along with the rich local culture and warmth. With its prime location in the prestigious Jadriya area and proximity to major business and leisure attractions, we know that it will be a very successful property. We hope to play a significant role in the emergence of Baghdad as a popular destination and leading economy in the Middle East.”

The developers wish to turn Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad into a “destination address”.

Khalid Al Yasiry, Managing Director, United Iraqi Trading Company, said, “We are excited to work with the Coral Hotels & Resorts and look forward to offering a memorable experience in terms of product and service to our valued guests. We are confident that Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad will deliver outstanding hospitality and would be a very safe address in Baghdad being situated in a prime location as well as being equipped with the highest level of security.”

Featuring 80 rooms and suites, Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad is in advanced stages of development and due for opening in the next few weeks. Boasting premium amenities, all guestrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Superb dining, flexible and intimate meeting spaces, and fantastic leisure options make for a memorable stay. Khalid stressed, “No matter what brings you to Baghdad, at the Coral Boutique Hotel your every need will be graciously met in the highest degree of safety and security. It is a place you will want to come back to again and again.”

“Iraq is a lot safer now and with all its history and civilization is once again drawing people and always will,” Michel stressed. “From the ruins of Babylon to the historical riches of Baghdad, it is one of the most ancient cradles of civilization boasting some of the finest archaeological and holy sites in the world.”

The number of tourists visiting Iraq is growing rapidly. An estimated 1.5 million people visited the country in 2011, up from 1.25 million in 2009 and just 266,000 in 2006. In addition to its touristic charm, there is massive economic development taking place in the country that has resulted in a large number of business travellers. Over 2 million people are expected to visit Iraq this year. As a result the airline and hotel capacity are on the rise too.

A Citybank study on the fastest-growing economies placed Iraq second out of 10 nations with the most promising growth prospects for the period 2010-2015, with a yearly increase in GDP of 11.7%. Iraq’s National Development Plan (2010-2014) calls for $186bn in spending to set the country on course to become a diverse and competitive economy dominated by the private sector.

Michel said, “It is no doubt a very promising scenario and gives our brands a unique opportunity for growth and expansion. We have two more hotels under negotiation in the country.”

With a network of 33 exceptional properties in key destinations across the Middle East and Africa, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings offers 4 distinct hotel brands catering to diverse segments, from luxury to budget hotels. Coral Hotels & Resorts is a powerful 5-star brand that has established an unrivalled reputation with its family-friendly style and safe-environment philosophy. Powered by global marketing infrastructure, superior sales and technology resources, savvy revenue management and award-winning service, the group is expanding rapidly in the region.

[SumerianKing]

Great news, thank you kebir. May you tell me what the aaras tourist village is? Never herd of it.

[Chounz]

Originally Posted by sheytanElKebir

Featuring 80 rooms and suites, Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad is in advanced stages of development and due for opening in the next few weeks.

Really?! Do we not have pictures?

[sheytanElKebir]

Its in Jadriya

I haven't noticed it at all to be honest.

[iraqishi3i]

This is whats on the website but it doesn't show any pics of the outside :

Welcome to Coral Boutique Hotel - Baghdad
Introducing a new standard in hospitality in Iraq, Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad exudes the elegance, warmth and refinement that have come to be the hallmark of the Coral brand. Situated in the heart of Baghdad in Jadriya area (the main road of Baghdad University) merely 5 km from Green Zone, hotel is the perfect starting point for discovering the city’s key attractions such as the National Theatre, the National Museum, the Latin Church and Aaras Tourist Village. Conveniently located 30 kilometers from Baghdad International Airport, the deluxe hotel is the ideal address for both business travellers as well as tourists.

Distance from Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad

Baghdad International Airport: 30 Km
Baghdad International Exhibition Centre: 10 Km
Downtown: 10 Km
Green Zone: 5 Km

Neighbourhood Attractions

The National Museum of Iraq
Originally known as the Baghdad Archaeological Museum, the National Museum of Iraq contains precious relics from the Mesopotamian Civilization. Its collections are considered to be among the most important in the world drawn from over 5,000 year long history displayed in 28 galleries and vaults. Among its many note worthy collections is the Nimrud gold collection which features gold jewellery and figures of precious stones that date to the 9th century BC.

National Theatre of Iraq
Baghdad has always played an important role in Arab cultural life and has been home of noted writers, musicians and artistes. Efforts are underway to restore the National Theatre of Iraq to its former glory that boasts a history that over shadows any other theatre in the region.

Latin Church in Baghdad
The Catholic Church, better known as the Latin Chapel, was built in 1866 to replace a smaller one which has existed from 1721. It is a massive building with a large dome which can be seen from the roofs in any quarter of the city. The bell of the church rings at noon and at sunset.

[QuickneutronU235]

great!

[elusive]

should i open a thread for it?

[sheytanElKebir]

go ahead elusive

[Basrawii]

[elusive]

lol the guy says one thing and the interpreter says another...sigh

[Chounz]

When I first saw the girl I thought she was Iraqi I'm like meh she's such a typical average-looking Iraqi girl and then she started speaking Lebanese and I became so much more attracted to her.

But yeah she's not so good at translating, her english isn't really good.

[SumerianKing]

wow chounz, how does your mind work! looool

[Constantine MMX]

Beautiful country, masha'allah!

[SumerianKing]

Thank you my friend, much appreciated

[elusive]

do you know what i'm sick of seeing? stupid american soldiers posting their reviews of our cities on tourism sites such as expedia, tripadvisor and igougo, not only are their reviews biased and idiotic, they're very negative...i've submitted a few attractions and photos on tripadvisor.com, if anyone here has time please do the same, i've done Iraqi museum, lebanese family club, the new coral boutique hotel and i've added photos to a few of the hotels...also whenever you see an irrelevant photo please report it
let's change the negative connotations associated with Iraq and it's cities

[TERZIev]

Iraq need some fresh photos...i see only old here

[SumerianKing]

The tourism in Iraq is very slow, so not much is going on lateley lol

[SumerianKing]

I have to go jet skiing here next time I go Baghdad.

[SumerianKing]