Coral to Open New Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq

[HD video below] Coral Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to open Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad in Iraq. The deluxe property will be operated by Coral under a management agreement with United Iraqi Trading Company.

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.

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.”

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

“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.”

Iraq Tourism Interview with Fadhil Al-Saaegh @ WTM 2011 - HD

When you think of tourism, Iraq does not probably jump to mind. Despite that there was a large Iraq booth at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2011 at Excel in London with a reasonable number of delegates in attendance. Because of this, TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Fadhil Al-Saaegh, Managing Director of Al-Rafidain Co. Ltd., to ask why Iraq had spent so much to promote the country when from an outsiders perspective there seems to be so much trouble. Watch the video below.

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