India: Aiana Hotels & Resorts, a joint venture hospitality company backed by Qatari and Indian interests, has been launched.
The company will operate upscale hotels and serviced apartments in the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and south-east Asia.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, chairman of Al Sawari Holding and Qatari Business Association, and Amruda Nair, joint managing director and CEO of Aiana Hotels & Resorts, signed the JV agreement and said they share the common vision of “creating a brand that will appeal to young professionals and global travellers and provide its guests with unique, and enriching experiences, as well as bringing the first Asian-inspired hotel to Qatar”.
The joint venture, with both partners having an equal share, will be based in Doha and operate under the name Aiana Hotels & Resorts LLC. Its serviced apartment portfolio will be branded Aiana Residences.
Sheikh Faisal said the company will have “ambitious expansion plans for acquisitions in key destinations including London and the US”.
Sheikh Ahmad bin Jassim Al Thani, minister of economy and commerce, said: “I am delighted to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Al Sawari Holding and Amruda Nair, scion of famous Leela hotel group family in India, with the aim of introducing a new brand to the Qatari hospitality market. The new brand will definitely make a valuable addition to the local tourism sector.”
Sheikh Faisal added: “Given the long standing relationship between Qatar and India, there is great synergy in the similar way that we travel. This is why we want to bring Aiana as a new lifestyle hotel brand to the Middle East and will continue to support Aiana through our ambitious expansion plans for acquisitions in key destinations starting with the property in Doha with many more to follow in Western Europe (London) and The United States of America.”
Amruda Nair said: “With the launch of Aiana Hotels and Resorts, I am delighted to be introducing a brand I am confident will become the preferred choice of travellers seeking authentic and immersive experiences that will stay with them long after they have checked out. I was fortunate to meet HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani who shared my passion for hospitality and supported my dreams and ambitions of creating an Indian brand with a global presence. Our service, design, and operating philosophy are geared to exceed the expectations of a new generation of savvy travellers. We call it Hospitality 2.0”
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