Starwood takes the Sheraton brand to Dohuk

Starwood Hotels & Resorts will foray into a new region of Iraq – Dohuk. The Group signed an agreement with Mase Co LLC to open a new-build Sheraton hotel in Dohuk. This new property will be in the Kurdistan Autonomous Region in northern Iraq. Scheduled to debut early next year, the Sheraton Dohuk Hotel will be the first of four new Starwood hotels to open in Iraq after 20 years. “We look forward to a long-term partnership with Mase Co as we enter into our first hotel development,” said Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. Zakaria Abdulla, Chairman of Brilliant Role Group said, “We are excited to work with Starwood to bring its world-class Sheraton brand to Dohuk. As Dohuk continues to grow as an emerging city in the Middle East, there will be a strong demand for an international hotel brand such as Sheraton. The signing of Sheraton Dohuk Hotel is in line with our vision to support the development of the Kurdistan region as a key business destination.” The hotel will boast 202 rooms including an all-day dining venue, a signature restaurant, and four lounges. Sheraton Dohuk will look at targeting business travellers with its meeting and event space, including three ballrooms for special events. In addition, guests will have the Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft®, Sheraton Club Lounge and Sheraton Fitness and finally, the Sheraton Shine Spa. “Sheraton continues to be a first-mover into many new markets around the world,” added Bart Carnahan, senior vice president, acquisitions & development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “As part of our global growth strategy, we seek new frontiers for our brands, and signing of Sheraton Dohuk Hotel marks a significant milestone as we look for the right expansion opportunities in Iraq and throughout the Middle East.” The opening of Sheraton Dohuk will be followed by opening of Sheraton Erbil Hotel, Aloft Erbil and Four Points by Sheraton Erbil in 2015.  Source: Travel Daily