Kurdistan, Iraq 3 March, 2014
Millennium and Copthorne, Middle East & Africa (MEA), marches on with its regional expansion with the opening of the iconic property in Kurdistan, Grand Millennium Hotel Sulaimani. The grand opening of the hotel took place under the patronage of His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Kurdistan, along with many dignitaries and high ranking officials. Media and guests from all over the country attended a gala dinner and witnessed a spectacular fireworks display. The opening marks Millennium & Copthorne's third Grand Millennium in the Middle East region and the first outside the UAE.
The Grand Millennium Hotel Sulaimani, an architectural landmark designed by Arkonsult Engineering Consultants, is the tallest standing structure in the city and welcomes travellers entering Sulaymaniyah. The 5 star deluxe property boasts 253 beautifully appointed rooms and suites with floor to ceiling windows. The detailed contemporary interiors developed by David Wrenn Interiors include a number of stunning ornate and hand-crafted lighting features that create a striking visual impression in the luxury property.
The Hotel offers unique banquet and meeting space in Sulaymaniyah, with the grand ballroom able to host up to 1200 guests for large-scale corporate or private events. The magnificent ballroom is supplemented by a stand-alone auditorium and 9 versatile meeting rooms all equipped with the latest audio visual technology and screening facilities.
The hotel's dining options includes "Beirut" the upscale Lebanese restaurant, and a signature revolving fine-dining restaurant, located at the pinnacle of the tower, providing breath-taking views of Sulaymaniyah. The beautiful champagne bar with crystal chandelier is complemented by a grand piano, while the stylish cocktail lounge provides a sophisticated addition to the hotel's F&B options.
The signature Spa provides extensive treatments and is operated by renowned Turkish brand Dogus Spa. In addition to first class meeting facilities, the hotel's excellent leisure facilities, include a tennis court, squash court, fitness club, indoor swimming pool and a huge outdoor swimming pool with pool bar.
With a mountainous backdrop the Grand Millennium Sulaimani offers unparalleled convenience for local government and businesses and the hotel is conveniently located just a short distance from the Sulaymaniyah International Airport.
"We are delighted to announce the opening of this 5 star deluxe property in Kurdistan. The next 12-18 months represent a very busy period for the company where an additional 10 hotels should be opening across the region in UAE, Kuwait, Muscat, and KSA. This is in line with our 3 year target to be operating 50 properties across the Middle East and Africa. We are also pleased to see most of our brands being deployed in the future openings from Grand Millennium, Millennium and Copthorne Hotels" said Mr. Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President & CEO, Millennium & Copthorne, (MEA).
Mr. Thomas Tapken, Vice President - Operations, Millennium & Copthorne (MEA) added; "The Grand Millennium Hotel Sulaimani will provide a first class experience for those guests looking for deluxe accommodation in the Kurdistan region. The hotel's signature ballroom, auditorium and revolving fine-dining restaurant, are highlights of the property and we are confident that these outstanding facilities will prove to be a popular feature for our corporate sector guests."
Faruk Group Holding CEO Mr. Hawre Daro Noori said: "We are steering our region's economy into becoming an industrial, telecommunications and education hub. We invite businessmen from all over the world to visit Sulaymaniyah and start a business in the region. We believe that Kurdistan market has great potential and the hospitality sector is hugely important to the region's development. The opening of Grand Millennium Sulaimani marks another significant step in our strategic expansion"
Mr Alzaabi added "We are delighted to continue our excellent relationship with respected owners Faruk Group Holding and we are confident that this new hotel development, our third property in the country, will prove to be a successful addition to a growing market".
The opening follows shortly after the opening of the Millennium Kurdistan Hotel & Spa and the Copthorne Hotel Baranan which opened last year.
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About Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc. is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and/or operates over 120 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms worldwide, the company is present on all continents with a portfolio of brands which serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class.
From a single property in Abu Dhabi, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has expanded into various neighbouring destinations and is now recognised as one of the fastest growing regional hotel management companies in the Middle East & Africa. Along the way, the company has cultivated partnerships with reputable and respected owners. Millennium & Copthorne currently operates 17 hotels, has over 10 hotels due to open within the 12-18 months and aims to operate 50 properties within the next three years for the MEA region.
About Grand Millennium Hotels
Grand Millennium hotels offer five star deluxe accommodation in downtown city destinations close to shopping and business districts. Each of the Grand Millennium hotels boasts elegant spa facilities, signature dining and popular night spots. With high service standards, stylish interiors with a local accent and a range of quality amenities, Grand Millennium hotels serve both leisure and corporate travellers. All Grand Millennium hotels also offer furnished serviced apartments for extended stays.
For any further information, please contact:
Stephen Kamat
Director of Marketing & Branding
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
Middle East & Africa
Tel: +971 (0) 4309 9095
Email: stephen.kamat@millenniumhotels.com
MILLENNIUM & COPTHORNE MIDDLE EAST HOLDINGS LIMITED
P.O. Box 119666. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hotel Website: www.millenniumhotels.com
© Press Release 2014
