In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News ME, Elie Milky, vice president business development at Radisson Hotel Group, spoke about the opportunities the chain is exploring in Lebanon, and which new portfolio brands are best suited for the market.

“Although a relatively small market facing political instability, Lebanon offers unique investment opportunities in establishing new hotel concepts that would cater to various untapped segments. We believe Beirut will continue to be the main market for strategic hotel expansion for Radisson Hotel Group, with locations outside the city remaining secondary for the time being,” he told HN.

According to him, branded hotel supply in the country remains limited and the capital currently lacks sufficient hotel supply specifically in the midscale and lifestyle segments. “Our midscale Park Inn by Radisson brand is well suited towards secondary locations within the city should it be deemed feasible given the high cost of land. And most importantly, in a bid to re-establish itself as the cultural and lifestyle capital of the Middle East, Beirut offers a strategic opportunity for our lifestyle Radisson RED brand in the heart of the city.”

He revealed that as they focus on expanding their Radisson Collection, which they consider as the company’s affordable luxury brand, the chain’s expansion looks at the possibility of either a new-build opportunity or a conversion of an existing hotel, all under international management agreements.   

Milky also spoke on the importance of catering to the growing MICE market in Lebanon, as we all to benefit from the anticipated reconstruction of Syria.

Stay tuned for the full interview with Milky in our next issue of the magazine as he taps into the brand’s development strategy for the region, its plans to face market volatility, and growth vision.