Global real estate advisor CBRE has announced two senior appointments to expand its hotels and tourism team as part of its strategic development in the Middle East. Ali Manzoor has joined as head of hotels and tourism – Middle East and Ben Parkins as associate director.

Based in Dubai, Manzoor will lead the hotels and tourism team to advise investors, developers and operators on their hospitality development projects and market entry strategies throughout the MENA region, with a specific focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In his new role, Parkins will be responsible for providing subject matter expertise, leading market research and financial analysis across hospitality and tourism related assets.

Manzoor joins from Knight Frank where he was partner and head of hospitality & leisure – Middle East. With over 15 years’ experience, including 10 years in the Middle East, he has worked with developers, investors and governmental institutions on feasibility studies, hotel valuations, pricing strategies and optimum site use for both large-scale multi-use projects and stand-alone assets. He has also helped clients negotiate hotel management agreements in a number of jurisdictions and brings with him a strong network of clients across the region. Prior to moving into real estate development consultancy, Manzoor worked in high-end hospitality in London overseeing hotel operations, analyzing demand trends, reviewing the daily P&L and enhancing profitability.

Parkins also joins from Knight Frank Middle East, where he was associate partner within the hospitality and leisure team. He brings over 15 years’ experience, both in real estate advisory and in global luxury hotel operations across a wide variety of progressive roles. Parkins has provided advice to investors, developers and government clients across MENA working on highest and best use studies, market and financial feasibility studies, operational reviews and operator search and selections.