ISLAMABAD: Movenpick Hotels and Resorts is expanding its presence in Pakistan after inking a landmark deal with Pak Gulf Construction Company (PVT) Ltd to build a new upscale property in the federal capital.The agreement to operate Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad, the Swiss hospitality company’s first property in Pakistan capital, was
BySaeed Ahmed
October 08, 2015
ISLAMABAD: Movenpick Hotels and Resorts is expanding its presence in Pakistan after inking a landmark deal with Pak Gulf Construction Company (PVT) Ltd to build a new upscale property in the federal capital. The agreement to operate Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad, the Swiss hospitality company’s first property in Pakistan capital, was facilitated by Middle East consultancy firm, Equinox Hospitality Group, which played a key role in developing this owner-operator partnership. The 361-key Mövenpick Hotel, Centaurus Islamabad will be the focal point of a new upscale mixed-use development located in the heart of the city’s bustling business district and is set to open in the first quarter of 2018. Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Andreas Mattmüller, Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts Middle East and Asia, said business opportunities in Pakistan were tremendous given its advantageous geographical location at crossroads of several economic powerhouses including south and central Asia and the Middle East.” “The Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad, part of the high-profile Centaurus development located in the commercial and business hub of Islamabad, taps into the growth and development of the country’s thriving capital city,” he said. “It also firmly cements our presence in Pakistan where our goal is to expand our footprint. Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts already operates the 407-room Mövenpick Hotel, Karachi and is actively seeking opportunities in Lahore.” Sardar Mohammad Ilyas Khan, Chairman of Pak Gulf Construction Company, said: “We are excited to partner with Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts to develop this flagship hotel. The project will set new hospitality standards in Islamabad.” The Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad will comprise five restaurants, expansive meeting and event facilities including a multi-purpose ballroom, several meeting rooms and a business centre plus separate male and female wellness facilities and a swimming pool. It will be the first and only hotel in the new up-market Centaurus development, adjoined to Pakistan’s largest and most successful shopping centre, The Centaurus Mall – an eye-catching design-led landmark occupying a prime position on one of Islamabad’s main thoroughfares, Jinnah Avenue, where major local, regional and multi-national entities, from banks to oil and gas companies, are headquartered. “Owing to its prime location, we expect the property to attract a diverse range of guests, from long-term and leisure visitors to those traveling for corporate or government business,” said Mattmüller.