Tourism on the Rise in Bahrain With Grand Opening of Extended Stay Manama Bahrain Hotel

MANAMA, BAHRAIN--(Marketwire - Oct 16, 2012) - Residence Inn by Marriott Manama Juffair opened its doors in late 2011, and has since been extremely well received with impressive growth results. Today marks the grand opening of this hotel near Bahrain International Airport, held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Marriott International's largest extended stay brand came to the region under a long term management agreement with International Trading and Investment Company.

"We are proud to open the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the Middle East which demonstrates the continued growth of Bahrain's tourism sector, especially that the opening coincides with the city of Manama, unveiled as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2013," said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa, Chairman of the International Trading and Investment Company. "With the grand opening of Residence Inn by Marriott, we continue to build-on and contribute to Bahrain's tourism growth which reflects our full confidence in the economic growth of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, his wise Government headed by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander."

Bahrain's hotel market has increased supply by 900 rooms in 2011 with the opening of various hotels including Residence Inn by Marriott suites in Bahrain, and an additional 1300 rooms in 2012. The tourism sector has always been a substantial contributor to the economy, specifically for 6% GDP and 6% employment in 2011. For the first time, Manama was designated as the "Capital of Arab Culture" in 2012, and is officially awarded for the year 2013 as the "Capital of Arab Tourism," a title currently held by Muscat, Oman. These celebrations represent a major push by the government under the support and vision of Her Excellency Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa (ref.: Oxford Business Group, The Report 2012).

Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director of Marriott International, Middle East and Africa, commented, "Bahrain has always had solid economic growth potential, in a region which remains a key market for tourism development because of its oil wealth, high disposable income, and demographic growth. Residence Inn hotel in Juffair Bahrain is our first Residence Inn property in the region, and our third lodging brand in the Kingdom, making us well placed particularly in the extended stay lodging segment to accommodate the expected increased number of visitors to Bahrain moving forward."

The Residence Inn by Marriott offers a mix of spacious, stylish and residential-feel studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. A purposeful layout with designated zones allows guests to relax, work, eat, and sleep in their suites, while maintaining their routines at their own pace while traveling. Every suite features kitchens that come complete with full-sized refrigerators and stainless steel appliances that make living on the road easier for business travelers on long stays and families on leisure travel. For more information or hotel deals in Manama Bahrain, please visit www.marriott.com or call 973-17-362900.

Residence Inn is Marriott International's second largest lodging brand with more than 600 properties in North and Central America and the Caribbean with additional development under way in Europe and the Middle East and Africa.

Residence Inn is a pioneer in the extended-stay hotel segment, being the first to serve the needs of business travelers seeking apartment-style accommodations for longer stays. Opening its doors to guests in 1975, the brand quickly assumed a leadership role, spearheading design and service standards for this lodging segment. Residence Inn's brand mission is to help business travelers thrive on long stays. Combining style and functionality, its suites are spacious, allowing travelers the ability to work and relax, and maintain balance while on the road. Featuring fully functional kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas in every unit, Residence Inn offers guests flexibility and options that fit their routine. Personalized service and attention to detail help guests feel welcomed and appreciated. Amenities such as connectivity to home and office, health and fitness options, comfortable public areas in which to socialize or relax make Residence Inn the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests.