Cristal Group Unveils The First Hotel Under The ‘Cristal Collection’

Hospitality developer and operator Cristal Group has unveiled the Cristal Collection, a new property management division designed to support independent hotels and resorts by leveraging the Group's extensive industry expertise. This initiative promises to offer strategic partners increased sales opportunities, reduced operational costs, exceptional hospitality experiences, and competitive franchise fees.

The Cristal Collection aims to empower hotels with enhanced purchasing power and revenue optimization through innovative sales, marketing, and business functions. Moreover, it pledges to streamline processes and provide data-driven insights, which are vital in today’s competitive hospitality sector.

One of the key advantages for hotels joining the Cristal Collection is the potential to maintain high occupancy rates, exemplified by the Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi's success. Since its opening in 2009, the hotel has consistently kept an occupancy rate of 93% or higher, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The Collection's sophisticated booking system, boasting fees as low as 1.5% of revenue generated, presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional and big brand channels which typically charge between 15% to 25%.

Expanding The Cristal Collection

The first property to become a part of the Cristal Collection is the Al Bada Resort in Al Ain. This resort, featuring 60 private villas, is set to undergo significant renovations over the next eighteen months. Once complete, it will offer numerous exciting facilities for families and leisure travellers, further enhancing the UAE’s hospitality offering.

Kamal Fakhoury, Chief Executive Officer of the Cristal Group, emphasised the competitive nature of the hospitality industry and the Group’s commitment to assisting properties in thriving under these conditions. “Competition in the hospitality sector has never been fiercer. As seasoned hoteliers, we can help properties grow and flourish in this challenging environment and that is what we are setting out to do with the Cristal Collection,” Fakhoury stated.

With the launch of the Cristal Collection, Fakhoury articulated the Group's vision to become the leading operator and franchisor of business and leisure hotels in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The initiative is poised to attract investors and owners from the GCC and beyond, aiming to deliver superior results and hospitality experiences.

White-label Hospitality Franchising Solution

In 2023, the Cristal Group introduced its white-label hospitality franchising solution, marking a significant step towards achieving its goal of being a premier hotel operator in its target regions. This program offers hotels up to 33% in cost savings and the opportunity to join forces with some of the world’s most renowned hotel management companies. Among them are giants like Hilton, Accor, IHG, Marriott, and Wyndham Worldwide, allowing participants to leverage their global reputations and operational expertise.

This strategic move not only underscores the Cristal Group’s ambition to expand its footprint across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia but also highlights its innovative approach to fostering growth and excellence in the hospitality sector. As the Cristal Collection welcomes more properties, it sets a new benchmark for collaboration and success in the industry.