Jumeirah opens its first hotel in mainland Europe

Jumeirah, the global luxury hotel management group, yesterday opened its first hotel in continental Europe in Frankfurt. The opening is in line with the group's larger plan to have 60 hotels in its portfolio — under development or in operation — by the end of 2012. While yesterday's opening was Jumeirah Frankfurt's soft opening, the company said the property's "grand opening" is scheduled for September. The group's new 25-floor five-star property, boasting 218 rooms, is located at the centre of Frankfurt at the Thurn-und-Taxis square — close to the business district, opera and shopping streets, Jumeirah said in a statement. Article continues below Commenting on the move, Gerald Lawless, executive chairman of the Jumeirah Group, recently said: "Germany is one of the world's largest economies and a market that has traditionally served as the third largest inbound market for Jumeirah's properties. It's a key market for us and we see this first move to invest in the German market as an important and sound link that cements an already strong connection." Jumeirah has, meanwhile, been strengthening its sales and marketing team in Europe with plans to expand its portfolio as the company gears up to open its next European hotel — Jumeirah Port Soller in March 2012. With regards to the hotel's vision for 2011, Jumeirah aims to open "somewhere between seven and nine hotels", as Lawless told Gulf News in May. He added that the group hopes to run 22 hotels by end of 2012, while expecting strong occupancy in beachside properties.