Hotel Chain to Set Up Pakistan Operation

The global hotel chain, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts is set to tap the Pakistan tourism market. The group will be managing the operations of Midway House, the oldest hotel in Karachi owned by the Department of Civil Aviation, Pakistan.

Targeting primarily the corporates, Le Meridien Karachi, will open its doors in September 2005. What’s more, the group has plans to open a 225-room hotel in Islamabad and a 400-room hotel at Lahore. Both the new hotels are in the final stages of negotiation. Besides strengthening its presence in Pakistan, the group is planning to expand its network in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal as well.

The Karachi hotel, covering 16 acres of land is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The owners are investing US$ 12 million in this entire refurbishment process. After reopening, this five-star deluxe property will offer 231 rooms, and largest banqueting facilities in the city. Although the rooms have not yet been categorised, the rack rate of the lowest category room will be reportedly US$ 180…