Doha, Qatar – 20 October 2014
– Katara
Hospitality, the global hotel developer, owner and operator based in
Qatar, has announced the appointment of international design partners, who will
develop its first Moroccan property - the Tazi Palace Hotel in Tangier.
Hospitality design firm OBM
International (OBMI), engineering partner Alatec and interior design
specialists, The Gettys Group, are working together for the renovation project
that will convert this former palace into a luxurious hotel resort.
An integral element of the
architectural heritage of Tangier and overlooking the city from the heights of
the outer hills, the Tazi Palace is set to become an outstanding component of
Katara Hospitality’s distinguished portfolio of hospitality gems. A beautiful five
star hotel will be created within the building shell, which was originally
designed to become a royal residence, and an extension has been tastefully
added to complement the historic building refurbishment.
The development project will establish a unique, modern
take on Moroccan heritage, offering a luxury leisure ambiance complemented by
local cultural influences, lush landscaping and panoramic views of the city and
the ocean. A key aspect of the refurbishment is to preserve the natural
prominence of the Palace, while enhancing its functionality and the overall guest
experience.
His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor
Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality, said: “With this project, we aim to
embrace the essence of Moroccan culture and hospitality. It is critical we have
partners who understand the importance of the Tazi Palace, and OBMI, ALATEC and
the Gettys Group do just that.”
“With its glorious history and contemporary Moroccan
architecture, the Tazi Palace will become a true hospitality icon that
represents both a proud legacy and an exciting future,” said Mr. Hamad
Al-Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality. “Once it is complete,
the resort will emerge as a relaxing urban escape that is a true celebration of
the rich Moroccan culture and history.”
OBMI, Alatec and The Gettys
Group will bring their diverse portfolio of hospitality projects and valuable
expertise to the project. The team was selected, through a rigorous tender
process, for its award-winning combination of designers who specialise in the
creation of successful destinations and recognise the importance of preserving
the heritage behind hospitality gems such as the Tazi Palace.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the team that will revive
the history of such a significant heritage building. Our designers look forward
to the opportunity of creating a truly distinct experience," said The
Gettys Group Principal, Ariane Steinbeck.
Doug Kulig, Chief Executive Officer of OBMI and lead
designer for the project, said: “It is an honour to be selected to not only
preserve the heritage of Tazi Palace, but to have the opportunity to create a
true destination in Tangier, which will embody both the history and culture of
Morocco.”
In 2011, Katara Hospitality signed an investment agreement with the
government of Morocco for the rehabilitation of the Tazi Palace. Under the
arrangement, the hospitality company pledged to invest US$55 million to convert
the former palace into a high-end five star hotel.
The Tazi Palace is scheduled
to open in 2017 as a modern palace resort, consisting of 133 luxurious hotel
rooms, two VIP villas, a 1400 m2 stand alone spa and fitness centre, two
signature restaurants, in addition to state-of-the-art conference and
banqueting facilities. A unique year-round destination, the 36,000 square metre
property will feature beautiful gardens with lush vegetation with water features
and layers of terraces focused around a spectacular outdoor pool. The natural
beauty will be enhanced by breathtaking views of the city, golf course and in
the distance, the ocean.
The Tazi Palace project is
expected to generate more than 200 jobs for residents of Tangier and neighbouring
areas.
