Qatar Hotel Profitability Challenged

Hotel profits last year dropped slightly to QR2.07 billion, down from QR2.12 billion in 2008. Profits of five star hotels went down slightly from QR 1.6bn in 2008 to QR 1.59 bn last year. Profits of four star hotels fell from QR521.8m in 2008 to QR 488.41m in 2009. Chairman of QTA, Ahmed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, said the country’s hospitality industry faces difficult challenges and must look for new and innovative ways to keep earnings up and attract visitors. He said “The hotels should hold special events and organize promotions to attract more customers.”