Dubai-based Carlton Hospitality & Hotel Management Group said it had invested about Dh763 million (208 million) to expand regional footprint and was all set to open its properties in Bahrain and Amman this year.

Carlton Emirates Hotel Bahrain will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2010, said Hosni A Hadi, regional director of Middle East & group general manager of The Carlton Hospitality & Hotel Management Group, on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai on Tuesday.

A leading dedicated hospitality company, Carlton said the group was also eyeing opportunities for expansion into Asia.

'The Group’s potential markets include CIS, Asia/Far East and the local market. “We are looking at potential opportunities in Syria, Lebanon and Turkey as well as in Asia,” Hadi revealed.

According to him, the investment of Dh763 million has been made in a phased regional expansion plan.

'The first phase, which is already being rolled out, comprises a group brand consolidation exercise that brings the recently acquired properties in Amman and Manama under the enhanced Dubai-based brand,' Hadi remarked.

He said its Jordan property, The Imperial Palace in Amman has been renamed as Carlton Imperial Palace Jordan.

Refurbishments are currently underway at the landmark Dubai property, which was one of the first quality standard hotels in Dubai, he stated.

“We believe that the key to success is a continuous process of growth and evolution. Our focus this year is to consolidate our market position and bolster our brand identity, which will now integrate all our Carlton properties under one common banner,” Hadi added.-TradeArabia News Service