Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Hotels, a leading real estate investment and hospitality advisory firm, has appointed Gabriel Matar as its new head of Hotels for the Middle East and Africa.

Before accepting his new role Matar was leading Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels team in Paris since 2006. Previously Matar was managing the hospitality and tourism division at KPMG for France.

Matar has bespoke experience with landmark properties such as palace hotels and SPA hotels, having worked on several large and high profile renovation projects and valuations, a statement said.

Matar takes over from Jalil Mekouar, who has been leading Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Middle East & Africa for the last five years. Jalil will relocate to Chicago, with Jones Lang LaSalle as chief operating officer - Americas and managing director - Strategic Advisory and Asset Management.

Mark Wynne-Smith, global CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels said: “Gabriel brings a wealth of international experience to the Middle East and Africa market and we are delighted to welcome him as our new head of Hotels for the Middle East & Africa region. He will be responsible for developing and expanding our operations in the region which have grown significantly in recent years under Jalil’s leadership.”

“Despite the global financial crisis, problems in the Eurozone and the Arab Spring, the travel and tourism industry continues to be a beacon of relative growth and stability for this region as it continues to expand as a major global leisure and business destination.  Gabriel’s expertise will be invaluable as both domestic and international hospitality brands continue to grow their operations.”

Matar added: “The travel and tourism industry has continued to grow significantly over the longer term in the past few decades. The Middle East and Africa has very much been at the forefront in defining the ultimate luxury and corporate experience and continues to attract ever increasing numbers of regional and international travellers.”

“However, as the sector has matured, so we are also seeing growth in some of the other hospitality brands to cater for an increasingly diverse range of tastes, budgets and other requirements. It’s an exciting time for the sector in this part of the world,” he added.

Matar holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate and two post graduate degrees in tourism economics and sales and marketing from France.  He is also a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and a Registered Real Estate Valuer. – TradeArabia News Service