Scandic CEO, Frank Fiskers
Scandic plans to begin building a 300-room hotel in Khimki Business Park in Moscow next year, due for completion in 2010.
Located next to Moscow”s largest ring road, it is near Sheremetyevo Airport and 35km (22m) to Russia”s famous Kremlin.
With conference facilities, restaurants and a fitness centre the hotel is being pitched at the ”mid-market”. Scandic believes there are enough luxury properties in Russia and that demand is high in this segment.
Partners IKEA - which has one of its largest stores at the business park - will build and own the hotel, and Scandic will run it.
”A vital intermediate goal in our growth strategy was the day we could say we have begun our expansion in Russia,” said Scandic CEO, Frank Fiskers. ”We are now there, and being part of building a new hotel in Moscow with a professional and prominent partner like IKEA is an excellent starting shot.
”The possibilities are endless and we are preparing for continued expansion.”
”In choosing a hotel operator we looked at the business opportunities that Scandic could contribute,” said IKEA Russia & CIS general director, Per Kaufmann.
”We looked at the overall picture of economical, ecological, and ethical corporate responsibility where we feel that Scandic has the advantage compared to other operators.”