Rotana Corporate Sustainability Report 2012

53 Economic Development & Investment Rotana has the most ambitious expansion plan and development strategy operating in the Middle East and Africa today. Our hotels have a direct impact on the livelihood and the economy of the communities in which we operate by driving tourism, commerce and employment and supporting vast supply chains. Our development and investment stimulates local growth and creates opportunities in the communities we serve. With our expanding presence in the Middle East and Africa region, we will continue to create jobs and valuable career opportunities for the people in our communities, while also stimulating local economies with more than USD 183.4 million supply chain and by attracting millions of guests and supporting local vendors and suppliers . In 2011 and 2012, we added five new- build properties which created nearly 1,250 new jobs. We expect the openings at newly-built hotels planned for 2013 to significantly contribute to the livelihood of the communities in countries around the world. As a rising middle class seeks for a more affordable accommodation, Rotana responded, by increasing Centro’s presence in the region. While two Centro hotels have opened in the UAE in 2012, we aim to open a further 10 properties by 2017, thus benefitting the cost-conscious traveller’s budget and investors . Figure 1: Channels of economic impact of Rotana hotels on the country’s economy Direct Contribution Indirect Contribution Induced Contribution • Employment • Turnover • Import/In Bound Spending • Investment • Manufacture of Food & Beverage • Business Services • Transport • Communication • Agriculture • Spending of Indirect & Direct Persons Employed • Retail • Producer of F&B and other Goods • Other Services Centro By Rotana, budget hotel