Armani launches luxury hotel chain

[Sazz]

Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer known for high couture clothes collections, is teaming up with a Dubai-based company to launch a collection of luxury hotels and resorts.

The designer's representatives have revealed a seven-year plan that will see 10 hotels and four resorts open in destinations worldwide including London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Milan and Dubai.

'We have been exploring the idea of bringing the Armani philosophy of design and style to hotels for many years,' said Mr Armani.

The project will cost around US$1 billion and Armani will oversee the hotels' design and styling.

The designer and Dubai-based partner company EMAAR are predicting an upturn in the tourism industry, after the terrorism fears, the SARS scare and an economic downturn discouraged travelling.

Travellers, both for tourism and business, will always frequent the world's most important cities, added Armani.

The Italian company would also benefit from selling merchandise to the hotels, including Armani Casa furniture, staff wardrobes and guest amenities such as toiletries.