Accor and Bena Properties, the real estate investment and development arm of Cham Holdings, have signed a management agreement for two hotels within the Taj Halab mixed-use development in Syria.

These hotels are Accor's first properties in the country, playing a vital role in the group's expansion plans within the region.

The hotels are to operate under the Novotel and Ibis brands with 129 and 150 rooms, respectively. Taj Halab is expected to be completed in 2014 and will consist of seven historic buildings, retail and food and beverage outlets and conference facilities.

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