Category Archives: Hotels

Rotana has announced the inauguration of three new global sales offices in Paris, Milan and Amsterdam. These will complement the company’s existing offices in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Germany, India, Russia, the UAE and the United Kingdom, to help support Rotana’s expansion plans and drive business from these key markets. Declan Hurley, Rotana Corporate Vice President – Sales, declared, “The main responsibilities of these new offices will be to grow our client base, introduce our brands to new clients, promote market, and sell our properties based outside of their physical location. Taking into consideration the huge potential of these markets, which have seen a growth of 16 per cent to our hotels across the Middle East, Rotana has appointed Aviareps as its GSA, owing to their experience, reputation, and presence across Europe. We are pleased with how our relationship has got off the ground and we have compiled a solid sales and marketing plan with a wide range of sales activities to roll out during the remainder of 2018 and throughout 2019. Our plan is to have more offices across key markets within the next 24 months. This is in line with the overall expansion of Rotana properties and our growing market segment.”

Swiss International Hotels & Resorts and IDS Next Business Solutions Pvt have announced that they have entered into a global agreement in which,  IDS Next Business Solutions will provide its hotel ERP technology solutions to Swiss International Hotels & Resorts. With its solid presence in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Swiss International has 15 hotels currently in operation with a healthy pipeline of new hotels under development across these regions. IDS Next’s hotel ERP solution will facilitate in streamlining operations, in managing the distribution and managing the revenues efficiently, while improving both the guests’ and the hotel users’ experiences for the hotel chain. Binu Mathews, the CEO of IDS Next said, “We are delighted to welcome Swiss International to the IDS family. With Swiss International’s experience in hospitality and IDS Next’s rich technology expertise of 30 years, we are confident that we have a winning partnership for both of our organizations. With our presence in the Middle East, Africa and Asia regions, we see the partnership contributing to our growth potential globally.” “We are pleased to enter into the agreement with IDS Next, a company which we have recognized as one of today’s leading hospitality technology provider”, said Mr. Henri Kennedie, the President & CEO of Swiss International. “With IDS Next’s complete and integrated solutions, we are confident of offering superior guests’ experiences and improve the overall operational efficiency for our hotels.”

Marriott International has launched Tahseen, a unique hospitality training programme in Egypt, developed in response to a growing need for talent within the industry. Created in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation (PDF), the programme is focused on fast tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders from Egypt by providing them with firsthand experience and a springboard to launch successful careers in the industry. The company unveiled the programme at a signing ceremony graced by His Excellency Khalid Atef Abdul Ghaffar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Egypt. Also present at the occasion was Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International, who is on a three-day visit to the country. “Marriott International is a company that believes in putting people first and we are committed to giving our associates the world class training and the opportunity to grow and reach their potential, both personally and professionally. Our vision is to develop future leaders, empowered with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to be successful within the hospitality industry, both regionally and globally. Building a sustainable and robust hospitality education program like Tahseen, that nurtures and builds national talent, is indeed key to our success,” said Sorenson. “Over the last four decades we have worked hard to consciously develop local talent and prepare them to become future leaders in hospitality,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Today we employ over 10,200 associates across our hotels in Egypt with 99% of them being local Egyptian nationals.

General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) has announced the opening of its second resort — Al Bait Sharjah in the Middle East on September 1. Following the success of the award-winning Chedi Muscat, this announcement marks yet another significant milestone to celebrate Arabian heritage. Developed in partnership with Shurooq (the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority), Al Bait Sharjah offers an unrivalled dimension of luxury, sophistication and personalised service never experienced before in the Emirate. Located in the region’s biggest restoration project known as ‘Heart of Sharjah’, the opening of Al Bait plays a key role in re-establishing Sharjah as the cultural hub of the United Arab Emirates. Paying homage to traditional Sharjah architecture, the 53-key heritage resort is constructed from the restored foundations of vintage homes that once belonged to noted Emirati families. Al Bait, meaning home in Arabic, is carefully remodelled and designed to provide world-class hospitality services and luxurious experiences to its guests, through elements that are in harmony with culture, society, history and civilisation as well as quintessential Emirati hospitality and etiquette. “GHM has taken the lead in pioneering luxury hospitality in the Emirate, while connecting the modern traveller to Sharjah’s rich storied past. We eagerly look forward to welcoming guests to Al Bait for an experience comparable to no other,” states Patrick Moukarzel, the resort’s General Manager.

The Merchant House in Manama, Bahrain, is set to open doors in September this year. Located next to the vibrant Bab el-Bahrain Souk, the hotel development comes at an exciting time as the surrounding area is currently being regenerated, re-establishing the prominence of the old Souk and original heart of Manama. The Merchant House will be an all-suite boutique hotel with 47 suites in total, each featuring an open plan kitchen and dining area, as well as open plan sitting rooms which have been designed to be ideal for both business and leisure. As with all Campbell Gray Hotels, artwork will be a prominent feature of the interior design and Gordon Campbell Gray has, over the past year, been putting together an exciting art collection comprising of well-established Bahraini artists as well as new and upcoming young talent from both Bahrain and the region. The design is, as with all Campbell Gray Hotels, completely original and has been created specifically for The Merchant House. The rooftop – another Campbell Gray speciality – is where you will find the main restaurant and the bar with options to eat indoors or outdoors. Commenting on the project, Gordon Campbell Gray, Founder, Campbell Gray Hotels said, “We are so looking forward to bringing our special brand of hospitality to Bahrain this year with the opening of The Merchant House in Manama. We are confident that with its central location, beautiful facilities and comfortable all-suite accommodation, it will be rather special, and we are eager to welcome our first guests through the door.”

Meraas and Bvlgari have announced the handover of Bvlgari Residences Dubai, in the city’s most exclusive residential community. Residences are located within the 1.7 million square foot Bvlgari Resort & Residences Dubai. The resort includes the world’s first Bvlgari Yacht Club, which exudes the unmistakable atmosphere of the Italian Riviera, famous for its glamour and exuberance. As part of the spectacular Bvlgari Resort & Residences Dubai, Bvlgari Residences Dubai sets a new benchmark for exclusive lifestyles and exceptional living spaces. With a range of amenities and services within the community, the homes combine convenience and comfort with luxury living. The handover process affirms Meraas’ commitment to delivering quality projects that enrich life in Dubai. The island neighbourhood is comprised of 168 apartments ranging from one- to three-bedroom units, six four-bedroom penthouses, and 15 mansions ranging from three- to six-bedrooms. Designed by renowned Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the residences are managed by the adjacent Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, and residents can benefit from the ‘Hotel a la carte services’, including housekeeping, catering, butler services, personal shopper and impeccable 24-hour concierge services. Buildings are also equipped with a Private Fitness Centre, a swimming pool and a steam room for the residents’ comfort. Pep Lozano, General Manager of Bvlgari Resort & Residences, said, “We are thrilled to welcome our first residents, who will be living in the Bvlgari residential community on the island.”

Emaar Hospitality Group in partnership with the Kalyan Group, marked its expansion to Sub-Saharan Africa to operate Address Hotel 2 Février Lomé Togo in the heart of Lomé . The 30-storey landmark property to be managed by premium lifestyle hotel and serviced residences brand, Address Hotels + Resorts. It will be a 256-room hotel and 64 serviced apartments in the tallest building in West Africa with a wide choice of restaurants and meeting facilities. Only 7 km from the Lomé–Tokoin International Airport, which connects Togo to key African cities as well as Europe and beyond, Address Hotel 2 Février Lomé Togo will be operated by Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium lifestyle hotel and serviced residences brand of Emaar Hospitality Group, which will assume the management of the property shortly. A team of ministers from the Republic of Togo and media attended the event at the Address Boulevard. The Minister of Industry and Tourism, Yaovi Attigbe Ihou thanked Kalyan Group and Emaar Hospitality for their strategic vision of partnership which will reap many benefits in the tourism and hospitality sector in the country. He reiterated that Togo is the main portal to enter Africa. “Emaar Hospitality will revolutionise the hospitality sector beginning with Togo in West Africa. Our country is a hub open for all industries and financially solid.

IHG has opened its 1000th hotel in the EMEAA region with the opening of InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, in Vietnam. This comes as IHG continues its ambitious growth strategy across its newest and most geographically diverse region. The 1000th opening adds to an already strong portfolio in EMEAA, with hotels across eight brands, working in partnership with more than 500 hotel owners. IHG has an extensive development pipeline in EMEAA with 321 hotels (63,500 plus rooms) set to open in the next 3-5 years. InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is located on the pristine Phu Quoc island, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve off the coast of Vietnam. The resort combines InterContinental’s signature luxury with the island’s unique natural beauty and features 459 luxurious rooms, suites and villas, an exclusive beachfront, six restaurants and bars, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities. IHG’s EMEAA region is playing a key role in the company’s ambitions to grow at pace in key global markets. The rollout of voco™, IHG’s newest brand in the $40 billion upscale market, will begin in EMEAA, with a first signing already announced in Australia. IHG plans to open more than 200 voco hotels globally over the next 10 years. EMEAA is also a key focus as IHG builds out its luxury capabilities. IHG recently unveiled plans to expand its luxury and upscale estate in the UK through a conditional agreement with Covivio (formerly Foncière des Régions).

Lucid Pay, a smart settlement platform, has recently integrated blockchain technology into the systems of 5-star resort Atlantis, The Palm, making it the first for hotels worldwide. The smart platform enables guests to pay for their activities and amenities in an efficient, secure and effortless manner. The platform also uses smart contracts that allow the hotel to pre-define guests’ terms and refund conditions, enabling stress-free and frictionless transactions. The cashless-based solution eliminates disputes and fraud, while providing automated loyalty programmes and speedy executions, which hotels can take advantage of. As a platform, Lucid Pay’s goal is to interconnect the hospitality industry and break physical boundaries, by providing guests with the opportunity to experience the city while charging back to the host and settling their bill at checkout. Commenting on the integration, Liquid D founder Jawad Riachi said, “We’re proud to be able to integrate our blockchain-based smart settlement platform Lucid Pay into a world-class brand such as Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. I’d like to thank the resorts’ IT team, finance, marketing and operation, who supported the initiative and worked hard to make the project a reality. We have focused on ensuring the product is easy to use, with a convenient learning process. The users immediately feel at home when they use our solution. ” Anthony Lynsdale, Vice President, Information Technology, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai said, “We chose Lucid Pay as our partner to deliver a seamless integrated point of sale solution using a Blockchain platform.”

After its launch in April of ‘Aquaventure After Dark’, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm announced that it will once again open its doors to excited nighttime revelers. Attracting 3,500 teens and adults first time round, the ultimate slide and dance party will make its triumphant return on June 16th from 8pm, offering guests even more fun. In partnership with Coca-Cola and 104.8 Channel 4 radio, Aquaventure After Dark entry tickets will start from only AED 123 when pre-purchased online, offering party-goers a fun-drenched evening from 8pm to 12am mid-night. Featuring pumping music zones and stacks of inflatable fun, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark will offer visitors the chance to take on 20 of the region’s craziest waterslides, made all the more exhilarating by night. Hungry thrill-seekers can also feast throughout the evening at the various food stations. Shark Bites and Barracudas will offer indoor and outdoor seating and something for every taste, including Arabic mezze, freshly baked pizzas, shawarma, falafel, dosa, fish & chips and barbeque hot off the grill. Situated on the apex of the Palm in Dubai, and known for its terrifying and record-breaking waterslides, Aquaventure Waterpark is the only attraction in The Middle East that offers marine animal experiences, water slides and over 700 metres of beachline. The waterpark also boasts some record breaking slides including the world’s largest circumference water ride ‘Aquaconda’ and the first twin racing tube rides ‘Slitherine’.