Category Archives: Hotels

dnata partners with Pulse Hotels & Resorts to represent its growing Maldives portfolio in the GCC

dnata is partnering with the Maldives’ Pulse Hotels & Resorts to bring its unique and expanding portfolio of properties across the Indian Ocean archipelago closer to the region’s traveller base. dnata Representation Services will become Pulse Hotels & Resorts’ exclusive sales and marketing representative in the GCC, showcasing its latest news, exclusive rates, and more to travellers across the region, as travel demand for the Maldives continues. According to statistics from the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, the UAE was placed in the top ten number of arrivals by country of residence in its latest reports, between January and May 2023, whilst tourist arrivals from other GCC destinations remain strong. Pulse Hotels & Resorts owns and manages three properties across the Maldives, each offering a unique experience. The Nautilus is an ultra-luxury private island and winner of multiple awards, known as one of the world’s most exclusive bohemian island hideaways. One of the newest resorts in the Maldives, Nova launched in 2022 with a modern take on all-inclusive with a vibrant ‘community’ concept. The largest of the offering, Kandima, is a stylish and game-changing island destination boasting 264 studios and villas, 10 dining venues, and a plethora of activities for leisure, corporate or MICE travel. The Maldives-based company, which launched in 2015 with an entrepreneurial mindset to re-imagine the hospitality offering of the destination, continues to enhance the current portfolio and further expand its resort portfolio with product launches scheduled for the coming years. Althaf Mohamed Ali, Chief Operating Officer at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, commented: “There has been an increase in interest and travel to our resorts from the GCC region in recent years. Our resorts cater to luxury travel …

Read More »

Shangri-La Dubai Celebrates 20 Years of Timeless Elegance!

Shangri-La Dubai, the iconic luxury hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, is proud to celebrate 20 years of world-class hospitality, exceptional service, and timeless elegance. Since opening its doors in 2003, Shangri-La Dubai has been a home away from home for travellers from around the world, offering unparalleled comfort, style, and unforgettable memories. To celebrate the occasion, Shangri-La Dubai invites guests to indulge in a range of exclusive experiences, including bespoke room packages, themed culinary delights, and an exciting social media giveaway. 20th Anniversary Room Offer For those seeking a luxurious staycation in the city, their room promotion includes 20% savings on rooms and suites, along with an upgrade to the next room category. Guests can also enjoy a 20% discount on food and beverage offerings, allowing them to savour a wide array of culinary delights throughout their stay. As a special treat, guests will receive a 20th-anniversary welcome amenity and a Polaroid photograph capturing breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline from the 42nd floor. Social Media Giveaway To further engage with guests and honour their loyalty, Shangri-La Dubai launched a social media giveaway and is encouraging guests to share their favourite memories at the hotel on Instagram, using a designated hashtag. By participating, they stand a chance to win a complimentary stay, courtesy of Shangri-La Dubai. Visit the official Shangri-La Instagram account to learn more about the contest and be a part of this exciting campaign. Gala Anniversary Cocktail Event The hotel also hosted a gala cocktail to commemorate the occasion, comprising dignitaries, loyal patrons, influential figures from the hospitality industry, and members of the media.  The evening unfolded amidst an ambience of sophistication and grace, as guests were transported into …

Read More »

Address Hotels and Resorts announces the opening of Address Jabal Omar Makkah

Address Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of its latest architectural and hospitality masterpiece, Address Jabal Omar Makkah, in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The largest hotel within the Address Hotels + Resorts portfolio, Address Jabal Omar Makkah boasts an impressive 1,484 rooms and suites, providing guests with unparalleled comfort and luxury. With its striking architectural design, a seamless fusion of ancient Arabian charm and contemporary opulence, the hotel stands tall as the tallest building in Jabal Omar and is a breathtaking sight that exquisitely blends tradition and modernity. Nestled in the iconic Jabal Omar development, this landmark property offers a truly unforgettable experience for pilgrims and travellers alike. With its range of unbeatable facility, superb accommodations, tempting dining outlets, and so much more, this superb hotel is set to become a mainstay on the city’s luxury hospitality scene. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a rich historical and cultural heritage, and Makkah province holds a significant place in Islamic history. One of the standout features of Address Jabal Omar Makkah is its proximity to the sacred Holy Kaaba and Al Masjid Al Haram, along with various attractions such as the Makkah Museum, Masjid Al Jinn, Jannat al-Mu’alla Cemetery, and the iconic Abraj Al Bait Towers. Just a few minutes’ walk away, guests can revel in the awe-inspiring views of these revered landmarks, immersing themselves in the spiritual ambience of Islam’s holiest city. Designed by the world-renowned architects Foster & Partners, the towers of Address Jabal Omar Makkah span over 5,000 sqm of prime space and can be seen for miles. The development includes a commercial area featuring a diverse range of shops, showcasing local, regional, and international …

Read More »

Courtyard by Marriott Jubail opens its doors

Courtyard by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 31 brands, today announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Jubail, the first for the brand in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Strategically located in Majd Square in Jubail City, Courtyard by Marriott Jubail is set to become the unparalleled destination of choice for both business and leisure travelers visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Courtyard by Marriott Jubail’s General Manager, Nabil Khamaiseh said, “We are delighted to see the opening of the new Courtyard by Marriott Jubail. The new hotel will bring comfort and convenience to the Eastern Province with our contemporary accommodations, exceptional dining options, and facilities.” CEO Majd Investment Co. – Hotel Owner, Ibrahim Ali Almajdouie added, “Through the highly acclaimed Courtyard by Marriott brand, we are looking forward to providing an outstanding experience for a broad audience of travelers and guests at Courtyard by Marriott Jubail.” Offering 165 guestrooms, including 34 suites, the new build property features contemporary design, lighting and a relaxing color palette. Courtyard by Marriott Jubail offers two dining outlets, the Kitchen and Barista provides an all-day dining selection of international cuisine curated and served through buffet-style and bespoke à la carte options. Whether seated indoors or enjoying the ambiance of the outdoor terrace, guests are treated to panoramic views of the cityscape and the bustling Majd Square. For those seeking a quick delight, the Coffee Bar serves specialty coffees and on-the-go bites throughout the day. Courtyard by Marriott Jubail offers three flexible meeting rooms, perfect for hosting business and social events. The versatile ballroom can effortlessly transform into two distinct spaces, ensuring unparalleled flexibility for any occasion. For those seeking wellness …

Read More »

Sojern acquires VenueLytics to bolster its platform for the hospitality industry

Sojern announced the acquisition of VenueLytics, the hospitality industry’s most integrated guest experience platform serving independent hotels, resorts, chains and casinos. Sojern will incorporate VenueLytics’ capabilities as an extension of the Sojern Travel Marketing Platform. Sojern has long been a direct bookings driver for hotels—providing comprehensive digital advertising solutions that help travel marketers find, attract and convert new travelers, re-activate existing guests to build loyalty, and maximize net revenue per available room (RevPAR). This acquisition expands Sojern’s Travel Marketing Platform to engage across the entire guest journey with VenueLytics’ cutting-edge technology that includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered virtual concierge, real-time guest feedback and digital reputation management tools, and a guest marketing suite for email and text promotions. VenueLytics’ solutions help marketing, operations, and front-desk teams better serve their guests with less resources required, drive incremental revenue, and maximize profit. With these additional features, Sojern can now help marketers find, attract, convert and engage travelers throughout their journey. “This is an exciting step forward for our customers as we can empower hoteliers beyond advertising alone, expanding our offerings to be a true end-to-end marketing platform,” said Mark Rabe, CEO of Sojern. “We are dedicated to providing the travel industry with innovative solutions that leverage data, AI and technology to drive results. VenueLytics’ expertise in analyzing, unifying and activating data from various hotel management and marketing systems will allow Sojern to deepen our relationships in hospitality. This addition helps us to advance toward becoming the #1 travel marketing platform.”   One of VenueLytics key customers is Grupo Posadas, the largest hotel company in Mexico with over 180 resorts and hotels. Posadas Director of Quality, Standards and Innovation, Leslie Gomez, commented, “By using …

Read More »

The Tower Plaza Hotel to be one of the hospitality partners @COP28 UAE

The Tower Plaza Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road recently signed the partnership as one of the hospitality partners for the VIP guests arriving at the most crucial event of the year COP28 UAE, scheduled to take place from 30th November to 12th December 2023 at Expo City Dubai which will be a milestone moment when the world will take stock of its progress on the Paris Agreement. This will bring in high level participation from across the globe placing Dubai yet again as one of the most important event hubs in the world. Speaking with TravelTV Middle East Haitham Galal, General Manager of The Tower Plaza Hotel shared,  “COP 28 UAE will be one of the unique conferences happening related to sustainability, environment and climate, this will bring in a lot of visitors across the globe to Dubai.” The first Global Stocktake (GST), will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress since adopting the Paris Agreement. This will help align efforts on climate action, including measures that need to be put in place to bridge the gaps in progress. The COP28 UAE Presidency will work to ensure that the world responds to the GST with a clear plan of action.

Read More »

IHG debuts voco brand in Lebanon with signing of voco Beirut Central District

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a franchise agreement with DIA SARL to debut IHG’s premium brand, voco, in the Lebanese capital. A conversion property, voco Beirut Central District is scheduled to be rebranded by the end of this year, adding 123 rooms to IHG’s portfolio in the country. Globally, with 46 open hotels and over 50 hotels in the pipeline, voco continues to be a key driver of IHG’s overall growth in the conversion space. The distinctive brand, voco offers a premium experience to guests and combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Since launching globally in 2018, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA), including markets such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The signing of voco Beirut Central District marks the brand’s debut in the Levant region. Located in one of the most prominent areas in the Lebanese capital, voco Beirut Central District will offer proximity to various popular attractions including the high-end F&B strip of Zaituna Bay, Beirut Waterfront, and Beirut Souks.  In addition to best-in-class guest rooms, the hotel will feature an outdoor pool, a rejuvenating spa and a well-equipped gym for guests looking to unwind. voco Beirut Central District will also house a business center and a dedicated theater area, as well as four meeting rooms including a banquet-style room. For guests looking to indulge in exceptional culinary experiences, the new hotel will offer three dining options and a destination rooftop bar, catering to diverse preferences. voco Beirut Central District will also benefit from the strength of IHG’s …

Read More »

Hospitality industry leaders to meet in Abu Dhabi for Future Hospitality Summit 2023

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) and 19th edition of Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will take place in Abu Dhabi as FHS-AHIC from 25-27 September 2023 with TravTalk Middle East as media partners. This will bring together senior hospitality leaders, owners and investors and  feature three days of dealmaking and impactful industry discussions under the theme ‘Focus on Investment’. Organised by The Bench, FHS brings together the Middle East and Africa’s industry leaders for discussions, deals and insight on the continued growth of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Leaders from some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality brands who have confirmed to speak include Accor Chairman & CEO Sébastian Bazin, Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer of Accor; Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO of Rotana; Kevin Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer and President, Global Development for Hilton, and Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Global CEO of JLL Hotels & Hospitality. Among the names representing the real estate, asset management, consulting, banking and investment community are Mariam Al Musharekh, Executive Director of Human Resources at Miral Group; Raed Kuhail, Executive Director of Digital & Technology at Miral Group; Giuliano Gasparini, Head of Hospitality Asset Management at Wasl Group; Dale Qi Shen, Vice President, Director – Real Estate Structuring & Advisory of Mashreq Bank; Andrew Gilmore, Principal Economist at The Economist Group, and Nick van Marken, Managing Director van Marken Consulting. Stephen Sackur, Presenter of HARDTalk, will return to FHS as MC for the event. Technology will once again be at the forefront of the FHS 2023 programme with leaders discussing the future of the hospitality and travel tech stack. Confirmed speakers include Cenk Sidar, CEO and Co-Founder of Enquire IA. “We are excited to announce …

Read More »

Avani Palm View Dubai to rebrand as Avani+ to elevate guest experience with innovative MICE facilities

Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites announces its upcoming rebranding to Avani+ status, following a series of notable additions to its facilities. With a collection of stylish meeting rooms complemented by a range of social spaces and services at the all-new Avani Club, the hotel is set to renew its position as the flagship Avani property in both the city and the region, offering an elevated experience to both business and leisure guests. Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites will join a prestigious group of sister properties that have been selected as “+” hotels and resorts for their exceptional offerings. These include Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel and Avani+ Khao Lak Resort in Thailand and Avani+ Luang Prabang in Laos. The Avani+ designation is reserved for properties with a prime location, offering guests a front-row seat to the best that each destination has to offer. Along with a standout location, Avani+ properties also feature destination dining, state-of-the-art AvaniFit gyms, cutting-edge design, and dedicated social living areas. Avani Palm View Dubai’s latest culinary addition, La Sirène, is an urban lifestyle eatery and terrace that pays homage to the vibrant coastal culture of Lebanon. The menu has been meticulously crafted to provide guests with a genuine taste of the ‘Pearl of the Middle East,’ featuring must-try dishes including sea bass sababiyah and double-cooked octopus, as well as an extensive range of hot and cold mezze. For those seeking a casual bite with friends or a leisurely lunch with colleagues, La Sirène also offers a range of Lebanese street food favourites with a twist. Guests can indulge in desserts like the knafeh and mafroukeh while enjoying sweeping views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, …

Read More »

The ultimate kids vacation at Sunway Resorts in the amazing Sunway City Kuala Lumpur

Sunway Resort Hotel at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is inviting families to experience a fun-filled vacation with an attractive new package that includes outstanding accommodation in its brand-new family rooms and suites, plus plenty of amenities and activities to keep little ones inspired and entertained. “The Ultimate Kids Vacation” package offers two adults and two children an unforgettable two-day (one-night) stay in a Waterventure Terrace or Family Fun Suite, including welcome amenities for young guests, daily buffet breakfast, free kids’ meals at The Resort Café’s buffet lunch, complimentary access to Wonderland Explorers and Waterventure, plus afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés at the Premium Leisure Lounge. Sunway Pals members will also be treated to five times points! Package is priced at MYR 1,799++ for stays from 21st April until 30th September 2023. Following the hotel’s recent once-in-a-generation transformation, Sunway Resort Hotel offers a choice of bright and spacious accommodation that intuitively caters to families. The new Waterventure Terrace rooms offer 45 square metres of space for two adults and two children, kids’ bath amenities, bathrobe and slippers, and a terrace which provides direct access to Waterventure, the resort’s aqua play zone where children can make a splash in shallow pools and a water playground. For action-packed stays, the 45-square metre Family Fun Suites are colourful and uplifting spaces that can comfortably sleep two adults and two children, with two IPTVs and a separate entertainment zone including karaoke, gaming consoles, big screen entertainment and complimentary kids’ snacks and sweets. Every room at Sunway Resort Hotel is also now integrated with state-of-the-art technology including a 55-inch IPTV, complimentary Wi-Fi, smart curtains, motion sensor night light, wireless chargers, a walk-in chromotherapy shower and …

Read More »