Category Archives: Hotels

Holiday Inn is bringing its new design hallmarks to the Middle East for the first time, at the newly opened Holiday Inn Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The opening marks IHG’s expansion of its mainstream brand portfolio across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the demand created by initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030. Newly opened in Saudi Arabia, Holiday Inn Riyadh The Business District features the first brand- defining Open Lobby and is a perfect showcase for the modern and engaging public spaces that Holiday Inn has come to be known for globally. For over 70 years, Holiday Inn has been one of the world’s most recognised and trusted brands and it continues to create memorable experiences for thousands of guests every day. Holiday Inn is an iconic brand that has set industry standards and continues to meet the changing needs of guests by delivering exceptional experiences that can be seen and felt through the new active, open lobby (with a mix of spaces to lounge, dine, and work), elevated food & drink options, and modernised design. The brand’s Open Lobby concept combines all public spaces, including the reception area and the restaurant and bar, into one open, lively, and cohesive space. It allows guests to make themselves at home and enjoy their stay on their own terms, whether they’re there to eat, drink, work or socialise. The Open Lobby will offer a vibrant communal space where guests can relax and connect with friends, family or other travellers, designed with the needs of the modern traveller in mind. The public space includes a contemporary media lounge to unwind with friends, a coffee bar for a chat over a quick …

Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (“ARTIC”) and Element Hotels  announced the opening of Element West Bay by Westin. Element Hotels are designed for today’s healthy, active traveller who seeks to maintain the balance of their daily routine while away on the road. Offering many of the comforts of home, Element caters to those looking to stay for both the short and long-term. The hotel offers a fresh approach for the longer stay market with its thoughtfully designed accommodation and contemporary, nature-inspired spaces. Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with  a  design  philosophy  that encourages guests to recharge and find their focus. The hotel’s 180 spacious studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments offer views of both the city and the Arabian Gulf, while being exquisitely furnished with signature Westin Heavenly® beds, a large workstation, and a fully equipped modern and spacious kitchenette. The apartments also feature  spacious  living  and dining areas. An ideal place for business travelers, long stay guests, and holidaymakers, the hotel is five minutes walking distance from Doha’s best beach clubs and provides easy access to key business and financial districts. This includes destination hubs such as Doha Exhibition Convention Center and the City Center Mall. At Element West Bay, guests will be energized with a food and beverage menu that prioritizes fresh and healthy ingredients. A complimentary Rise® breakfast starts the  day  by  offering morning staples as well as low-fat options and fruit smoothies, followed by all-day dining at Californian food culture concept ShiKiMiKi. In addition, the Restore Grab & Go menu, available 24/7, includes a wide variety of fresh ingredients and on-the-go meals, from wholesome salads and sandwiches to yoghurt and snacks and …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …