Category Archives: Hotels

Mirai announces 18% increase in direct hotel sales share in Spain for summer 2024 due to efforts from hoteliers to boost profitability

The share of hotels sold via the direct channel in Spain increased by an average of 18% during the summer of 2024 over other channels thanks to the determination of the hoteliers to improve the profitability of the hotels again, according to data from Mirai. Although during the initial weeks of the UEFA Euro Cup 2024 sales growth slowed down, probably also due to the bad weather in Spain, in the last few days the company has observed that growth is picking up again. This rebound suggests a potentially very positive last-minute booking trend in most tourist destinations. At a global level Mirai – which provides hotels with technology and operations support to sell in the direct channel – has experienced an 11% increase of direct hotel roomnights sales worldwide, with Spain surpassing this figure with a 12% rise and ADR increasing by around 7%. Spain’s primary inbound source markets, excluding the domestic market, have shown remarkable growth in nights booked compared to 2023. Specifically, the United Kingdom source market has seen a 12% increase, with source markets such as the United States at 18% and Germany at 14%. “2024 is proving to be a landmark year for Spain’s tourism sector, especially for hotels’ direct bookings and the increase in direct hotel sales share this summer” said Javier Delgado Muerza, CEO EMEA at Mirai. “This remarkable growth in direct hotel bookings is thanks to the hard work of hoteliers and our team’s commitment to boosting their profitability”. “To continue this positive trend, we advise hoteliers to focus on a few key areas. First, maintain a clean and organised distribution strategy to ensure seamless booking experiences for guests by offering the …

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Barceló Hotel Group inaugurates its first hotel in Cappadocia

As part of its robust international expansion strategy, Barceló Hotel Group has opened the doors of Barceló Cappadocia, its fourth hotel in Turkey. This new addition complements the three existing properties, which include two in the city of Istanbul –Occidental Taksim and Barceló Istanbul– and one in the capital, Occidental Ankara. The 5-star Barceló Cappadocia stands out for its privileged location in the picturesque town of Ortahisar, an exceptional base from which to explore all the charms of the Turkish region. This small town, situated in the deepest part of Cappadocia, is considered one of the most beautiful on Earth thanks to its characteristic excavated architecture and its rocky landscape formed by lava and volcanic sand. With an elegant design that harmonises with Cappadocia’s unique texture, the new hotel offers guests the experience of staying in an unforgettable setting amidst rich history and natural beauty. Its architecture responds to Cappadocian culture and tradition, where noble materials, colours characteristic of this region of Asia Minor, and carved stone details stand out. Its 170 rooms promise to captivate guests with the delicate beauty and tranquillity of the hotel’s surroundings. In a tribute to the region’s excavated architecture, Barceló Cappadocia offers 19 exclusive luxury stays in cave rooms carved into ancient rocks. The interior design of each suite highlights the region’s rich and historic architectural and cultural heritage through the stonework reflected in the walls, headboards, canopies, Turkish baths and private pools. The richness of the elements and materials can also be observed in the common areas, among which its impressive Wellness Centre with Spa stands out. The imposing relaxation setting offers an evocative design with a heated water area guarded by a stained-glass …

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Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island unveils unbeatable summer wedding packages

Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah announced the launch of two exclusive summer wedding packages, offering the lowest rates available for any wedding celebration from 1st June to 30th September 2024. These packages are designed to make your dream wedding a reality, with unparalleled amenities and stunning settings that will create unforgettable memories. Summer Weddings at Ula Experience the epitome of summer romance with our all-inclusive Ula Summer Wedding Package. Indulge in exquisite canapés, a sumptuous dinner buffet, and a picturesque photoshoot at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, all topped off with a complimentary night’s stay in a luxurious chalet. Make your dream wedding a reality in the heart of summer bliss. Package Includes: AED 250 per person (includes 1 hour of canapés and dinner buffet with soft beverages) Wedding cake Minimum 100 guests guaranteed Event setup from 3 PM onwards Unique location photoshoot at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island 1-night complimentary stay in a Chalet with a pool Food tasting for 4 people with items from the menu 2 complimentary meeting rooms for bridal makeup Earn double points on ALL meeting planner bookings Offer Valid: 1st June to 31st September 2024 Book now and celebrate your love with a perfect summer wedding at Ula!   Summer Weddings at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island Elevate your love story with our Summer Ballroom Special Wedding Packages at Movenpick Al Marjan Island: Where Every Moment Sparkles in the Glow of Summer Romance. Package includes: Family style menu from AED 220 per person Venue: Ballroom 1-night stay in a Family Room with BB meal plan Food tasting for 4 people with items from the menu 2 complimentary meeting rooms for bridal …

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Equinox Hotels and NEOM announce Equinox Resort Treyam in Magna

Equinox Hotels announce plans for the opening of Equinox Resort Treyam, one of Magna’s twelve destinations, located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Magna’s destinations, including Treyam, are part of NEOM, the evolving regional development, taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia. Promising an unrivaled hospitality experience in one of the world’s most stunning and undiscovered locations, Equinox Resort Treyam brings Equinox Hotels’ high-performance lifestyle to a majestic destination between the mountains and the sea. Equinox Hotels CEO, Christopher Norton said “As a region, NEOM embodies the future of luxury hospitality, and Equinox Hotels is thrilled to create an unparalleled resort experience within this visionary destination. Our partnership with NEOM highlights a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and redefining the boundaries of hospitality. Located between THE LINE and the southernmost point of the Gulf of Aqaba, our resort will serve as the model for transformative luxury, activating the entire destination with experiences that only Equinox Hotels can offer.” Nestled amidst exquisite landscapes and crystal-clear waters, the resort is an architectural marvel, spanning a 450-meter-long bridge-like structure, gracefully floating 40 meters above a serene lagoon. Jeremy Lester, Magna Executive Director, said, “NEOM has always been about pioneering the extraordinary, and our partnership with Equinox Hotels underscores this commitment. Equinox Resort Treyam embodies the convergence of innovation and luxury, and this partnership will redefine sustainable hospitality with a focus on truly immersive experiences and active lifestyles. I’m proud to champion this collaboration, one that will see us shape the future of luxury hospitality.” Focused on high-performance living, Equinox Resort Treyam will include spacious guest rooms and suites, a 450-meter pool, world-class culinary concepts, a Club House, a highly acclaimed spa, longevity, …

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Marriott International and Reliance ventures sign agreement to bring experiential Moxy Brand to Downtown Cairo

Marriott International Inc. and Reliance Ventures S.A.E, Reliance Egypt’s hospitality investment arm, signed an agreement to open a Moxy Hotel in Downtown Cairo. Expected to open in 2029, Moxy Cairo Downtown will bring the brand’s playful hospitality, stylish design and buzzing social spaces to the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown district. Moxy Cairo Downtown will be part of an adaptive reuse project of the Lazoghly complex of buildings, which were formerly the offices for the country’s Ministry of Interior. The complex is being repurposed to offer hotel, office and co-working spaces, retail outlets and restaurants, as well as edutainment facilities. “There is a growing demand for more lifestyle hotel accommodation options in Downtown Cairo and Moxy Hotels will be a great addition to the city’s hospitality landscape with its playful and stylish experience,” said Shady Hassan, Vice President, Development – North Africa, Marriott International. “We look forward to working with Reliance Ventures to bring the brand’s social spaces and engaging programming to this vibrant area of the city at an attractive price point.” “We are pleased to work with TSFE and Marriott International to bring a Moxy Hotel to our mixed-use Lazoghly project in Downtown Cairo,” said Magdi Kassabgui, Chairman of Reliance Ventures. “This vibrant development embodies our vision of an urban community where business, education, and entertainment converge. This landmark will reflect Reliance’s commitment to revitalising Downtown Cairo as a premier tourist destination.” Amr Elhamy, Chief Executive Officer, TSFE Tourism, Real Estate & Antiquities Subfund added, “We are excited to work with Reliance Ventures and Marriott International on the conversion of the Lazoghly complex, and to introduce a new addition to the hospitality landscape in Downtown Cairo. This …

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Dar Global to launch Trump Tower in Dubai by 2025

It was announced that Dar Global has teamed up with Trump International to launch Trump Tower in Dubai by 2025. This will be the second Trump branded project in the United Arab Emirates. The development will entail a Trump Hotel and branded residences. Dar Global, the global arm of Saudi Arabia’s biggest developer Dar Al Arkan. It did not reveal the cost of the project or completion timeline, but said it plans to unveil the location and design of Trump Tower Dubai towards the end of 2024. The project will also feature The Trump Private, an exclusive members-only club, among other amenities. It is Dar Global’s third collaboration with the Trump Organisation following the announcement of new projects in Oman and Jeddah.

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832 employees from 26 hotels trained on safe tourism

During H1 2024, 832 employees across 26 prominent Dubai’s hotels and touristic destinations participated in special workshops on safe tourism, with more scheduled for the remainder of the year. Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), a part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has organised a series of awareness workshops as part of the Safe Tourism Awareness Programme. The workshops aim to familiarise hospitality staff with DET’s services, teach optimal utilisation of these services, and inform them about communication channels dedicated for various tourism services in Dubai. They also educate employees about consumer rights and duties, ensuring guests and visitors understand how to contact the Consumer Protection Department. This includes displaying the consumer protection number in a visible location, as well as the contact details for submitting complaints. These efforts enhance guest confidence in the transparency of these establishments, further solidifying Dubai’s position as the best city to visit, live and work in. Additionally, the workshops present case studies highlighting services provided by relevant entities, such as Dubai Police smart services, the Lost and Found service, and key hotlines for consumers (999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergencies and general inquiries). These efforts underscore the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to create a safe tourism environment. Organised in collaboration with Dubai Tourist Police Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation (CID) , Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Municipality and the Directorate General Of Civil Defense Dubai, these workshops are designed to enhance Dubai’s status as one the world’s safest cities. Ahmad Ali Moussa, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at DCCPFT, said: “Recognising Dubai’s position as a leading global destination, …

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Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA opens its first Jeddah-based hotel, expanding the group’s footprint in Saudi Arabia

Millennium Al Masar Jeddah officially opened its doors to guests as Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA’s first establishment in Jeddah. This 252-key hotel marks a significant expansion of the group’s presence in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying its foothold in the region. The five-star property marks the group’s 9th opening in the Kingdom, with 8 existing hotels located in the cities of Hail, Jazan, Madinah, Makkah, and Tabuk. Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA has outlined plans for continued growth in the Kingdom, with three new properties slated to open in 2024 and further expansion anticipated in the coming years. Spanning eight floors, guests can expect a luxurious, five-star experience at Millennium Al Masar Jeddah with an array of room types to choose from and three distinctive food and beverage offerings. The hotel also boasts nine versatile function rooms, accommodating events of all sizes. Each space comes fully equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, ergonomic furnishings, and dedicated support from an events team. Meanwhile, for leisure travellers, a health club, an outdoor swimming pool, and a dedicated kids’ pool make this an ideal base for families and tourists to explore the city. Just a two-minute drive from Al Hamra Beach and 24 km from King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Millennium Al Masar Jeddah is ideally located on Al Maadi Street, Al Ruwais. Celebrate the grand opening of Millennium Al Masar Jeddah with the exclusive Hala Summer campaign. Make family time extraordinary and create unforgettable summer memories with 50% off a second room when you book your stay by October 15, 2024. The Hala Summer offer at Millennium Al Masar Jeddah allows parents booking a stay for themselves and their children to …

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Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh introduces the first-ever all-inclusive Swissôtel experience worldwide

Swissôtel announced the opening of its first all-inclusive resort, located at the South Sinai desert and mountains overlooking Naama Bay, Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh offers an enriching all-inclusive experience packed with functional amenities, thoughtful hospitality, and meaningful experiences for the entire family. Located in the heart of the city, Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh is the ideal choice for travellers seeking to explore the vibrant culture and natural wonders of Sharm El Sheikh. The all-inclusive resort offers 590 guest rooms adorned with lavish furnishings and picturesque views, promising an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages with its luxurious amenities and thrilling adventures, aqua park, spa and Kids Club. The second expansion phase, scheduled for next year, will increase the total number of rooms to 1,350. The resort is a convenient 10-minute drive from Sharm El Sheikh Airport and a 10-minute stroll from the vibrant Naama Bay. Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh offers direct access to a pristine white sandy beach, inviting guests to bask in the sun and dip into the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. Guests can embark on thrilling adventures at the expansive aqua park, featuring 13 water slides and endless entertainment for all ages. The excitement continues with beach parties that capture the vibrant spirit of Sharm El Sheikh. Dance, sip on refreshing cocktails, and mingle with your loved ones or fellow guests — an evening of unforgettable fun and excitement. Guests can indulge in a culinary adventure with a diverse array of dining options, featuring exquisite à la carte restaurants offering Indian, Italian, BBQ, and Sushi cuisines, as well as Mongolian and Teppanyaki specialties. Enjoy vibrant bars and bustling food courts, including Aqua Food Court, where …

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Marriott Residences Al Barsha South Dubai opens for guests

RDK Group announced that the Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai are now open, marking a new chapter in premium living and hospitality. Strategically located in the vibrant heart of Al Barsha South, the Residences offer stunning views of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. This exquisite new development promises an extraordinary lifestyle experience, providing a serene sanctuary amidst the bustling cityscape. The Residences features 138 meticulously designed units spread across 24 floors, including a range of exclusive townhouses, lavish penthouses, and elegant 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments. Each residence boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views and create a spacious, airy atmosphere. The interior design of the building is an inviting oasis, with layers of green and beige tones, complemented by locally distinct arabesque details. Warm, contemporary interiors focus on natural textured fabrics throughout the public areas and residences, with rich materials such as wood, stone, and leather selected for surfaces and furniture. The overall design is influenced by the neighbouring world-class golf courses and prestigious equestrian polo clubs. Key features of the Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai, include: 137 Units: A diverse selection of homes to suit various lifestyles and preferences. 24 Floors: A towering testament to architectural excellence and innovation. Townhouses & Penthouses: Exclusive living spaces for those seeking grandeur and privacy. 1, 2, and 3-Bedroom Apartments: Elegant and spacious homes designed for modern living. Owner’s Amenities: A suite of bespoke services and facilities tailored to the discerning homeowner, including an exclusive Owner’s Lounge offering refreshments throughout the day and two well-equipped meeting rooms. 24/7 Reception and Privacy: Round-the-clock concierge and surveillance services ensure peace of mind and convenience. “RDK Group is …

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