Category Archives: Hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The MOU provides a framework for both entities to explore methods to increase inbound visitation to Saudi Arabia from key markets across Middle East and Africa region. This includes developing customised promotions, joint marketing campaigns, and promotion through loyalty programs which will showcase Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s most exciting destination to an international audience. The MOU was signed at the Saudi pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 held in Dubai, by James Britchford, Vice President Commercial at IHG for India, Middle East and Africa, and Munirah Abanomy, Head of Marketing Partnership for Middle East & Africaat Saudi Tourism Authority. With Saudi Arabia targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, the Kingdom is a priority market for IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. The hospitality group aims to support the tourism sector in the country by growing the footprint of its existing brands, as well as introducing new brands from its global portfolio, in addition to running campaigns to promote various destinations within the country. IHG also plans to further support the Kingdom’s economic Vision by investing in developing Saudi talent in the Kingdom, with an ambition to hire 6,000 nationals across it’s growing portfolio by 2030. James Britchford, Vice President, Commercial, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “As a reflection of our commitment to support the growth of the tourism industry within the Kingdom, we are delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Collaborations with key government entities, such as the STA, enable us to position and promote attractive destinations …

Bringing together government leaders, hotel investors, owners, developers and operators at what is set to be the biggest Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) to date, FHS Saudi Arabia kicked off on Sunday at the Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh. Launched in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s G20 Secretariat in 2020, FHS Saudi Arabia is the most influential hospitality investment conference for industry leaders and senior decision-makers in the hospitality industry of Saudi Arabia and beyond. This will be the sixth industry conference organized by The Bench for the Saudi market. “We are thrilled to be back in Riyadh in May following the overwhelming success of our sold-out 2022 edition, and we’re delighted to be in a new and larger venue this year thanks to our host sponsors Al Khozama Investment Company and Al Faisaliah Hotel,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. “The demand for our hospitality events in Saudi Arabia continues to grow and with the Kingdom named as the fastest expanding tourism industry within the G20 countries in the UNWTO Tourism Barometer, there will be so much to share about tourism and hospitality investment and development at FHS Saudi Arabia this year.” This year’s conference theme, ‘ Invest in Change’ , highlights the importance of the positive change that can be brought forward through the investment in time, intellect and expertise in the hospitality industry to keep up with changing times and trends to better shape the future of the industry. The action-packed three-day conference agenda will include tracks from the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) and will have a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, start-ups and human capital development. “Delegates will have over 50 opportunities to network, learn and …

IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with The King Abdullah Financial District Management and Development Company (KAFD DMC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), to bring the first Kimpton hotel in the region to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Offering guests a personalized luxury experience, the Kimpton brand has a heartfelt approach to hospitality that has translated to unique, design-led hotels across the globe. The new Kimpton Riyadh will join existing Kimpton properties across countries including the United States, France and Scotland. With doors set to open in June 2024, the 212-key Kimpton Riyadh will mark the first foray of the luxury brand in the region. The debut comes as part of IHG’s ongoing growth strategy, aligned with the objectives of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Vision 2030 tourism objectives, to cater to a growing number of guests in the Kingdom who seek unique luxury experiences. In acknowledgement of the new trend towards blended travel, KAFD offers entertainment and retail, alongside its commercial office space and hospitality offerings.  The Kimpton Riyadh will be a new-build property in the heart of KAFD, Saudi Arabia’s prime business and lifestyle destination, making it a key destination hotel for the discerning business traveller.  However, in acknowledgement of the new trend towards blended travel, the hotel will also cater to those who seek a lifestyle element to their stay. Set in the heart of the Saudi capital Riyadh, 22-kilometers away from the airport, KAFD is home to 1.6 million square meters of state-of-the-art office space, world-class venues and iconic luxury residences, designed to transform the way urban communities live, work, and play. A landmark development, KAFD is a key driver of Riyadh’s …

Big data is having a transformative effect on hospitality across the Middle East and beyond. However, leading hoteliers speaking on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 4 May, emphasised that human intervention remains essential if owners and operators wish to derive genuine value from the information being gathered. ‘Hospitality Debate: What More Can Big Data Unlock?’ featured a range of expert insights into the power of data to improve guest experiences within the Middle East’s hospitality sector. Moderated by Paul Clifford, Group Editor – Hospitality & Design at ITP Media Group, the session saw Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance; Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer at General Hotel Management Pte Ltd; Sandeep Walia, Chief Operations Officer – Middle East at Marriott; and Nicolas Huss, CEO of Hotelbeds, take to the ATM Global Stage to share their views. Commenting on advancements in the hospitality sector’s data capabilities over the past decade, General Hotel Management Pte Ltd’s Lai said: “It used to be you’d need a lot of people for analysis, but now, you can collect data and AI will decipher it for you. Big data and AI are evening the playing field between small groups and larger brands.” Speaking on the importance of interpretation, Marriott’s Walia said: “This technology can help guests to narrow down the hotels they would like to stay in,” noting that big data – when used in combination with AI – can help to identify the best options for customers. “But ultimately, guests have to connect with us to make the booking, so the balance between AI and the human touch is …

Accor signed a master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality, the Saudi startup company redefining Arabian hospitality in both local and international markets, to develop and franchise 18 hotels across second-tier cities within Saudi Arabia over the next ten years. The agreement will see Amsa Hospitality, the Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality, develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living, and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets. Speaking at a press conference at Arabian Travel Market, Mohammad Alathel, Amsa Hospitality’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Amsa Hospitality is committed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 success, a vision that set the path for our development locally, regionally and globally. “As such, we are attached to the Kingdom’s ambitious plan for the development of the country’s second-tier cities. Such an enterprising strategy must be accompanied by quality hospitality, offering the best international standards. “Committed as we are, we believe that Accor is the finest hospitality company to deliver the high level of guaranteed quality we are looking for, together with their wide choice of brands, giving us the ability to propose the optimum hospitality regarding each city environment. “This long-term partnership between Amsa Hospitality and Accor will bring first-rate modern hospitality – a know-how Accor is renowned for – together with Amsa Hospitality’s commitment to bringing centuries-old Arabian traditions of welcoming and generosity to today’s world, true to our ‘Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality’ motto.” As part of the agreement, Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia, including Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan, …

In her first media briefing ahead of the start of Arabian Travel Market, the new CEO of Jumeirah Group, Katerina Giannouka, shared plans for an evolution of the Jumeirah brand and a commitment to growth in key cities and resort destinations worldwide. With capital assigned to grow its portfolio, as well as refine its existing properties, Jumeirah Group – a member of Dubai Holding – is strategically targeting assets that will align with its new brand expression of luxury hospitality. Europe, Asia and the United States are an important focus, with plans to build a brand presence in major European cities and key gateway destinations, the most recent acquisition being the luxury hospitality company’s first property in Switzerland – Le Richemond in Geneva.  The hotel, which is being fully renovated to open in 2025, will add to Jumeirah’s growing footprint in Europe which includes properties in London, UK; Capri, Italy; and Mallorca, Spain. The emphasis on further expansion comes after a successful year in 2022 and a robust start for the Group in 2023. That, coupled with the brand’s expanding community of loyal guests provides a strong rationale for growth. Jumeirah’s strength in Dubai, now one the world’s leading tourism destinations, also gives the brand a strong base from which to accelerate the diversification of its portfolio, both in the region and globally. Katerina Giannouka, CEO of Jumeirah Group said: “We are entering a new era for the Jumeirah brand, with a focus on brand evolution and expansion. With a proven track record building and operating successful resort destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, we believe the time is right to extend our portfolio into new key city …

The kingdom is poised for a major expansion in its hospitality sector by creating 315,000 hotel units by 2030, according to global real estate consultancy Knight Frank. Knight Frank stated that this growth will highlight the increase in hotel room inventory in Saudi Arabia to become larger than Dubai’s current 140,000 hotel units. The development of the hospitality sector is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans. Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research in the Middle East, explained, “The size of the hotel room units planned to be delivered in the Kingdom is unbelievable, with the total number of rooms likely to reach nearly 450,000 hotel rooms. To illustrate, the UAE today has a total of approximately 200,000 hotel rooms, including Dubai’s 140,000 hotel units, meaning Saudi Arabia is poised to grow by up to 58% greater than the UAE. The bulk of the success of Saudi Arabia’s future tourism and hospitality market will be its local tourism sector. The sector is already thriving, with 65% of Saudis already traveling within the Kingdom one to three times a month. But what is surprising is the fact that 58% of Saudis we spoke to as part of the 2023 Saudi report choose not to stay in hotels.” Speaking about the need for diversity in accommodation options, Durrani explains, “The prevalence of large families travelling together may be a factor, as can cost, quality and location. Our Saudi Report 2023. Only 17% of planned hotel fittings are for 3-star or lower-class hotels, and with 56% of KSA residents under the age of 35, the demand for different hotel accommodation types will continue to emerge as an important consideration for the …

Earth Hotels, a thoughtful and design-conscious hotel group for the ‘Earthly’ traveller, will open the first of its GCC-based properties in Q1 of 2025. Earth Shore, Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah will offer state-of-the-art rooms, a sustainable approach to build, and will provide visitors with an escape that inspires the adventurer within. Earth Hotels are designed to be softer on the environments that they inhabit, through careful consideration of construction methods, material selection, and energy conservation. The impressive new project Earth Shore, Marjan Island is being developed to reach an area of 300,000 sq, with 265 keys including resort rooms, GOAT terrace suites, and two-bedroom Sky Villas.  The destination will have direct beachfront access, a 13,000 sq ft social hub “sticky lounge”, and a signature stylish beach club with a dining and event space for up to 500 people. Alan Honein, Founder & Chief Executive Citizen at Earth Hotels, said: “Earth Hotels is set to be recognised for its dedication to sustainability and innovation. We are proud to have secured five individually unique hotels across the GCC and beyond, with an impressive total project value of more than 205 million USD. We hope to deliver our guests a unique set of lifestyle experiences that stand out in a crowded market.” Commenting on the buyer opportunity that the new RAK-based hotel will bring , Rami Moukarzel, Co-founder & Managing Partner at Earth Hotels, said: “We are excited to be offering individuals the dream of owning a slice of a beachfront lifestyle hotel through a unique and inclusive investment plan. This is a rare opportunity in leisure hospitality sector of the UAE, which promises to offer fruitful returns for hotel unit …

In keeping with the overarching theme of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels will reaffirm its position as a steadfast advocate of sustainability during the four-day regional exhibition. From the design and production of its exhibition stand, to the eco practices on display, TIME Hotels will demonstrate its impressive environmental credentials at ATM 2023. From a design perspective, the TIME exhibition stand at ATM has been made from recycled materials, with the structure painted with biodegradable paint – a more eco-friendly alternative to toxin-based paints which take longer to break down. LED lighting illuminates the stand, which is more energy efficient and has a longer life span. To minimise the carbon footprint involved in the whole process, materials were delivered to the venue in a single trip. The stand will be reused at future events for the next three years (for the 2024 and 2025 editions of ATM) and materials will be stored in a sustainably run warehouse. Any materials that are not able to be reused will be taken to licensed recycling centres so that their journey can continue elsewhere. CEO of TIME Hotels, Mohamed Awadalla commented: “In the past decade, TIME Hotels has successfully implemented a number of market-leading environmental initiatives. We are delighted that sustainability takes the spotlight at ATM 2023 and look forward to sharing the latest news on our environmental practices. We have thought about every detail for our presence at ATM to ensure the sustainable goals and initiatives of TIME Hotels are met onsite.“ Visitors to the TIME Hotels stand at ATM 2023 will be able to learn about the hydroelectric energy and hydroponic farming initiatives at its properties in …

Central Hotels & Resorts is participating in this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market from the 1st to the 4th of May, to highlight its ongoing sustainability practices and announce upcoming summer promotions. In line with the main theme of ATM 2023 which is “Working Towards Net Zero”, visitors and exhibitors can get insights into the sustainability activities across the properties of Central Hotels & Resorts including single-use plastics, energy-saving lighting and utilities and many more. “Truly sustainable and responsible tourism should make destinations better for people to live in and well as visit. This is what we are aiming to achieve across our properties and there’s no better platform to share our goals and vision that at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Key industry leaders and stakeholders from various sectors including destinations, travel platforms, airlines, hospitality, online travel agencies, and hotels will be attending the event so we will be learning from each other,” explains Abdulla Al Abdulla, COO, and Group General Manager. The leading global event for the travel industry in the Middle East will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends will evolve and also identify strategies for growth within specific key vertical sectors. Along with other announcements, Central Hotels & Resorts will unveil its upcoming summer promotions, valid at C Central Resort The Palm, Royal Central Hotel The Palm and Canal Central Hotel Business Bay. Central Hotels & Resorts is keen on attracting guests from all markets including the USA, Canada, Italy, Australia, China and other European countries. “We have observed a strong recovery in the UAE’s hospitality industry following the pandemic based on recent statistics, occupancy rates, and investments. However, there will always be some challenges …