Category Archives: Hotels

Smart hospitality solutions provider, Hudini, has entered into an agreement with Orascom Hotels Management for the rollout of their new digital platform, Staff Connect, across Orascom’s portfolio of hotels globally. These properties include Casa Cook, Steigenberger, Club Paradisio, The Chedi and Cooks Club, Mosaique, all of which are located in El Gouna, Egypt. Orascom Hotels Management has chosen the Staff Connect platform by Hudini to create exceptional guest arrival experiences with tailored personal interaction. Orascom’s vision is to transform the arrival experience by completely removing the front desk. Upon arrival, the guests are welcomed and escorted to their rooms by an Experience Ambassador who is assigned to the guests for the entire stay. With the Staff Connect platform, check-in formalities are completed seamlessly in less than a minute in the comfort of the guests’ room. Staff Connect has already been successfully implemented across 15 properties within the Orascom portfolio.  Staff Connect is a seamless digital platform designed to streamline operations and staff communication, instantly making information accessible to all hotel departments from front desk to housekeeping. Seamlessly integrated with a hotel’s backend systems, the platform can be accessed on various portable devices, ensuring staff have real-time information at their fingertips. With Staff Connect, hotel staff can easily access guest profiles and preferences, leveraging AI-powered insights to deliver personalised promotions, experience recommendations, and curated amenities. Not only does this boost upsell opportunities, but it also creates truly bespoke stays for every guest. Sanjay Sharma, Chief Technology Officer of Orascom Hotels Management, commented [with Hudini] “the switch to personalised arrival experiences has turned out to be immensely successful with guest feedback such as “stunning” and “out of this world”. In addition, we …

Set to make its international debut, Signia by Hilton Amman will mark the luxury brand’s first property outside the U.S. located in a prime area in Amman, Jordan the hotel will open with 272 guest rooms and suites offering guests an exceptional stay in one of the world’s oldest cities. Seven exquisite dining venues will showcase a curated selection of international cuisines, bringing flavours from different corners of the world to the capital of Jordan. Guests will also enjoy a world-class spa and fitness centre, an exclusive Club Signia experience reserved solely for club rooms and suites and an upscale bowling and entertainment centre. The upcoming opening will also be perfectly suited for business travellers and hosting large events with over 5,000 square meters of flexible meeting space including a state-of-the-art convention centre with a capacity of 3,400 guests and 20 meeting rooms.

DEX Squared Hospitality has achieved a monumental milestone, winning a prestigious contract to develop the World Heart Hotel Brand and Operate Baghdad’s first 5-star luxury hotel. This landmark 320-room property, comprising 285 hotel rooms, 35 upscale suites and 54 luxury apartments, is set to redefine Iraq’s hospitality landscape. Dex Squared Hospitality’s involvement underscores the company’s expanding regional footprint. “We are excited to bring our innovative approach to hotel operations and brand development to Iraq,” said Kevork Deldelian, CEO & Founder at Dex Squared Hospitality. “As a project, the World Heart Hotel aligns perfectly with our vision to revolutionize the industry as we continue to challenge the status quo and make excellence a standard. Our goal is to create an unparalleled hospitality experience that will set new benchmarks in luxury and service standards within the Iraqi market.” Dex Squared Hospitality’s selection for this landmark project highlights the company’s renowned excellence and its extensive portfolio of services, including the full management of hotels and restaurants, brand development, asset optimization, bespoke F&B concept creation, SPA management, and an extensive list of hospitality related consultancy services. With a strong presence in major cities across the MENA region—spanning Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Cairo, Rabat, and the Red Sea—Dex Squared is uniquely positioned to understand and address the diverse market demands of Middle Eastern clients. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Jubouri, Owner of the Heart of the World Heart Hotel, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and said, “Setting the foundations of the World Heart Hotel marks a new era in the fields of investment and economic development for Iraq. As such, collaborating with Dex Squared Hospitality marks a new chapter for luxury hospitality in Iraq. Their approach and regional …

Hilton announced the graduation of its first cohort of students from a hospitality training programme in partnership with Bunyan for Training, an affiliate of the reputed hospitality management school in Switzerland, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). Since signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2022, 18 students have successfully completed the programme and joined Hilton’s growing team across its 21 trading hotels in Saudi Arabia. The graduation ceremony was held at Jeddah Hilton, attended by officials from the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Human Resources, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Human Resources Fund together with senior Bunyan for Training, EHL and Hilton representatives. Fawaz Moumina, country manager and senior director of operations, KSA, Hilton, said: “As we continue with our plans to more than quadruple our portfolio and open more than 70 hotels in the coming years, we are committed to creating 15,000 jobs, with more than half for Saudi nationals. We are proud to see the first group of graduates join our team and the second well underway, and we look forward to their future successes, which will inspire the next generation of Saudi hospitality professionals.” Accredited by the Saudi Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and certified by EHL, the programme offers both theoretical and practical training, along with opportunities to explore various areas of hospitality such as front office, housekeeping, and more. Looking ahead, the next cohort of 40 students, half of whom are young women, has already begun training across Hilton hotels in Saudi Arabia.

Hyatt announced plans for affiliates of Hyatt and Grupo Piñero to enter into a long-term asset-light strategic joint venture, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, which will manage Bahia Principe-branded hotels and resorts and own the Bahia Principe brand. The 50/50 joint venture is expected to expand Hyatt’s all-inclusive room portfolio by approximately 30% and enhance Hyatt’s position as one of the leading providers of all-inclusive offerings across the world. For Grupo Piñero, this strategic venture will build on the company’s longstanding success in all-inclusive hospitality with a robust European customer base and is expected to provide expanded opportunities with travelers in the Americas and other important markets. The transaction is anticipated to close in the coming months subject to customary closing conditions. Hyatt plans to appoint Bahia Principe’s current Chief Executive Officer Julio Pérez as Chief Executive Officer to lead the management company following close, with Grupo Piñero’s current Global Chief Executive Officer Encarna Piñero serving as Chairman of the Board and additional officers to be named at a later time. Upon closing, 23 resorts, totaling over 12,000 rooms, including 22 resorts under the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts brand located across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain, as well as the exclusive Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic will be added to Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. A majority of the proceeds from this transaction will be leveraged by Grupo Piñero to enhance existing Bahia Principe resorts. “The addition of Bahia Principe’s resorts to Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection will enhance Hyatt’s all-inclusive offering and strengthen our leadership position with one of the largest collections of all-inclusive resorts in the world,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt. “Grupo …

Red Sea Global announced that Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury resort, Shebara, and the fourth to open its doors at The Red Sea destination will be welcoming guests from November 2024. Shebara, the first to open of RSG’s owned and operated resorts, is built to offer luxury, sustainability, and innovation converging to redefine how tourism is delivered. The resort provides direct access to an extraordinary marine environment where guests can enjoy diving in some of the most pristine, biodiverse waters in the world. Its unrivaled hospitality is rooted in the Saudi tradition of Hafawah – which encapsulates generosity, consideration, and kindness – offering guests unique, timeless, and extraordinary experiences. “We are immensely proud to open Shebara to the world, yet another remarkable milestone for Red Sea Global and Saudi tourism. This luxury and truly one-of-a-kind resort embodies our commitment to innovative design and sustainable tourism. I am genuinely excited for our first guests to experience the unparalleled beauty and serenity of Shebara, where every detail has been crafted to create unforgettable memories,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The stunning Red Sea setting will ensure guests are provided with an experience far beyond the ordinary. Shebara’s 73 overwater and beachfront villas shimmer in the bright sunshine, appearing as if they were a string of pearls floating above the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Beyond the unparalleled natural beauty that surrounds the resort, Shebara invites guests to immerse themselves in luxury, from taking advantage of the premium amenities, including a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, to experiencing exceptional cuisine, delivered by world-class chefs, such as Michelin starred Marco Garfagnini. Guests can also enjoy an exceptional nature-inspired spa sanctuary with 5 luxurious treatment …

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Hilton have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will further enhance the destination’s visibility globally and support the hotel group with team member training and service optimisation. This new phase of their ongoing partnership is in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure, underscoring the commitment of DET and Hilton to drive excellence across the tourism sector by creating outstanding experiences for visitors. Designed to establish a collaborative framework between the entities, the MoU will focus on joint marketing initiatives, including through advertising campaigns and social media, actively promoting Dubai as a premier destination. They will also roll out tourism products that highlight the city’s unique attractions, integrating these experiences into seasonal packages to provide visitors with authentic insights into the city. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to incorporate Dubai experiences into the Hilton Honors loyalty programme, which has more than 195 million members globally. Meanwhile, Hilton will be able to leverage DET’s training and capacity building, offered through its Dubai College of Tourism, to enhance team member skills in areas such as customer service and cultural awareness, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to visitors. The MoU was signed at DET’s headquarters by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa at Hilton. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Hilton has been a key part of Dubai’s tourism growth story over recent decades, contributing …

TIME Hotels announced their expansion into Asia with the launch of two new brands, HALO by TIME and VIVI by TIME, at Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai. Both brands will make their debut in the Maldives and scheduled to open in Q4, 2026. This expansion showcases the continued growth of TIME Hotels – who to date have properties spanning the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Liberia – into a new region. Situated on Hankede Island, in the Addu atoll – the southernmost atoll in the Maldives – VIVI by TIME our Lifestyle brand will have 75 rooms over six stories with spectacular sea views and an array of first class facilities. HALO by TIME, our upscale brand, spans 8 storey’s with 150 keys, including bespoke sunrise and sunset over water villas. TIME has partnered with Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) for their first launch into the region. MFMC is a 100% state-owned company established in 2019 involves the fulfilment of national development goals of Maldives through increased private sector investment and addressing limitations in the local financial system. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, comments: “This is an exciting moment for TIME hotels as we announce our continued expansion with two new sub brands and two hotels opening in the Maldives. Our first foray into this part of the world, TIME is going from strength to strength and I look forward to continuing our positive trajectory in new territories.” Ahmed Nazim, Manging Director of MFMC, adds: “We are happy to collaborate with such a prestigious GCC based company in creating these stunning hotels in the Addu atoll. The partnership is a great example of the progress we are …

Miral announced that Yas Island and Saadiyat Island achieved a remarkable surge in visitors over the summer period, further solidifying their status as must-visit destinations for families and travelers from across the globe. This year, Yas Island, the UAE’s leading leisure and entertainment destination, witnessed a significant increase in domestic and international guests, with a remarkable 72% increase in visitation to Yas Theme Parks from GCC countries, followed by a 24% increase from India. Hotels on Yas Island enjoyed an impressive 83% occupancy rate throughout the summer season with a 29% increase in international hotel guests, and a remarkable 90% hotel occupancy in August 2024 alone compared to the previous year. The combination of world-class attractions, thrilling experiences and exclusive offers made Yas Island the go-to destination for families seeking unforgettable summer adventures. Saadiyat Island continues to captivate guests with its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts and cultural experiences. These resorts along the shores of Saadiyat Island continued to draw visitors from around the globe, boasting an impressive occupancy rate of over 65% over summer, 73% occupancy in August 2024. Saadiyat Island’s summer hotel occupancy rose by 13% compared to 2023 with international hotel guest arrivals growing by 19%. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: “We are thrilled with the success Yas Island and Saadiyat Island have achieved this summer. Their remarkable performance has truly elevated this season into one of the most vibrant and high-demand periods in Abu Dhabi’s tourism calendar. The impressive occupancy rates and increase in visitation reflect our ongoing efforts to position Yas Island as a global destination for entertainment and leisure, and Saadiyat Island as a leading beach, nature and cultural destination. We …

RAK Properties announced a strategic deal with Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to arrange an AED 2 Billion financing facility. The syndicated long term financing facility will support RAK Properties’ ambitious growth trajectory, as well as boost the development of green buildings in the region which includes several luxury hotels and residential communities within Mina Al Arab, while also providing essential long-term liquidity to ensure the company’s sustainable growth. This agreement also demonstrates CBD’s belief in RAK Properties’ long-term vision and strong market position, setting the stage for continued success in Ras Al Khaimah’s dynamic real estate sector. Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, said: “Our agreement with Commercial Bank of Dubai is a pivotal milestone in RAK Properties’ strategic growth journey to transform Ras Al Khaimah into a premier destination for luxury living and investment. The facility will provide us with the financial resources needed to drive our expansion plans, allowing us to deliver value to our stakeholders and drive the emirate’s economic development. Our well-established relationship with CBD continues to be a key enabler in realising our vision for Mina Al Arab as we move forward with our developments.” Rahul Jogani, CFO of RAK Properties, added: “This facility provides us with long term access to financing as we need it, allowing us to respond rapidly to project demands and growth opportunities without overextending our resources. It offers the kind of financial agility that is essential in managing large-scale developments like Mina Al Arab, ensuring we maintain a sustainable growth path.” Dr Bernd van Linder, CEO of Commercial Bank of Dubai, stated “We are proud to be the bank that backs the nation’s ambitions and supports RAK Properties in …