Category Archives: Hotels

Shiji Group published a new version of its popular Hospitality Technology Distribution Infographic. This updated and fully customizable version – which can be edited using PowerPoint – has been designed to assist hoteliers, revenue managers and IT teams in visualizing their existing distribution technology landscape and outlining the strategies and technologies they want to introduce over the coming years. In this new version of the infographic automation is the big theme and Shiji believes that companies that embrace this transformation will lead in the future year. This year’s edition dives deeper into the hospitality partners, providers, and competitors on the market, making it the most exhaustive ever. Speaking about the new launch, Greg Bergman, COO Shiji Distribution Solutions, explains: “Our long-running Hospitality Technology Distribution Infographic is a fantastic way to observe how the hospitality technology industry evolves from year-to-year. This graphic is more significant than ever since the first thing hotel brands should do after a crisis is boost distribution, which enhances brand exposure. The great news is that many of the firms we admired and knew before COVID have braved the storm. In this version of the infographic, there are many familiar logos and companies, indicating that they are trusted tech partners with industry knowledge and expansion readiness. But of course, there’s many new additions too, particularly within the field of automation. We cannot wait to see what the future holds!”  

Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah’s boutique beachfront retreat, reveals the extensive refurbishment of its rooms, suites, ballrooms and Amal Club Lounge. The new look and enhanced ambience was created with discerning travellers in mind. Tasteful yet striking, the aesthetic has been skillfully crafted to ensure cohesiveness with the property’s traditional Arabesque exteriors. Large windows mean rooms are bathed in natural light and cooled by a fresh sea breeze, while a neutral colour palette and mesmerising views of the beach, combined with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts’ signature amenities and bedding, create a sense of tranquillity. Occasional pops of colour enliven the soothing environment. Jaime Simpson, General Manager of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, says: “In collaboration with La Bottega, we have re-energised our beloved hotel, being mindful not to erase any of the property’s warmth and heritage. For our returning guests, it is still the much-loved boutique beachfront resort that is their familiar home away from home, which has now been completely refurbished. We are excited to see their reaction to the hard work and investment we have put into the hotel. We also welcome a new generation of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam guests to experience our signature dining experiences and renowned service, as we strive to deliver beyond expectations.” Sahar Al Yaseer, founder of La Bottega by Intice, says: “It was an honour to work with Jumeirah Mina A’Salam on the refurbishment of its rooms and suites. The idea behind the new contemporary interiors was to reflect a more timeless, luxurious and tranquil atmosphere synonymous with the Jumeirah brand. The symmetrical balance achieved by the interiors’ neutral tones flows seamlessly and positively impacts guests’ wellbeing, which is something we always strive for in …

Jumeirah Group acquires legendary Le Richemond hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva, Switzerland; the luxury hospitality company is focused on international expansion as it targets strategic gateway cities. Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, today announced the acquisition of its first property in Switzerland as it continues its growth trajectory and international expansion. The flagship property – Le Richemond – was founded in 1875 and is located on the banks of Lake Geneva in a prime location at the heart of the city’s business district and a short walk from the city’s luxury designer boutiques. The acquisition forms part of the Group’s strategy to build its brand profile in gateway destinations across the world. The move signals Jumeirah’s appetite for investment in key cities that support the diversification of its portfolio and build brand equity as a globally recognised luxury hotel operator. Geneva, as a thriving city, synonymous with luxury living, with a strong international business community and a robust high-end tourism sector, will support Jumeirah’s vision to become one of the world’s top five luxury hotel brands. The art deco property with its charm and grandeur has been a popular destination for well-known personalities throughout the years. The hotel features 109 keys with 87 rooms and 22 suites, boasting stunning views across Lac Léman and the mountain peaks of Mont Blanc. The property will undergo extensive renovations, which will commence as soon as possible, to reposition and elevate the guest experience to a level consistent with Jumeirah’s brand expectations. Jumeirah plans to introduce its signature wellness and fitness concepts and will also focus on bringing its culinary expertise to the banks of …

Hyatt announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into management agreements with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to manage three new Hyatt-branded hotels, including Grand Hyatt Madinah, Hyatt Regency Madinah and Hyatt Place Madinah. Upon opening, these properties will participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program and will add a combined 1,729 room keys to Hyatt’s portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, significantly expanding Hyatt’s brand presence in the country and demonstrating its commitment to strategic growth of its portfolio in key markets that matter to its guests, World of Hyatt members, customers and owners. The three properties will be part of the Rua Al Madinah project and are set to be the first Hyatt-branded hotels in Madinah, a city that aims to attract 30 million tourists by 2030. The Rua Al Madinah project is one of the most important initiatives of the Public Investment Fund to achieve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to raise the readiness of the eastern region of the Prophet’s Mosque to accommodate the rising demand in tourism. Set within a distinguished urban environment, the milestone project will aim to enrich the visitor’s experience through the development of integrated systems for hotels, commercial projects and urban centres that highlight the religious and cultural characteristics of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah; all, in an atmosphere full of tranquillity and harmony. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the Middle East and we are excited to work with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company on the plans for these fantastic properties in Madinah,” commented Javier Águila, Group President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “We …

His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Mr Ahmed Al-Khateeb, inaugurated the first phase of the expansion and renovation of the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh. With an investment of over 255m SAR, the renovation will enhance the quality and services the Four Seasons Hotel and ensure the property is keeping pace with the acceleration of growth in Saudi’s tourism sector. The opening ceremony was attended by a number of officials and dignitaries. Led by His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kingdom Holding Company, Engineer Talal Ibrahim Al-Maiman, CEO of the Kingdom Holding Company, and Mr. Guenter Gebhard, Regional Vice President and General Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. The opening ceremony was followed by a tour of the new pavilions, modern architecture and offerings. The new design is a reflection of Saudi identity. The new architecture and design features beautiful Saudi architecture and will take hotel guests and visitors on a journey to the depth of authentic culture, combined with the luxury and elegance which Four Seasons has been known for since its opening in 2003.

Barceló Mussanah Resort unveils the launch of its eco-friendly guest programme, VIP of The Day; in partnership with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation focused on global reforestation. Aligning with its The Future is Green initiative, Barceló Mussanah Resort will plant over 500 trees by the end of 2023 in the Sultanate of Oman, as part of its innovative programme. Mussanah’s flagship beach resort invites one VIP guest of the day to create a positive impact on their environment. The lucky guest will receive a welcome gift upon their arrival at the stellar beach property; planting an agroforestry tree on their behalf from One Tree Planted. The eco-friendly guest will also receive an e-certificate for their efforts and contribution towards preserving the environment. As part of The Future is Green initiative, the programme enhances the property’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in the Sultanate of Oman. The VIP of Day programme will support Barceló Mussanah Resort’s commitment to enhance carbon sequestration, improve soil and water conservation, reserve carbon, and moderate climate change by providing shade. Furthermore, the planted trees will also offer a natural habitat to increase wildlife and refine the land’s capacity to weather climate change. Dermot Birchall, General Manager of Barceló Mussanah Resort, says, “Partnering with One Tree Planted and launching our VIP of The Day programme takes us one step further on our combined journey to help preserve the planet. This represents a significant step forward in our promise to reduce our impact on the environment and engage with our community in such an impactful endeavour. By gifting a tree to our guests, we welcome them to be a part of our commitment, raising awareness and inspiring …

Rooted in its mission of providing signature wellness programs that empower guests to regain control and enhance their well-being when they need it most while traveling, Westin Hotels & Resorts – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s® portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands – has reimagined its Gear Lending program, featuring the latest in high-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment. Rolling out at the brand’s over 230 properties globally beginning this month, the next generation WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending program will encompass a library of kits allowing guests to borrow the equipment they need – whenever they want – to optimize their stay and feel their best. The program is available to guests at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and will be rolled out at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in February. Over the past decade, through both operational and consumer feedback, Westin has evolved and enhanced its Gear Lending program to meet consumers where they are today. The acclaimed, on-demand program focuses on helping guests maintain their workout routines, wherever they go, without the added bulk of packing fitness gear. Westin tapped fitness powerhouses for the first two kits of its re-energized Gear Lending program, providing guests with high-quality fitness essentials in-room, on-demand. Global high-performance wellness brand Hyperice features its game changing massage and compression recovery products that are ideal for post-workout recovery, as well as soothing stiffness and tension from long travel. Additionally, direct-to-consumer fitness accessories brand Bala features its beautifully designed and highly versatile total body fitness pieces, providing opportunities for guests to move well both in their guest room and outside, wherever the day takes them. Whether an avid runner that …

Registration is now open for the Future Hospitality Investment Summit Saudi Arabia, taking place at Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh from 7-9 May 2023. The Future Hospitality Investment Summit (FHIS) is an international platform by event organisers The Bench where some of the world’s most influential hospitality investment decision-makers connect, exchange knowledge, explore new partnerships and shape the future of the hospitality sector. This will be the sixth industry conference organised by The Bench for the Saudi market with the 2022 event drawing over 500 attendees from more than 20 countries, featuring 110 speakers and 46 sponsors and partners. The 2023 conference programme will include tracks from the Saudi Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC) and Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF), with a continued focus on sustainability, innovation, start-ups and human capital development, as well as the event’s signature culinary tours that offer a glimpse into exquisite restaurant concepts that are all the buzz in the Saudi market which start with a lunch hosted by LPM Riyadh on May 7th. 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 newly established Advisory Board for FHIS Saudi Arabia, featuring 37 senior industry leaders from across the Kingdom and wider region, came together in November to discuss the theme and help shape the agenda for this year’s conference. “Following our sold-out edition of FHIS in Riyadh last year, we are very excited to be back in the Kingdom this year with our host sponsors …

Grand Mercure Hotel Dubai, part of Accor – a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues across 110 countries, has been awarded a five-star rating by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The hotel celebrated the achievement with an experiential event showcasing its brand-new facilities. Making the evening extra special was a unique atmosphere. Guests were treated to an exciting line up of live entertainment featuring soulful melodies of a saxophonist, a breathtaking acrobat show, and an enchanting performance by a violinist. “We are proud to welcome guests to experience Grand Mercure Hotel Dubai which is ‘locally exquisite and exquisitely local’, something that the brand is renowned for around the world,” said Tyrone Lodder, Cluster General Manager of Grand Mercure Hotel Dubai. “The hotel is centrally located only 10 minutes’ drive to Dubai’s key business hubs and leisure destinations such as Dubai Festival City, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai World Trade Centre. Elevating the guest experience is an array of exquisite facilities and beautifully redesigned spaces enriched by traditional UAE rituals, customs, and culture. “What sets Grand Mercure Hotel Dubai, apart from other upscale hotels is its holistic approach to design and hospitality which is infused with a deep cultural sensitivity of the rich heritage of the UAE,” added Tyrone. “From the moment guests enter the property, they are taken on a multi-sensory journey that immerses and awakens all five senses. From aesthetics to scents, every detail has been carefully crafted to provide an unparalleled 360-degree experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.” Grand Mercure Hotel Dubai, boasts 257 premium guest rooms designed with Emirati touches in the layout and décor. …

Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) is delighted to announce the signing of the Hotel Management Agreement of its newest hotel property ‘Corp Yanbu Hotel and Residence’ in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in the beautiful western port city of Yanbu and facing the red sea, the hotel boasts of 112 keys with a combination of spacious guest rooms and hotel apartments and state-of-the-art amenities with unparalleled service. It would incorporate cutting-edge design, while offering exceptional comfort, convenience, superior service, and excellent value, all underpinned with the latest technology. With truly breathtaking views from our outlets on the rooftop terrace, Corp Yanbu Hotel and Residence is designed to cater the needs of families and modern travellers in mind, this urban oasis seamlessly blends the convenience of city living with the comfort of a home away from home. The signing ceremony of the Hotel Management Agreement was supported by Royal Commission of Jubail & Yanbu and was attended by the Director General of the Investment Development Division, ENGR. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Shanqiti, and marks a significant step in the commission’s efforts to enhance the hospitality industry in the region. This agreement will bring a new level of excellence to the hotels and resorts in Yanbu, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the local economy. ‘Whether your stay is for family leisure or business, ‘Corp Yanbu Hotel and Residence’ will offer the perfect blend of style, service, and value that will make your stay truly unforgettable. With popular amenities and a prime location, Corp Yanbu Hotel and Residence, will be the ultimate destination for the savvy traveller looking for a memorable experience’ said Ahmed Al Shagdali, …