Category Archives: Hotels

Visionize Technology, is helping pave the way for hotels and resorts around the region to reach new heights with the implementation of a state-of-the-art automation technology which facilitates internal staff operations, enhances the guest experience using in-room apps, lower overall business costs and generate more revenue within the F&B sector. The properties have estimated a staggering increase in the average spent per guest after the implementation of Visionize, mainly due to built-in smart marketing and upselling features, along with fantastic visual experience and a seamless multilingual interface. Visionize Technology Founder & CEO Mazen Chedid stated, “With the future of hospitality gearing towards a more seamless and data-driven experience, the implementation of our systems across numerous hotels around the region seems to be opening new doors to achieving higher revenue, faster operations and an improved guest experience.” Moreover, as the system’s artificial intelligence entirely tracks and analyzes F&B operations including the staff, kitchen and clearances, hotels have witnessed a significant decrease in human error and delivery time.

Hyatt announces continued global growth of it’s luxury brand portfolio with a robust pipeline of highly anticipated openings over the next three years across Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME). The 13 hotels set to join Hyatt’s esteemed brands including Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Thompson Hotels, Miraval Resorts & Spas, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt will debut in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations including the U.K., Spain, South Africa, Austria, Finland and more. By 2026, these hotels will increase Hyatt’s luxury brand footprint in EAME by over 30% in key growth markets that matter most to guests, World of Hyatt loyalty program members, customers and owners. As leisure travel continues to drive recovery in many parts of the world, Hyatt remains committed to catering to high-end travelers to meet the rising demand for luxury travel experiences. Following a strong year of luxury hotel openings in 2022, including La Zambra, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Costa Del Sol, 7Pines Resort Sardinia, part of the Destination by Hyatt portfolio, and the debut of the Thompson Hotels brand in Spain with Thompson Madrid, Hyatt’s luxury inventory currently accounts for approximately 25% of Hyatt’s distribution in EAME. Hyatt’s anticipated openings through 2025 signal its commitment to creating more story-worthy experiences and unforgettable stays that exceed the expectations of the luxury traveler. “Hyatt’s heritage is luxury; it is in our DNA. Our luxury brands across Europe, Africa and the Middle East set a global benchmark for delivering personalized and engaged service, and world-class offerings that cater to the high-end traveller,” said Javier Águila, Group President, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Hyatt. “The global luxury travel …

As part of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Riyadh, Hilton has announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) – as well as agreements with several public and private developers for new hotels in destinations across Saudi Arabia. In the coming years, Hilton expects to grow its portfolio to more than 75 hotels in the Kingdom across multiple award-winning brands. H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, said: “Saudi Vision 2030 has set the bar high for the Kingdom’s travel and tourism industry and we are committed to making Saudi Arabia one of the world’s top tourist destinations in the years to come. We are leaving no stone unturned to work on innovative projects with globally leading industry partners and look forward to achieving milestones through our collaboration with Hilton.” Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton, said, “It was incredible to be back in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the WTTC Global Summit and to meet with important partners. Hilton has operated in the Kingdom for more than 25 years, providing world-renowned hospitality and helping to shape an exciting future for tourism with new hotels in exciting destinations. The strength of Hilton’s partnerships in Saudi Arabia is testament to the government’s strategic vision and the incredible progress being made to develop the country’s tourism infrastructure, paving the way for a new golden age of travel.” During WTTC, Hilton and TDF signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop family-friendly leisure destinations across several Saudi locations in alignment with the National Tourism Strategy. These destinations will have one or more of Hilton’s brands, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by …

Marriott International announced that Delta Hotels by Marriott® has opened its 100th property – Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park – bringing the brand’s seamless travel experience to the city’s gated enclave surrounded by landscaped gardens and near one of the world’s most important trade centers. Delta Hotels by Marriott – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands – now offers two properties in Dubai and three overall in the Middle East, providing travelers with more opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the destination. “From its beginnings in Canada to its current growing diverse portfolio around the world, this opening marks an exciting milestone in the Delta Hotels by Marriott journey,” said Manny Rappenecker, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Delta Hotels by Marriott. “A testament to our strategic growth, we’ve been able to strike a chord with our seasoned travelers by offering the seamless experience guests crave when on the road. Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park is another exceptional example of our brand’s distinction, demonstrating the bright future for Delta Hotels as we look forward to our next 100 properties.” Once a portfolio of 37 properties in Canada, Delta Hotels by Marriott has grown into a global and diversified brand since its acquisition in 2015, redefining premium hospitality in key business and leisure destinations. Focusing on the details that really matter, the brand is rooted in simplicity and concentrates on perfecting the small details that make all the difference during travel. Thoughtful design, complimentary water, a fully stocked Delta Pantry for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members, as well as warm and efficient service, are just a few of the elements that bring the …

According to new research commissioned by Arabian Travel Market (ATM), and conducted at the end of September 2022 by hotel market intelligence and global benchmarking company STR, the GCC region now has over 170,000 hotel rooms under active development (planning, final planning & under construction). This is equivalent to 40% of the GCC’s existing hotel room inventory, a figure almost four times greater than the rest of the world which currently lags behind at an average of 11% under active development compared with existing supply. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Between EXPO 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision2030 strategy, the GCC’s hospitality sector development pipeline remains robust in contrast to global hotel development, which is slowing, due to weak economic growth forecasts. “While the hospitality sector’s growth does highlight the region’s increasing popularity on the global stage, it is also indicative of regional government strategy, to diversify GDP growth away from hydrocarbons into tourism, that will help to drive demand still further, over the coming years. The STR report estimates 135,560 existing rooms in Saudi Arabia with an active pipeline of 82,639 rooms, with total room inventory projected for 2030, at over 218,000 rooms. Similarly for the UAE, STR currently tracks more than 202,000 existing rooms with an active pipeline of 48,910 rooms, a combined total of almost 251,000 rooms by 2030. “Interestingly, Ras Al Khaimah, is second only to Dubai, with 5.076 rooms in its pipeline, almost the same amount as Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah combined,” said Curtis. The UAE’s historic occupancy performance provides a blueprint of what the region can expect as new rooms enter the market. Rooms supply …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels across more than 95 countries, announces the reintroduction of direct franchising and management rights for its Ramada by Wyndham brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, replacing exclusive master licence agreements for the brand in the country. With more than 900 hotels globally, Ramada is Wyndham’s largest brand in Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA), with over 200 hotels in approximately 40 countries in the region, of which over 30 in the Middle East and Africa region alone. The move is aligned with Wyndham’s’ strategy to expand the brand in the wider Middle East and Africa region, where the Company’s development pipeline includes approximately 26 hotels, of which nearly 60% are under the Ramada portfolio. Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “Ramada by Wyndham is not only our biggest brand in EMEA but also one of the most well-known brands by travellers around the world. This strategic move marks an important step in helping us further expand in a high-potential market like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where there is a significant need for high quality mid-scale hotels. We are committed to contributing to the development of the Kingdom’s tourism through the expansion of our mid-market and economy presence, to help bring even more accommodation options to suit all visitors to the Kingdom.” As part of the Company’s expansion plan in the Saudi Arabia, Wyndham has recently opened Ramada by Wyndham Riyadh King Fahd Road, its 13th hotel in the country. The new hotel boasts 189 rooms and suites, providing warm hospitality and comfort right in the heart of the city. Alongside contemporary …

Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East recently announced their highly anticipated partnership with the Hospitality & Leisure vertical of Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the principal investment arm of the government of Dubai, which manages a portfolio of commercial companies and investments. With the joint venture firmly in place, Valor Hospitality has commenced operational transition of 800+ keys across popular and established hotels in the Emirate, including Dubai’s first five-star property, the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek and 3 Wyndham Deira hotels. These properties which will retain their existing brands,will be added to the portfolio of operating and pipeline properties Valor have in the region. Valor Hospitality operate 85+ properties globally and enjoy preferred status or close partnerships with global hotel brands, working closely with owners to develop their assets. “We feel honoured to manage these hotels that have been part of the Dubai landscape for varying degrees of time. We feel sincere accountability towards our hotel guests, hotel teams, and hotel brands during the transition processes” said Euan McGlashan, CEO and global co-founder of Valor Hospitality Partners. “We have a strong history of retention of team members during the process of assuming operational management and remain committed to growing employee culture, in addition to ensuring personal and professional growth” McGlashan continued. A spokesperson for ICD said “Valor Hospitality bring global knowledge of a business model unique to the region that we are excited to see unfold and develop. The agreement will help Valor expand in the region, strengthen its operations and implement its strategies with the addition of the 4 properties in the ICD portfolio.” “The Middle East, and Dubai in particular, continues to lead when it comes to …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with the Owners of Carlton Al Moaibed Hotel in Al Khobar, that was founded by the late ‘Abdulrahman Al Moaibed and the late George N. Frem back in 1977, in order to transform the hotel into Saudi Arabia’s first Vignette Collection Hotel. The new property will be refurbished and is scheduled to be rebranded by 2024. The Vignette Collection is a family of one-of-a-kind, exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied stay experiences. Promising luxury with purpose, Vignette Collection hotels weave responsibility, community, and locality together, and exist to make a positive impact in every way possible. The brand also gives owners of world-class independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefitting from IHG’s global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise. The rebranded Vignette Collections Hotel in Khobar will join existing Vignette properties across countries including Portugal, Austria, Thailand and Australia. The signing of the 150-key hotel in the Eastern Province capital also marks another milestone in IHG’s over 40-year presence in the Kingdom and brings a fresh and compelling luxury experience to the most discerning of guests. The rebranded Vignette Collection Hotel will be a part of a luxury community village with entertainment facilities, 5 food and beverage outlets, sophisticated experimental spa and health club. The community village will offer an Olympic-sized outdoor pool among other premium sporting facilities. Business guests will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s five multi-purpose meeting rooms and convention spaces, as well as other MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities that will accommodate up to 1,500 guests. The hotel is also strategically located just a …

The fifth edition of the Commercial Strategy Conference by Hospitality Sales Marketing Association HSMAI Middle East kicked off with TravTalk ME, TravelTV MiddleEast and Tourismbreakingnews as media partners. Almost 300 participants attended the opening day from all the leading hotel chains in the Middle East. In her opening remarks Mona Faraj, Managing Director of HSMAI ME welcomed everyone for the event, “this year we have created two stages – one the main stage for topical events and the other focused on trends and insights with topical content on marketing and communications. Last year, I was told Mona you’re not covering enough topical content across commercial disciplines, specifically marketing and communications, you know we are all marketers here whether we know it or not, but we don’t have the skills for it and what we did is that we created or formed the most active marketing advisory board that have put a lot of the content over the past two years. Every single year we listen to your feedback and try to deliver educational content that is more meaningful to you. We also did a lot of new content this year, so you will see later on we have a new rock star later on and you will hear why, we brought in the lightning round, now please make sure you attend all six of them, your up for a treat. 2022 was a year full of educational webinars, activities, events and exposure because it is important to maintain that social element within our regional organisational members.” She concluded saying that over the past year 29 events were hosted by HSMAI ME and that they look forward to make it 50 …

NH Collection Dubai The Palm announces its opening in February 2023 and will be the first NH Collection property to launch in the United Arab Emirates. The new-build 533-key property is located beside the lagoon of Palm Jumeirah with direct beach access and spectacular views across the Dubai skyline and is set to become a singular new location for exceptional hospitality in Dubai. The property features 227 hotel guest rooms and suites and 306 studios and apartments across 11 room categories. The bold, original décor of the interiors and accommodation reflect local colours and the vibrancy of the destination, something guests will feel each time they step into their elegant room or suite with captivating views of the Marina skyline and Arabian Gulf. Higher room categories, including the Premium Sea View Room, the One Bedroom Sea View Suite, and Superior One Bedroom Sea View Apartment, will feature exclusive access to the NH Collection Premium Lounge. NH Collection Dubai The Palm will have five distinctive dining venues, set to become favourites with guests, Dubai residents, and visitors. Maiora, where an abundance of dishes from around the world are served for all-day dining. Te-Lounge, for those who need refreshment after the gym or a light, healthy bite. Seven Sports Bar, where friends can catch up in an informal setting or watch the big event over classic snacks and drinks. Revo Café, a chic urban hangout where creative and healthy dishes are crafted, and SEEN, a modern multi-sensory rooftop venue with spectacular sunset views and expertly mixed cocktails. From the 45-metre rooftop infinity pool, fully-equipped fitness centre, kids’ club, and NH Collection Spa, to the selection of eclectic dining venues, when NH Collection …