Category Archives: Hotels

At the recently concluded Switzerland tourism roadshow where they hosted over 100 trade partners recently as the final of their GCC roadshow with 18 key partners that showcased their offerings from tourism boards, hotels, Railways, cablecars, airline and DMCs, it was shared that they had achieved 20% more in terms of visitors than pre pandemic or 2019. Matthias Albrecht, Director Switzerland tourism stated, “This is the last roadshow for the year. Roadshows are very important as we meet people directly in their own home ground. As we all know there are many possibilities to book online and its important to speak to people on digital channels but we all know the big families, VIPs don’t want to stay online for many hours and compare they want the travel agents to organise, add additional rooms or connecting doors, especially in this region this will stay, these contacts are able to arrange everything for them, we are here to meet these contacts.” Speaking on the year that was, “it was a fantastic year, we had a great start, there was a survey conducted early 2022, it was asking many UAE residents and nationals about their favourite travel destination and Switzerland became third after Dubai and Abu Dhabi which are both within UAE which means Switzerland the most prominent and most popular destination outside the UAE which is a fantastic result and of course helped us a lot to advertise Switzerland throughout the year.” This summer proved to be good for most destinations, Albrecht shared, “there is one figure which we received from September comparing now to 2019, pre pandemic and we are 20 percent plus from the whole of GCC which is …

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed a deal with RDK Tourism Investment LLC to open four properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The signings are expected to further enhance the company’s footprint in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with the addition of more than 700 rooms across its Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments and Autograph Collection Hotels brands.  All four properties are expected to be converted from existing properties operated by RDK Tourism Investment. “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with RDK Tourism Investment and expand our portfolio of properties in the UAE,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “We look forward to building on this relationship and supporting the overall growth of the tourism sector in the UAE.” Rashid Darwish Ahmed Saif Al Ketbi, Chairman of RDK Group commented, “We look forward to further cementing our relationship with Marriott International as part of our aim to expand our hospitality portfolio in the region. The four properties aim to contribute to the local economic development of upcoming tourism destinations in the UAE, in line with our investment ambitions as a company to develop landmark projects that cater to guests at the highest international standards.” Marriott Mirfa Resort, Abu Dhabi The company’s flagship brand, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, is anticipated to open its first resort in Abu Dhabi with the Marriott Mirfa Resort, Abu Dhabi.  Situated on the coast of the Al Dhafra region in the historic fishing town of Mirfa, the resort will exemplify the brand’s continued evolution and feature contemporary and intuitive spaces. Projected to be completed in 2025, the 114-room beachfront resort is anticipated to feature views of the Arabian …

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar. Perched in the heart of Porto Arabia and exclusively accessed by a private bridge, this new Mediterranean-style island seamlessly blends exquisite design, exceptional amenities, and the brand’s legendary Butler Service to create a majestic escape for local luminaries and global tastemakers. “We are thrilled to welcome The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar to our highly curated global portfolio of hotels and resorts. The opening ushers in a new benchmark for luxury hospitality and as our second St. Regis property in Doha, underlines the brand’s expansion and interest in this dynamic region,” said Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “A new luxury landmark, guests can expect the modern glamour, cherished traditions and timeless legacy that St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is famed for globally. With this milestone opening, we are also delighted to strengthen our relationship with the Alfardan Group and thank them for their ongoing support and collaboration.” “The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island offers a distinct point of view in one of the most coveted cities in the region. We look forward to offering guests impeccable service, outstanding culinary venues and the exquisite experiences synonymous with the iconic St. Regis brand.” said Wissam Suleiman, Multi-Property General Manager for St. Regis Hotels Doha. The 193 all-suite hotel features a range of lavishly appointed accommodations in one-, two- and three-bedroom formats and private townhouses, each featuring large balconies boasting glorious views overlooking the glistening Arabian Gulf. The spacious suites offer large open bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, living …

Hilton celebrates the opening of Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa, a beautiful beachfront resort with breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Located in Taghazout Bay, 14 kilometres from the centre of Agadir, the resort offers the perfect escape for guests wanting to enjoy a stay in paradise filled with sun, sea, and sand. Named after the legendary Amazigh village of Taghazout, the resort is a fusion of contemporary style and Moroccan inspired design, with each of the 170-guest rooms featuring private balconies and ocean views. Families can book and confirm reservations with  Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton and the resort’s prime location provides access to local tourist attractions, including CrocoParc, the Argan Tree Museum – as well as the Paradise Valley Tazegzout Golf Course. Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa is part of Morocco’s new sustainable Taghazout Bay Resort complex. The spectacular resort contributes to the Moroccan government’s ambitions to establish the country as one of the top 20 tourist destinations in the world, through the ‘Plan Azur Initiative’ and the Taghazout Resort Development & Promotion Strategy. The new Hilton property implements various initiatives to improve its environmental footprint including water efficiency and energy saving, tracked via Hilton’s LightStay technology. Hilton has a strong heritage of hospitality in Morocco and has operated across the African continent for more than six decades,” said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Hilton. “We are excited to open Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa as we enter new destinations across Morocco – providing world-class hospitality and incredible guest experiences whilst supporting local communities with our Travel with Purpose programme.” Accompanying the resort’s unique architecture is a broad range …

Four Seasons and Bahrain-based real estate development firm Bayside Developments announce plans for what will soon be the address of choice for discerning homeowners in the city with Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain Bay. Ushering in a new standard of luxury waterfront living, the collection of 112 bespoke homes will be set within the capital city and at the heart of its most sought-after neighbourhood, Bahrain Bay. Residents will enjoy access to the neighbouring Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay as a remarkable extension of their homes with resort-style amenities, multiple restaurants, and a pristine beach just a short walk or chauffeured golf cart journey away via private bridge. The property will also be a short distance from The Avenues and MODA Mall, each offering the finest selections of shopping, dining and more. “As we expand our Private Residences portfolio globally, we seek locations where our luxury lifestyle offering can be thoughtfully integrated and where we can build upon the success of existing hotels and resorts,” explains Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Following the complete sell-out of our Private Residences in Dubai and our extensive residential expansion in Egypt, I am confident that the upcoming Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain Bay will give homeowners another opportunity to embrace this destination through its vibrant culture, history and lifestyle.” In addition to having access to the full spectrum of services and amenities from the neighbouring Hotel, Four Seasons Privates Residences Bahrain Bay will feature a wide array of dedicated offerings for residents to enjoy while at home with Four Seasons. Most notably, the development will include manicured gardens for entertaining or relaxing; a sunlit …

The day is finally here, as the most coveted awards in the region, Arabian Travel Awards will once again host the industry winners. This year’s edition is special as the focus is on sustainability. Arabian Travel Awards is a platform for the Middle East market to appreciate the efforts of the travel specialists who have contributed to the booming travel and hospitality industry. The aim is to encourage them to continue promoting tourism in the region. The Arabian Travel Awards are fair and unbiased, following a systematic method of internet-based voting. These awards are supported by Tourismbreakingnews.ae, TravelTVmiddleeast.news and TravTalk Middle East who are premier media partners for the coverage of the event. The awards will be divided into four categories: Personal Awards, Business Awards, Trending Awards and Partner Awards. They will include awards for Best Business Hotel, Best Family Friendly Hotel, Best City Hotel, Best Green Hotel, Best Leisure Hotel, Best Destination Management Company, Best Hotel Apartments, Best B2B Travel Portal, and Best Luxury Hotel to name a few. San Jeet Director Arabian Travel Awards shares, “Our awards this year is very special as it recognizes the untiring efforts of the industry experts. This year as the borders open, the travel, tourism and hospitality experts were able to restore to levels enjoyed pre-pandemic time. Most had to redefine the way forward in the post covid era, as we can confidently call it. Applications are still open to vote for those in the industry and who has been in the forefront promoting and working to go over and beyond the general norms of the industry. Middle East has always been the most resilient region, especially the UAE and Dubai in …

NH Collection Oasis Doha Hotel announces its opening early in 2023 as the first NH Collection property to open in Qatar. The new hotel comprises 299 guest rooms and suites and is situated in a prominent beachside destination along the Qatari capital’s eastern coast, with spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and city skyline. With versatile amenities and several signature dining venues, the hotel is set to become a truly distinctive destination in Doha. The property is ideally located along Doha’s eastern coast in the Ras Abu Abboud area, midway between the city centre and Hamad International Airport, well connected to Lusail in the north and to Saudi Arabia in the west. NH Collection Oasis Doha Hotel offers easy access to city centre attractions such as Souq Waqif, local museums, Westbay and Doha Corniche. The hotel is located close to business hubs and Governmental offices such as Qatar Free Zone, the Prime Minister’s office, the Council of Ministers, Qatar Central Bank and other banking institutions. Daniel Méndez, the hotel’s General Manager commented, “NH Collection Oasis Doha Hotel is a perfect starting point to discover and explore the city. The uniqueness of the property will be brought by carefully selected team members passionate about curating extraordinary experiences for all our guests.” “The uniqueness of the property will be brought by carefully selected team members passionate about curating extraordinary experiences for all our guests” “NH Collection Oasis Doha Hotel is steeped in history and has retained its local character. With its captivating atmosphere and versatile dining and entertainment options, the new hotel will elevate the destination and add to the ever-evolving hospitality scene of Qatar,” said Mr. Darwish, Chairman of Oasis Hotels. …

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a luxury hotel in Kuwait, projected to open in 2028. The hotel will be located in the heart of the financial district of Kuwait City and will bring a new standard of luxury and elegance to the destination. Mandarin Oriental, Kuwait will be located in an iconic 80-storey tower, designed by the award-winning architects, Foster & Partners. In addition to the hotel, the tower will comprise a podium with a variety of international retail and entertainment centres, as well as premium office space. It will also be the headquarters of Bukhamseen Group Holding, which is developing the overall project. The hotel will feature 159 guestrooms, including 33 suites, and 10 serviced apartments, with views of downtown Kuwait City. It will offer a wide range of food and beverage outlets comprising a signature dining experience, a three meal period venue, a poolside  restaurant, a lobby lounge with a Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop, a club lounge and a shisha venue. There will also be extensive banqueting and meeting spaces to accommodate social and business events. A comprehensive Spa at Mandarin Oriental will provide a wide range of spa, beauty and wellness experiences and will feature eight private treatment rooms, a fitness centre, and both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the latter being set on a landscaped pool deck. The hotel is well placed for the city’s financial, commercial and governmental institutions and is a 20 minute drive from Kuwait’s International Airport. James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said, “We are delighted at the opportunity to extend Mandarin Oriental’s presence in the Middle East with this important landmark …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a strategic partnership with WebBeds, one of the world’s leading providers of accommodation and ground product distribution services to the travel industry. The strategic partnership, which was announced at this week’s World Travel Market (WTM) 2022, will help drive awareness of Abu Dhabi among WebBeds’ network of travel agents and partners. Through a series of webinars, roadshows and trade fam trips, the partnership will educate travel agents about Abu Dhabi by showcasing the inspiring, exciting and restorative experiences that can be enjoyed during a visit. The new strategic partnership with WebBeds will pave the way for the two entities to work together to increase WebBed’s product portfolio and inform its trade professionals about Abu Dhabi’s unique blend of experiences and events on offer for travellers throughout the year.  With an action-packed calendar of 180 events, including the debut of The Lion King stage show in the Middle East, and the biggest impressionist art exhibition outside of Europe at Louvre Abu Dhabi, there has never been a better time to visit the UAE capital. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with WebBeds, which will enable us to showcase Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as an all-in-one destination with year-round experiences that inspire, excite and restore. Collaborations with key partners unlock global markets and this one will allow us to connect with WebBeds’ valued travel agencies and product management network to welcome more visitors each year.” Amr Ezzeldin, WebBeds President – Middle East and Africa, said: “We’re pleased to be working with DCT Abu …

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Middle East (HSMAI ME) is lining up thought-provoking speakers for the 5th Annual ROC Commercial Strategy Conference. The in-person event will be held at the Conrad Dubai Hotel from November 28-29, 2022. Following the success of previous editions that focused on revenue management, this year’s focus will be across multiple disciplines including marketing, revenue, sales, and operational topics from speakers outside the industry to share best practices. The event will also host influential personalities and speakers from various other industries for the very first time. With their knowledge and expertise, HSMAI aims to educate and broaden the perspective of the hospitality industry as a whole. The annual event will open with a fireside chat from Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). During the session, Kazim will explore what Dubai needs to remain an attractive destination and how to ensure Dubai keeps up with technology trends to stay top of mind. Following unprecedented events and challenges brought about by the pandemic, this year’s event theme is “Accelerate Recovery”. The conference brings together hospitality leaders, delivering expert insights and knowledge to help propel the industry into a new era. Filled with keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and networking, the HSMAI ROC Commercial Strategy Conference promises stimulating conversations across a wide range of topics. A keynote by Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics Middle East will delve into economic factors – such as inflation and recession fears – and how it’s impacting the travel industry’s speed of recovery.   Debbie Siminser, Vice President of Learning & Development, ME & Africa from Accor, will take the stage to discuss how organizations can Leverage …