Category Archives: Hotels

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 …

In conjunction with Oman’s celebration of Omani Youth Day, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), today, celebrated the graduation of the first batch of youth from the ‘Midhyaf’ training for employment programme. It was launched in collaboration between the Ministry of Labour, Oman Tourism College and several hotels affiliated with the OMRAN Group’s investment portfolio. The graduation ceremony was held under the auspices of HE Sayyid Salem bin Muslim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in the presence of several officials and the parents of the graduates. A total of 124 participants graduated from the ceremony, including 89 General Diploma recipients, 24 Diploma recipients, and 11 Bachelor’s degree recipients. The graduation followed four to nine months of on-the-job training in their respective fields. Participants in the Midhyaf programme could choose from seven professional courses to develop their skills, including Culinary, Food & Beverage, Front of House Operations, Hotel Operations Management, Accounting and Procurement, Sales and Marketing, and Housekeeping. Speaking on occasion, HE Sayyid Salem Al Busaidi said: “We are pleased to announce the completion of Midhyaf’s first batch and the graduation of the participants. Having acquired the expertise and knowledge needed to perform to the international standards the OMRAN Group follows, they will soon begin work at the Group’s hospitality assets. This step reflects our shared goal of providing jobs in the Tourism Sector in line with Oman Vision 2040. “We look forward to seeing the graduates start their careers in the hospitality sector of Oman, and we hope their positive impact will be felt by the facilities they’ll soon be working in. Also, we would …

The much-anticipated Dubai’s newest icon Atlantis the Royal bookings opened for guests who want to enjoy their own slice of ultra-luxury. The images capture, for the very first time, the scale, grandeur and ambition of this ultra-luxurious Dubai resort, which includes 44 suites with their own private infinity pools, a stylish infinity pool on the 22nd floor with spectacular views out over the Palm Island, the largest jellyfish aquarium in the world, a water fountain show that breathes fire, and an unrivalled collection of celebrity chef restaurants and bars. As these new images show, Atlantis The Royal is the pinnacle of luxury, offering guests an experience like no other, uniquely tailored to their every desire. Crafted by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists, guests are taken on a journey of discovery and adventure, with artful masterpieces, iconic entertainment, and beautiful craftsmanship at every turn, where the highest level of service will set a new standard in excellence. The 795-room resort surges 43 storeys high with unparalleled views over the Arabian Sea and Palm Island. 44 of the resort’s luxury Suites and Signature Penthouses offer private infinity pools, inviting guests to swim amongst the clouds. All Rooms, Suites and Signature Penthouses deliver show-stopping ultra-luxury touches, including a bespoke selection of amenities from luxury brands, including Hermès, Frette and Graff. All guests staying in a Suites or Signature Penthouses can enjoy an elite butler service, offering a supreme standard of service and luxury, where every need is anticipated. Services include unpacking luggage, pillow selection, clothes pressing, a private resort orientation and setting up exclusive experiences. Guests staying in a Suite or Signature Penthouse will be offered a mini pillow sample menu by their butler, enabling them to curate their …

Minor Hotels announces an upcoming addition to its portfolio in Dubai. Part of the 46-storey mixed-use Sidra Tower development on the city’s Sheikh Zayed Road, NH Collection La Suite Hotel, Dubai is the first NH Collection property to be announced in the United Arab Emirates. With 265 keys, NH Collection La Suite Hotel, Dubai will offer a wide range of accommodation options, including guest rooms, suites and one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Among the featured facilities are an all-day dining outlet, lobby lounge, kids’ club, meeting spaces, a gym and recreational spaces, along with leasable retail areas. The property will be operated by Minor Hotels from Q1 2023 and will undergo an extensive renovation before being launched with the NH Collection flag later in 2023. Centrally located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the main thoroughfare running through Dubai, the property has been operating since 2010 in Sidra Tower, which also includes offices, retail shops and restaurants. It is adjacent to the upscale residential cluster of Dubai Marina and Media City, home to diverse news and tech companies, with The Palm Jumeirah also in close proximity. Dubai International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away, while the surrounding Al Sufouh area is close to the headquarters of major international firms and the American University of Dubai. The addition of the property signals Minor Hotels’ ongoing commitment to expanding NH Hotel Group’s brands outside of their traditional areas of operation in Europe and the Americas and to offer travellers elevated comfort in strategic locations in core international destinations. Designed to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, NH Collection stands for meticulous attention to detail, outstanding services, premium innovative products, as well as offering …

Premier Inn Al Jaddaf lights up in purple to mark Purple Tuesday, taking place in the UAE for the first time on 1 November 2022. As the UAE hospitality partner for Purple Tuesday – a global event which recognises the importance of guests with disabilities, including hidden conditions – Premier Inn MENA will give people of determination an even better experience at its hotels in the UAE and Qatar. Kathy Sorenson, Director of Human Resources, Premier Inn MENA, said: “Challenges such as autism, diabetes, poor sight or hearing and even sleep disorders can bring barriers to daily lives. We want to change that by providing more support, empathy and understanding, starting by training all team members in the Hidden Disability Sunflower Scheme during 2022 and 2023, and continuing our Purple journey way beyond.” An estimated 17 per cent of the world’s population have a disability of some kind. For Premier Inn MENA, that’s potentially 204,000 of the 1.2 million overnight guests welcomed each year.

Arabian Park Dubai, an Edge by Rotana Hotel is delighted to announce the reopening of the hotel in the prestigious Al Jaddaf district, a premier business and lifestyle community perfectly melding the old and new Dubai. A dynamic destination for young travellers, sports groups, families and business guests, the striking property features 328 bright and sophisticated rooms that showcase the latest in-room technology and comfort. Guests who stay will be mesmerized by the stunning pool and city views and can also take advantage of the hotel’s gym, Top Spin tennis academy and paddle court. As Dubai faces a busy and bustling quarter, Arabian Park Dubai is geared up to be the next buzzing destination in the city. With an upcoming line-up of major events including the World Cup games and festive season, the hotel is all set to host guests for an exhilarating experience during the last stretch of the year. Arabian Park Dubai is home to four ecstatic dining concepts including the exquisite Gardenia, an all-day dining destination ideal for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Cheers Pub, a vibrant pub that offers a wide selection of bar bites, mocktails and cocktails to choose from; Deli-cious serving up the fresh selection of culinary delicacies with a 24-hour takeaway service; and The Blue Lounge Bar, the perfect escape for exceptional poolside dining experience serving delicious artful drinks and delectable bites by the pool. Creating a destination within a destination, Arabian Park Dubai is situated in a complex comprising of Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel and Park Apartments Dubai, making it the ideal haven for families, singles, couples and sports groups who are looking for short-term and long-term stays and the preferred choice …

Marjan, the master-developer of freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah, has announced the start of construction of the lifestyle beach resort, Rove Al Marjan Island by Rove Hotels, set to open by the end of 2024. Marjan awarded the construction contract to China State Construction Engineering, with piling work completed and other foundational and structural work to commence shortly. Set in a prime beach location, the 441-room hotel will feature a colourful urban design and a trove of artworks that take inspiration from the natural setting of Al Marjan Island. The hotel will ensure fuss-free and uplifting experiences for the value-conscious new generation of leisure travellers. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan: “With Ras Al Khaimah emerging as one of the region’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, there is an opportunity to broaden the horizon of the Emirate’s lifestyle hotel market and cater to the growing segment of value-conscious travelers”. “As one of the Emirate’s master-developers, we want to stay at the forefront of shaping this trend and will continue to bring robust hospitality concepts that will appeal to a diverse set of audiences without compromising on quality.” Paul Bridger, Chief Operating Officer, Rove Hotels, said: “Rove Al Marjan Island is our first hotel in Ras Al Khaimah and an important milestone in our ambition of offering the Rove experience to new locations within the UAE and across the region. Ras Al Khaimah welcomes visitors from all over the world, and the upcoming Rove hotel will continue to diversify the Emirate’s booming tourism sector with our distinctive fun, value-packed and fuss-free hospitality.” Ras Al Khaimah is on course to record impressive growth in the number of visitors this year. In the …

Barceló Mussanah Resort has entered into two long-term agreements with Nowa Itaka and Cedok that will introduce additional flights from Poland and the Czech Republic to Muscat for the first time, commencing in October 2022. The agreement was signed between Barceló Mussanah Resort and Itaka Nowa during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, UAE. The first flight coming from Prague, the Czech Republic landed in Muscat International Airport 24th October and this week flights from Warsaw, Poland will follow. The visiting guests will stay at Barceló Mussanah Resort, South Al Batinah for seven and 14 nights stay. The visitors will have a specially formulated itinerary that will give them a taste of Oman’s culture and heritage, as well as its famed hospitality. “These agreements with Nowa Itaka and Cedok are a significant milestone for our stakeholders and a valuable contribution to the tourism sector in the region. We look forward to providing an authentic Omani experience to our guests throughout their stay at the resort,” said Dermot Birchall, General Manager, Barceló Mussanah Resort. According to World Economic Forum, Oman is one of the safest countries to travel to and has been consistently voted as a must-visit destination by international media organisations. The number of visitors to Oman during 2022 has seen a substantial increase compared to previous years and is expected to grow even more. The new agreement includes weekly flights from Warsaw and Prague to Muscat till March 2023, welcoming 380 guests per arrival to the region. Speaking on behalf of Nowa Itaka, Piotr Wrześniewski emphasized “Muscat and Al Batinah are relatively unexplored destinations for Poland, we are very excited to open this new destination within our portfolio.”

Vienna records more than 112.231 bed nights in July and August 2022 from Arab countries in Asia, which is around 80% of its pre-Corona volume from 2019. The United Arab Emirates top the list with 41.191 bed nights spent in Vienna only, followed by Saudi Arabia with 30.885. While two thirds of the overnight stays are divided between these two countries, the last third is made up of the remaining neighboring Arab counties. During the summer months of 2022 there were again numerous direct flights from the GCC counties to Vienna. The airlines operated several times a week: the most frequent flights to Vienna were from Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with an average of between 10 and 14 connections/frequencies per country per week. Airlines from Kuwait also landed in Vienna on average 4 times a week. Around half of the overnight stays from the Arab region that are made in Vienna are generated in July and August. In total, there were 2.788.720 overnight stays in Vienna in the months of July and August. The strongest source markets are Germany, Austria, and the USA. “I am very happy about the excellent summer in Vienna, where overnight stays from the GCC region and its neighboring countries have already reached 80% of the 2019 volume again. The city highly values this group of guests who come to Vienna to enjoy its exclusive shopping opportunities, family friendly activities and unique flavours. Vienna offers as a year-round destination many new experiences for our guests from the GCC like the recently opened Mythos Mozart and the sightseeing platform on the Giant Ferris Wheel among others” says Matthias Schwindl Media Relations Manager Middle East, Vienna …

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), announced the launch of market leading AMSAAN technology to ensure that the visitors with hearing disability can fully enjoy their exciting services and facilities. Gulf People of Determination Information Technologies launched their new platform AMSAAN that allows hard of hearing guests to select any of the available sign languages on the tablet and immediately connect with an online interpreter. The first step, which has already been implemented, includes Ukrainian and Russian sign languages, with Arabic, British, and international sign languages to follow soon. ‘People with hearing disability can easily communicate with other hard of hearing people but communicating with the hearing world can be more complicated. Ensuring that our hotel is hard of hearing friendly and barrier free is very important to us. We are committed to removing those barriers, so that our guests with hearing disability receive the same high-quality, personalised service we deliver for all of our hotel visitors,’ commented Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager – Northern Emirates. ‘More than 9% of the world’s population suffers hearing loss of varying degrees,’ added Mr. Vitalii Mykhalchuk, CEO  of Gulf People of Determination Information Technologies. ‘Our company develops and implements complex IT solutions for deaf people and people with hearing loss that are easy to use. The key objective of AMSAAN software is to implement a distinctive approach for travellers who have hearing difficulties and promote tourism without barriers. Our global goal is to attract tourists with hearing loss from all over the world as well as to make the UAE as one of the most accessible and comfortable countries for the deaf people and we are delighted to have …