Category Archives: Hotels

For the fifth consecutive time Tourism Malaysia joins the Gulf Travel Show 5.0, this time as Platinum partner. The event is set to kick off on 28th and 29th September 2022 under the theme of sustainable tourism. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across the globe. The fifth edition or GTS 5.0 demonstrates its commitment to uphold its social responsibility to ensure less carbon emissions yet bring all players to the table and learn and study the stakes, the many opportunities to make things right after a bout of almost two and a half years of pandemic era. Mirza Ghalib – Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia – Dubai, “Malaysia is thrilled to welcome back Middle East tourists to visit and experience our country again. It is a timely opportunity for us to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Gulf region. As the platinum partner of GTS 5.0, Tourism Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths of Malaysian delegates consisting of tour operator partners, hotels, and product owners.” Some of the partners from Tourism Malaysia expressed their comments as well. Sam Poh Choo, Director of Business Development & Marketing, The Taaras Beach Resort & Spa and Berjaya Tioman Resort “We look forward to creating awareness in the Middle East market for The …

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with real estate development corporation Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG), announces plans for an extensive portfolio expansion in Egypt with the addition of new hotels, residential offerings and significant property enhancements. Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty and Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will be introduced in Egypt through this upcoming phase of strategic growth, further building upon the latest multi-million dollar property enhancements at Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Sharm El Sheikh, which doubled the offerings of the existing property with new accommodations, dining outlets, leisure activities, and more. “Egypt is an important destination in Four Seasons history, as it marked our brand’s entry into the Middle East 22 years ago. Our continued expansion illustrates our ongoing commitment to the region, and all that it has to offer for luxury travellers and homeowners,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management. “TMG has long been an integral development partner for our projects in Cairo at Nile Plaza, Alexandria at San Stefano and Sharm El Sheikh. We are thrilled to continue our exceptional work together, providing guests and residents in Egypt with unmatched luxury experiences through our collection of new hotel and residential offerings.” Introducing Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty Located in the heart of the capital’s new evolution, New Cairo Capital is a global destination that stands entirely on its own. Anticipated to open in 2025 and set within the extraordinary Madinaty development on 185 hectares (460 acres) of verdant parkland, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will be a captivating destination for those who …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its presence across the Middle East with the opening of the 278-key Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach in Doha, Qatar. The managed hotel opens in collaboration with leading regional hospitality development entity, Hala Real Estate Development Company and underscores Wyndham’s commitment to bolstering its offering in the region, which includes a development pipeline of 27 hotels. Conveniently located just 500m from the City Centre Doha Mall and 600m from the DECC metro station, Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach is the closest beachfront hotel in the prestigious West Bay area. The hotel is also within walking distance of various corporate, government and leisure establishments in the West Bay area. Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach offers modern premium rooms and boasts state-of-the-art leisure facilities for guests including a variety of on-site restaurants, a spa that includes a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and outdoor pool as well as a fitness centre. Business travellers can utilise the property’s six spacious corporate meeting rooms, which have the combined capacity to host close to 350 people. Wyndham Grand is an ensemble of distinguished hotels that are approachable by design, representing one-of-a-kind experiences with refined accommodation, attentive service and relaxed surroundings. The opening of Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach adds to other top destinations around the world where the brand can be found, including Manama, Istanbul, Athens, Chicago, Shanghai and many others. Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach is the latest addition to Wyndham’s portfolio of three operational hotels in Qatar, and two further properties under development. 2022 is an important year for Qatar with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022™ event in November, the first …

Accor is expanding its luxury portfolio with the opening of its fourth Rixos property in the UAE in Q3 2022. Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi will inspire Abu Dhabi Marina’s iconic architectural landmark offering the finest fusion of Arabian and Turkish dining and hospitality. This multifaceted resort will elevate guest experience through incredible design, ambiance, gastronomy, entertainment and unique leisure services. Inspired in the UAE’s cultural heritage of fishing and pearl diving, the resort combines regal splendour with 21st-century aesthetics, creating a mesmerizing oceanic setting with opulent views. Since joining forces in 2017, it has been a priority for Accor and Rixos to work together to take on new opportunities to strengthen the brand’s footprint across the Middle East and wider region. Rixos is a pioneer hospitality brand which expertise rests on an ultra-all-inclusive concept, with a vibrant, luxury ambience and family friendly adventures. “We are clearly seeing an increasing demand for all-inclusive resorts throughout our destinations, as the leading hospitality group in the region, we are always doing our best to meet our guest’s expectations” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “We couldn’t think of a better brand than Rixos to bring a new All Exclusive luxurious resort to the Marina of Abu Dhabi” The group is partnering with National Investment Corporation (NIC), established in 1999, with the primary purpose to develop the breakwater area in order to optimize the use of this prime location for economic and social enrichment HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirms “We are delighted to have partnered with the Accor and Rixos Hotels to operate one of the luxurious hotels in the Capital “Rixos …

Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director of Consultancy & Sustainability at leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has revealed how all hotels throughout the region can create a bespoke roadmap to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. During her webinar presentation in conjunction with the Swiss Business Council, which was attended by key hospitality figures from across the region, Ibrahim highlighted the fact that some international hospitality brands may already have strategies in place to achieve their Net Zero ambitions. However, many independent hotels, particularly three and four-star properties would require external support from consultants to design, plan and execute a carbon neutral roadmap. “Major international hotel brands such as Accor, Hilton and Marriott have the necessary resources to achieve their sustainability goals, but many privately-owned independent hotels will not have the means to access dedicated internal support. “There is also general confusion about what Net Zero means and the process and actions required to make a corporate commitment and how a hotel’s carbon footprint can be measured and reduced without affecting the operation or guest experience,” said Ibrahim. It is widely reported that tourism and specifically hotels account for 8% and 1% respectively of total global carbon emissions. But implementing a carbon reduction plan is not an easy task, with multiple internal and external challenges. The most common of which are carbon footprint assessments across the hotel and its value chain, a lack of financial resources with little or no budget allocated for climate related activities, the higher costs associated with sustainable products and insufficient regulatory incentives to support a hotel’s Net Zero transition. Ibrahim, who was elected to the board of the official Local Network of …

Dubai-based independent hotel management company, Aleph Hospitality, has signed a management contract with Congo-based Sokerico Group to operate Kertel Suites in Kinshasa. The boutique property, which is currently under development, is set to open in Q1 2023, and on opening the hotel will set a new benchmark for the hospitality sector in Kinshasa with its all-suites accommodations and state of the art food and beverage offerings. Aleph Hospitality’s portfolio now covers 12 properties across eight countries on the African continent. Located in the capital Kinshasa, in the heart of Gombe, a flourishing business centre and embassies area, Kertel Suites offers brand-new, contemporary accommodation. The hotel is conveniently located a 20-minute drive from the N’Dolo Airport. Popular tourist destinations in the vicinity include Picasso Beach, Central Station Square and the Jardin Zoologique. The premium hotel is positioned as approachable luxury with an elegant, classic design for a corporate lifestyle. Leisure facilities include an upscale rooftop resto-bar and a French bakery-bistro, a roof swimming pool, fully equipped gym and spa as well as three banquet halls. Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality said: “We are thrilled to have been entrusted with the management of Kertel Suites in Kinshasa and we are excited to be operating our first property in Africa’s largest city. It’s an interesting time to secure a presence in the heart of Africa, as The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently investing in the hospitality sector, restoring historical sites and strengthening sustainability within their ecosystem. The development is quite unique in its location, and we look forward to bringing next-level hospitality experiences to the heart of Gombe.” Ritesh Hemnani and Kenny Rawtani, owners of Sokerico Group …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), concluded its participation in the fourth edition of the Tourist Hospitality Initiative held in southwest region of Aseer. SAUDIA celebrated guests on flight SV1644, inbound from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, with a welcoming event and giveaways. Held under the theme of “1,000 Welcomes,” a phrase traditionally used as a greeting for visitors in the Saudi region of Aseer, and with direct support from the Governer of the region, the initiative is aimed at continuing to welcome a diverse range of visitors to the region. In recognition of the tourism campaign, the SAUDIA sales offices and the arrivals terminal at Abha International Airport were decorated with the initiative’s vibrant designs, highlighting SAUDIA’s role in connecting the capital of Aseer with the rest of the Kingdom. In addition to its scenic nature and charming ambiance, Abha contains a variety of ways to keep tourists interested. SAUDIA’s participation in the initiative is a continuation of the national carrier’s involvement last year and comes as part of its efforts to promote domestic tourism. The flag-carrying airline’s operations out of Abha are continuously being enhanced and scaled, with more seating capacity being made available as required by seasonal demand.

dnata Travel Group is enhancing its long-standing partnership with Club Med, the world’s leading provider of upscale, all-inclusive holidays, as demand for its travel experiences from the GCC countries increases. dnata Representation Services has been exclusive distributor for Club Med in the region since 2013. As local traveller demand soars for more comprehensive holiday packages inclusive of meal plans, activities, flights, and transfers, dnata is bringing Club Med experiences closer than ever to the region through exclusive rates, tailor-made packages, and a host of new resorts for 2022. Known for its ‘Sun’ and ‘Ski’ resorts in sought-after and unique locations worldwide, Club Med continues to grow with new openings, renovations and extensions annually. Its mountain escapes are popular with GCC travellers seeking nature-based holidays including new resorts in the French Alps (La Rosière) and Canada (Quebec Charlevoix) which launched in 2021. With the launch of 2022’s ‘summer mountain’ holiday season, Club Med offers a playground for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with six resorts in Europe open until September. The popular hiking, trail, biking and yoga activities on offer are included as part of its all-inclusive concept, bookable in the GCC with dnata Travel. Highly-anticipated for the winter 2022/23 season are new ski resort launches in Tignes and Val d’Isère, the latter being the first of Club Med’s luxury Exclusive Collection Resorts to be located in the mountains. John Bevan, Divisional Senior Vice President, dnata Travel Group, commented: “We are growing our partnership of almost a decade with Club Med as we expand its presence across the GCC. Demand for travel is at a high, and local trends include a rise in popularity in all-inclusive offerings and nature-based retreats, making …

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Middle East is preparing to host the 5th annual Commercial Strategy Conference, an in-person event being held at the Conrad Dubai Hotel on 28th and 29th November 2022. Following the unprecedented events and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event theme is “Accelerate Recovery”. Placing a strong focus on recovery and education, HSMAI has become a leader in identifying and communicating hospitality trends while acting as an influential voice within the hospitality industry, all while connecting its members with industry partners. A key highlight of the 2022 event is how the agenda comes together from the HSMAI Middle East commercial, revenue optimization and marketing advisory boards. The conference is put together by hospitality leaders for the hospitality industry and partners. The leaders in their respective field will share expert insights and knowledge to help boost the industry’s post-Covid recovery into a new era. Another key feature of the Conference is Curate, a unique executive insights forum exclusively designed to connect and discuss priority issues and emerging trends across areas such as hotel sales, marketing, revenue optimization, and distribution. The first ever Curate forum is set to take place on 29th November 2022. The invite-only event is unique in a way as it allows for cross-disciplinary discussions, that are highly beneficial to the growth of any hotel. HSMAI ME is offering an early bird offer for the Annual Commercial Strategy Conference between now and September 15th. Registrants will receive up to 35% discount on the price for all ticket categories. Furthermore, all group bookings of 10 or more will receive one complimentary pass with access to both days. With an aim …

The wide range of hotel establishments in Dubai presented yet another stellar performance across all hospitality metrics during the first half of 2022. Average occupancy for the hotel sector between January and June 2022 stood at 74%, one of the world’s highest, compared to 62% in H1 2021, a difference of 12 percentage points and just short of the 76% occupancy level registered during the pre-pandemic period of H1 2019. This is particularly noteworthy as it was achieved in spite of a +19% increase in room capacity over the same period in 2019. Dubai’s hotel inventory by the end of June 2022 comprised 140,778 rooms open at 773 hotel establishments, compared to 118,345 rooms available at the end of June 2019 across 714 establishments. Meanwhile, the total number of hotels in H1 2022 marked an 8% growth over H1 2021, highlighting continued strong investor confidence in Dubai’s tourism sector. The hotel sector outperformed pre-pandemic levels across all other key measurements – Occupied Room Nights, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR). Dubai hotel establishments delivered a combined 18.47million occupied room nights during the first six months of the year, a +30.4% YoY growth, and a +18% increase over the pre-pandemic period of H1 2019, which yielded 15.71 million occupied room nights. In addition, the ADR of AED567 in the first half of the year surpassed the ADRs for both H1 2021 (AED382) and 2019 (AED444), with 48.5% and 28% YoY growth, respectively.  The robust performance of the hotel sector is also evident in RevPAR growth – a surge of over 76% compared to the first six months of  2021 (AED417 v AED237)  and an increase of 24% …