Category Archives: Hotels

IHG signs agreement for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Bonnington Hospitality JLT for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Currently operating as Bonnington Hotel, home to the world-renowned McGettigan’s Pub & Restaurant group, the hotel will feature 208 keys and is expected to be rebranded to voco by Q3 2021. After the first voco opening in the Middle East in 2019, this latest development marks the tenth voco hotel in the Middle East and Africa region and adds to the growing brand portfolio with operating hotels in Dubai, Riyadh and Al Khobar and a strong pipeline across key cities such as Jeddah, Doha and Johannesburg. Commenting on the signing, Matthew Tripolone, VP Development, Middle East and Africa, IHG said, “We are excited to be adding voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai to our UAE portfolio, in partnership with Bonnington Hospitality JLT. Since launching globally in 2018, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across the Middle East, and we are proud to introduce our second voco to Dubai, which is a priority market for us in the region. He added, “The brand offers a simplified conversion process, making it quick and easy for owners of high-quality independent hotels to become part of IHG’s system and drive higher returns thereafter. The brand also allows guests to enjoy an upscale experience with the freshness of a unique, independent hotel under a brand name they can trust.” Dennis McGettigan, Chief Executive Officer, Bonnington Hospitality and McGettigan Group, added, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with IHG and the voco brand. As a unique family-owned and operated hotel in Dubai, Bonnington Hotel meticulously provides each guest with the highest levels of …

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Dubai Holding launches Hatta Dome Park

Dubai Holding launched Hatta Dome Park, an exciting new glamping experience situated next to Hatta Wadi Hub, one of the UAE’s most popular eco-friendly adventure destinations. The resort has opened its doors to visitors.  This latest addition to Hatta’s glamping experience entails 15 dome-shaped, permanent luxury tents designed with panoramic windows offering majestic views of the Hatta mountain range. Hatta Dome Park is the perfect weekend getaway for families and groups of friends alike. The rooms come with the full range of amenities and are designed to accommodate two adults and two children. Each dome tent is equipped with its own private BBQ and fire pit within a large terrace space that allows for comfortable gathering. Located just a short walk from Hatta Wadi Hub, guests at HattaDome Park can enjoy an assortment of exciting activities, from mountain bike coaching and rentals to downhill mountain carting and trampoline jumping; as well as recently introduced activities by Dubai Holding, which include Zip Line, Climbing Wall, Slingshot, and Paragliding. In addition, guests can choose from a variety of F&B options to suit every taste, from the onsite coffee shop to the mixed-cuisine food trucks; and in turn, help support Hatta’s vibrant UAE National entrepreneur community. Joel Russo, Chief Hospitality Asset Management Officer at Dubai Holding commented, “Dubai Holding has been playing a key role in building Hatta’s tourism and investment potential, showcasing the beautiful mountain destination and its dynamic offering to the world. Hatta Dome Park is an excellent addition to Hatta Resorts, including Hatta Damani Lodges and Hatta SedrTrailers, and Wadi Hub, which have been running for three consecutive seasons since they first opened to the public in 2018, having welcomed …

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UAE records world’s 2nd highest hotel occupancy rate in 2020

The UAE tourism sector performed outstandingly in 2020 despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed by the Ministry of Economy, noting that the sector was among the least affected and fastest to recover around the world. The UAE recorded a 54.7% hotel occupancy rate in 2020 – the second highest in the world behind only China – while the global rate dropped to 37% under the weight of the pandemic, and hotels in the Middle East region recorded just 43% occupancy. This is in parallel to the significant decline in tourist activity, which fell by 74% around the world and 76% in the region. “The global tourism industry bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic,” noted H.E. Al Falasi. “Guided by the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE was able to quickly contain the outbreak’s impact on the local tourism sector, relying on innovation and agility in its efforts to provide incentives, launch initiatives, and create opportunities to accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector and boost its contribution to GDP.” “Despite the tremendous challenges it brought onto the industry, the pandemic also created new opportunities for domestic tourism, with a surge in demand recorded over the past year, especially during the holidays and vacation season, and some establishments even reporting full occupancy. This reflects the high quality of the services the sector provides, which rank among the best in the world,” H.E. explained. “Strengthening domestic tourism is essential for ensuring the tourism sector’s full recovery and driving faster economic recuperation. The UAE can benefit from its advanced infrastructure, modern facilities, and wide range of services and activities to promote itself as a tourist destination with a lot …

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Dubai College of Tourism partners with Chalhoub for new gen tourism workforce

Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) has announced a strategic partnership with Chalhoub Group. This partnership comes as part of DCT’s Medyaf programme, the industry nationalisation initiative aimed at preparing talented young UAE nationals for careers across tourism touchpoints including the retail sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of DCT and Wassim Eid, President People & Culture at Chalhoub Group . The MOU will pave the way for the development and career support of DCT students and UAE nationals in various roles in the retail sector. Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, commented, “Our partnership with Chalhoub Group will provide a major boost to our Medyaf programme to create more opportunities for talented Emiratis to work in the retail sector. The continuing collaboration with the private sector in Dubai comes within the framework of strategic measures being undertaken to meet a key goal of Dubai’s tourism strategy to make the city the world’s No.1 most visited, revisited and preferred destination.  During these challenging times, there is even greater urgency to expand the pool of local talent by working with industry partners like the Chalhoub Group to achieve the goals of our industry nationalisation drive, a critical element in strengthening the city’s tourist-facing workforce and adding to the sustainability and growth of our industry.” Commenting on the agreement, Wassim Eid, President People & Culture, Chalhoub Group, said, “We are proud to partner with the Dubai College of Tourism to support a new generation workforce and attract UAE nationals to join the luxury retail sector. DCT is giving young talents a great opportunity by introducing them to the private sector and …

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Haitham Mattar heads IHG as Managing Director of IMEA

IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Haitham Mattar as managing director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), replacing the outgoing Pascal Gauvin who left the post at the end of 2020. Mattar will take up the position from April 18.With more than 25 years of experience, he will be responsible for driving IHG’s business in the Middle East, Africa and the South West Asia region, covering both development and operations responsibilities across a portfolio of 165 operational hotels and a pipeline of over 100 properties. Mattar joins IHG from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism where, as senior advisor and a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, he contributed to the development and implementation of Saudi’s sustainable tourism strategy to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Previously, he spent four years as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, reporting to HH Sheikh Saud Bin SaqrAl Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of RasAl Khaimah. It is not the first time Mattar has worked at IHG, having previously spent 11 years at the group from 2000 to 2011 in various operations, commercial and sales and marketing positions based in the region. In his new role, he will be based in IHG’s Dubai office and will report to Kenneth Macpherson, chief executive officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA). Macpherson said, “I am very pleased to welcome Haitham back to IHG and lead our business in IMEA at such a crucial time for the travel and tourism industry. Haitham has a wealth of experience within the sector and has been at the forefront of several important strategic initiatives in the region over the last decade. …

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Arabian Adventures launches high-end private dining experience

Arabian Adventures to launch ‘The Perfect Evening by Arabian Adventures’, a new, high-end dining experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). Known for its award-winning range of desert safaris, city tours and ongoing commitment to conservation in the DDCR, Arabian Adventures is revealing a luxurious new camp in a private ‘cove’ amidst the dunes of this spectacular, pristine reserve – set to provide a unique, once-in-a-lifetime desert voyage, with a front-row seat to the stars. The experience includes pick-up and drives into the DDCR in a premium vehicle with an Arabian Adventures expert safari guide, sundowners with canapes at a perfect sunset stop, and premium dining at the newly-designed camp with a private chef and waiter, with some traditional Arabian surprises for guests along the way. Justine Thomas, General Manager at Arabian Adventures, commented, “This new, high-end private dining experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve represents a first for Arabian Adventures, as we continue to evolve and extend our product offering to meet the needs and wants of our customers. “We have witnessed a surge in requests for guests seeking a refined, private dining experience in the Dubai desert. As such, our team of local experts is taking the 5-star restaurant experience you can expect from this incredible city and are placing this into an idyllic setting in its surrounding desert within a new luxury retreat, with a personal waiter and private chef on-site. “Match this premium dining event with the privacy and beauty that can only be found in the DDCR, and we believe that we are introducing a new, must-do Dubai experience, for local residents and international travellers alike.” Thomas concluded, “Complete with a lantern-lit path …

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Palm Jumeirah’s observation deck ‘The View at The Palm’ opens today

Nakheel announced that The View at The Palm, a stunning observation deck that showcases a 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah, is set to open its doors to the public on 7 April 2021. Visitors can purchase their tickets and experience the Palm Jumeirah like never-before, as well as embark on an interactive journey towards the rich history of this splendid island through multiple immersive touchpoints. Omar Khoory, Chief Assets and Hospitality Officer, Nakheel said: “Twenty years ago, Nakheel embarked on a journey to bring the vision of Palm Jumeirah to life and today, we celebrate its growing success story by launching The View at The Palm. As well as a world attraction, The View will uncover the evolutionary journey behind building one of the most splendid man-made islands in the world. As Nakheel continues to add innovative destinations to its ever-growing retail portfolio, we hope that these experiences will inspire wonder to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. We are delighted to welcome residents to experience Palm Jumeirah in a completely new way and we are confident that it will be memorable.” Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: “The View at The Palm marks another major milestone for Dubai’s tourism industry and adds to the city’s range of diverse offerings that residents and visitors can enjoy. The opening of the observation deck under stringent precautionary measures will further enhance the safe environment that Dubai has created in line with the directive of our visionary leadership to ensure that the health and safety of people remains the top priority. The significance of the solid relationships that we have built over the years with …

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SLS opens first hotel in the Middle East

Accor announced the expansion of the international SLS Hotels & Residences brand to the Middle East with the opening of SLS Dubai.  Developed in partnership with World of Wonders Real Estate – the new property is one of Dubai’s tallest buildings officially welcomed guests and residents. The highly anticipated opening is a testament to the SLS brand’s longstanding reputation and experience in creating and delivering extraordinary, unforgettable and timeless experiences. This news comes on the heels of Accor’s latest phase of expansion following its acquisition of sbe’s hotel brands and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle operators. Using the SLS Hotels & Residences’ global perspective gained from its expanding network of hospitality properties, SLS Dubai presents a host of truly enriching and elevated experiences via its portfolio of diversely distinct luxury brands. From Fi’lia, the entirely female-run restaurant that celebrates food & identity, to Carna by the award-winning Italian butcher Dario Cecchini’s contemporary steakhouse, SLS Dubai’s culinary venues are a testament to the hospitality hallmarks of the SLS brand. Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer, sbe states, “We are happy to announce the official opening of SLS Dubai. We are excited to deliver culinary concepts like Fi’lia, our Italian concept, which will at this specific location focus on empowering the incredible leadership team of women, from our chefs to mixologists to managers. We truly believe that the property will be a highly sought-after destination for global travelers and locals alike”.

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ATS Travel signs exclusive agreement with Luxury Connoisseurs

ATS Travel and Luxury Connoisseurs have come together to offer unique products and services to be launched in UAE and KSA to begin with. Within the next two quarters, these will be extended to other GCC countries as well, informed Saleem Sharif, the Deputy Managing Director of ATS Travel. ATS Travel is a leading Travel Management Company with offices in UAE and Saudi Arabia, offering comprehensive travel solutions both to corporate and leisure travellers for more than 44 years. Saleem stated that “ATS Travel has been supporting high-end clients with bespoke luxury travels in GCC Region and worldwide destinations with hotel bookings, air ticketing, meetings & events, educational trips and 24hours concierge services in the past. This partnership with Luxury Connoisseurs will further enhance our product portfolio by offering a wide range of ultraluxury properties for our discerning customers to choose from”, added Saleem During these days of the pandemic, we are able to offer Private Charters and accommodation in high-end properties in places like Maldives, Seychelles, Tanzania, Greece, Turkey and Kenya. This portfolio will be expanded to cover exotic locations worldwide once the situation improves, added Saleem. Luxury Connoisseurs is a Concierge & Lifestyle Platform with a mission to deliver the highest level of service to an exclusive network of leisure and corporate clients worldwide. Mrs. Loredana Pettinati, Founder & CEO declared: “With over fifteen years’ experience in the luxury travel sector we have built and we continue to build an extensive global network of partners, which allows us to offer to our clients completely customized luxury journeys to inspiring destinations worldwide both for leisure and corporate purposes.” “We are sure that through this partnership both the two companies …

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Marriott Executive Apartments debuts in Doha

Marriott Executive Apartments, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 leading brands, has announced its debut in Qatar with the opening of Marriott Executive Apartments City Center Doha. Owned by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), the elevated serviced apartments answer to the rapidly growing demand for longer stay accommodations which offer a sophisticated experience with amenities and services that mirror the comforts of home. “We are pleased to build on our fantastic relationship with ARTIC and open the first Marriott Executive Apartments in Qatar. With the current trend for ‘bleisure’ travel, we believe this opening will cater for guests looking to mix business and leisure travel by creating a ‘home from home’ feeling for their longer stay,” said Safak Guvenc, Area Vice President, Gulf, Levant and Turkey, Marriott International. “This opening reflects ARTIC’s investment strategy focused on high-quality hospitality assets in premium destinations that enable us to create significant additional value through redevelopment, rebranding, or reformatting in partnership with leading global operators like Marriott International. Marriott Executive Apartments City Center Doha enhances our extended stay and serviced apartment offering and underlines our commitment to providing a full range of accommodation at the highest quality and standards of service. This is one of six properties in Qatar that we plan to launch with Marriott International this year, as we continue to balance our growing portfolio of operating assets with a healthy future project pipeline and contribute to the continuing expansion and range of Qatar’s hospitality sector in the process,” said Tarek El Sayed, CEO and Managing Director, ARTIC. “We are excited to welcome guests to enjoy a premium and trusted home-away-from-home experience at Marriott Executive Apartments in Doha. Our team …

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