Tag Archives: Accor

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 …

Accor signed Mövenpick Living Çamlıvadi and Mövenpick Living Saklıvadi in partnership with Artaş Group and the developer of Vadistanbul in Turkey. The announcement of the two new projects was made at a signing ceremony which took place at the Mövenpick Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, between Mark Willis, CEO India Middle East, Africa & Turkey for Accor; Yiğit Sezgin, Chief Commercial Officer India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey for Accor; and Süleyman Çetinsaya, Chairman, Artaş Group. The Mövenpick Living Çamlıvadi is set to open by October 2022 while the Mövenpick Living Saklıvadi in November 2023. “As the world’s leading augmented hospitality group with more than 5,300 properties in over 110 countries, we are excited to announce the involvement of premium brand Mövenpick with the Çamlıvadi and Saklıvadi projects under an agreement with Artaş Group, Turkey’s real estate and construction leader. We are confident that both projects will add great value to the tourism industry in such a popular location of Istanbul,” said Yiğit Sezgin, Chief Commercial Operator India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey for Accor. Residences with hotel grade comfort There are 164 residences in Mövenpick Living Saklıvadi, and 65 residences in Mövenpick Living Çamlıvadi. All one bedroom, two bedroom and penthouse apartments are elegantly decorated with meticulously designed details. Each apartment enjoys complimentary internet connection, same-day laundry service, a restaurant with buffet service for breakfast, and a winter garden. Guests will not have to skip their fitness routine as they can take advantage of a full-fledged gym equipped with exercise gear, an indoor swimming pool, sauna and resting room. Moreover, an exclusive indoor and outdoor manège are offered to the service of the hotel guests who are interested in horse riding. …

Accor expands its luxury footprint in Egypt with the signing of Sofitel Cairo New Capital Hotel & Residences, a new flagship property for the group that will strengthen the Sofitel brand in Egypt. The new property will be located in the heart of the New Administrative Capital (NAC) of Cairo, a city designed on its own and featuring hospitality, residential, entertainment, commercial, retail components and government entities, including the presidential palace, parliament, cabinet, supreme court, all ministries of Egypt and various foreign embassies. The property will introduce two towers, and a podium, in which the first tower will feature 200 hotel keys and 280 branded residences, from one to four bedrooms, while the second tower will include offices and commercial spaces. The group is collaborating with Edge Holiding, an Egyptian real-estate developer created by Al Borouj Misr Developments and Al Mashariq KSA as a joint venture in 2018. “Edge Holding Urban Development is the first and largest Egyptian-Saudi business investment that took place in the New Administrative Capital. It has introduced 20 years of experience and because of its congregated experience, it has been able to undertake two booming projects under the umbrella of the Egyptian government” mentioned Mr. Hazem El-Sherif, Chairman of Edge Holding. “Each project has its unique aesthetic tailor-made design providing a smart lifestyle within an unrivalled community, supported by Edge Holding’s dedicated team of community management. Edge Holding made sure to provide the NAC with two projects that meet the exact needs and demands of clients with the OIA compound and OIA towers. OIA Towers, a conventional development with remarkable views and outlooks; unique 30 storey East and West twin towers meticulously designed with international quality …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) held its first bi-annual ‘City Briefing’ for 2021 at the newly built Dubai Exhibition Centre, highlighting the sector’s promising performance since the reopening of the city to international tourists a year ago.  As efforts intensified across the tourism ecosystem to accelerate momentum in this landmark year for Dubai and the UAE, the forum featured a detailed presentation on Expo 2020, the multi-faceted mega event which runs from 1 October, 2021 to 31 March 2022, as well as insights into domestic and global developments and marketing campaigns worldwide aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s profile as a safe, must-visit destination and the world’s best city to live and work in. Presided by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, the forum hosted over 1,000 key executives from leading establishments in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. It was held within the framework of Dubai Tourism’s regular dialogue with key industry leaders to exchange insights and work with them to ensure the industry is seamlessly aligned with tourism growth initiatives and strategies. By holding the forum at the Dubai Exhibition Centre with precautionary guidelines being comprehensively observed, Dubai Tourism sought to highlight the enormous significance of Expo 2020 to Dubai’s tourism industry and the gathering pace of recovery in the events sector. HE Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, commented: “Dubai has continued to lead global tourism recovery and has constantly set new precedents in how to safely yet effectively open internationally and critically stay open. Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the …

Accor, the largest hotel and resort operator in Phuket, invites travellers from the Middle East and around the world to reawaken their love for travel and be amongst the first to discover the joys of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’. Phuket never fails to awaken the senses. A blissful blue sky, clear oceans, and lush green hills set the backdrop for glittering waves crashing on the pearlescent sandy shores on which only a few people gather under coconut trees swaying with the coastal breeze. The island paradise of Phuket has been closed to international visitors for over a year, allowing nature to recuperate and thrive. A new chapter now awaits with vaccinated travellers welcomed back from 1st July 2021 from countries with a low or medium risk of COVID-19 transmission. For those wistfully dreaming of a tropical beach getaway, Phuket offers the perfect collection of experiences that can be enjoyed around the island without quarantine. Days spent on breath-taking beaches are an essential part of the Phuket experience. Powdery sands, glistening waters, and spectacular views can be discovered all around the island, with a diverse array of offerings on the popular west coast as well as the more secluded east coast. There are over 30 beaches in Phuket, some of them hidden away and others adjacent to beachfront resorts. With limited flights operating, visitors have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lay on unblemished shores with very few other people, for a more chilled-out atmosphere, bringing a whole new meaning to ‘social distancing’. Where to stay: Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is nestled in a southern cove overlooking the broad palm-lined arc of Makham Bay. Its private stretch of fine white sand is great …

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, with more than 400 hotels and resorts across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is introducing a bespoke 1 year Sales & Distribution learning program for Saudi Talents across Accor properties in the Kingdom. With over 30 years of presence in the Kingdom, the group is continuously finding new ways to contribute and comply with the Kingdom’s Saudisation vision of 2030. Accor is building strong partnerships with educational institutions, local authorities and NGOs, recruiting Saudi role models to support new recruits and working with the government to provide placements for university students. Learning & Development opportunities are crucial to attracting, recruiting and retaining Saudi talent, with a focus on accelerating career development, Accor has rolled out several initiatives exclusive to the hospitality group, including the Saudi Management Training Programme (SMTP), the first initiative of its kind in the Kingdom, launched in 2014. Fairmont Riyadh –  In June 2021, the Sales & Distribution learning program began for 150 Saudi nationals, “Heartists”, across the Kingdom with the objective of building a new sales generation in compliance with local regulations. Participants of this immersive program benefit from the opportunity to acquire and build competencies in sales knowledge and skills, interaction and learning from peers and subject matter experts, and can participate in the program from any business function. The program will be taking place virtually and participants will be enrolled through Accor’s digital platform, INES. Over the four months before being certified, each participant will have to attend 3 sessions and only successful participants will be part of the second phase of the Sales Up-Skilling program starting in October 2021. Sofitel Al Khobar – “Learning and Development …

Accor has signed a brand-new Fairmont property in Saudi Arabia on the Ajdan Waterfront development, the most high-profile mixed-use development in Al Khobar and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. With an opening date expected for 2023, the hotel will feature 160 rooms and serviced apartments, four dining outlets, and meeting rooms to accommodate large social and corporate events. The group is partnering with Ajdan Real Estate Development Company, the lifestyle focus, internationally award-winning developer. “Our values rest on promoting social transformation, helping to enrich lives, and driving forward the Saudi 2030 vision. We couldn’t think of a better partner than Accor to join our vision and develop the Fairmont hotel on Ajdan. This prestigious destination is known to be one of the most desirable leisure attractions for visitors and residences of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia,” said Abdullah AlFozan, Chairman of Ajdan Real Estate Development Company. “By signing this development, we complete the final piece of Ajdan waterfront components,” said Mohammed Al Otaibi; CEO of Ajdan Real Estate Development Company. “We are proud to be the first private developer that joins its footprint with Accor, achieving this major transformation in lifestyle and tourism industry in the eastern province.” “We believe the new Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will become the ultimate premier urban waterfront development in the Eastern Province, and maybe even the whole of Saudi Arabia, adding to the strong momentum the Fairmont brand is seeing in the Kingdom after the successful opening of Fairmont Riyadh,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “Overall, with the powerful Fairmont brand features, through to the unique architecture and expressive décor added to its prime location, …

Accor is opening its first Raffles Resort in the Middle East, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Set to open in the last quarter of 2021, Raffles the Palm Dubai will be the first ultra-luxury addition to Accor’s existing diverse portfolio in Dubai. The group is partnering with Emerald Palace group (EGP), which has been successfully developing and constructing residential projects in Ukraine, UAE and Russia since 1996. At present, EGP has 8 new developments under construction, with a further 10 at project stage. “We are pleased to partner with Accor to establish the first Raffles resort in the Middle East. Our international expertise in developing and constructing hotel and residential projects combined with Accor’s knowledge, presence and prestigious brand portfolio set the grounds to open the best hotel in town!” mentioned Dr. Nver Mkhitaryan, Owner of EGP Group. Raffles the Palm Dubai will be situated within 100,000 sqm landscape on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island and archipelago. Its privileged location boasts panoramic sea views and vistas of the Dubai’s iconic skyline while offering a tranquil and private escape, just a short drive away from the city’s vibrant attractions. Once open, the resort will offer 389 luxurious rooms – starting from 65sqm- , suites and villas, each of them featuring a balcony and terrace showcasing unparalleled sea views. Not only will this new property offer unrivalled hospitality, it will also go beyond expectations by providing the legendary Raffles butler service and offering eight new unique lifestyle food and beverage experiences. Guests looking to relax during their stay will be able to indulge in Cing Mondes Spa, an award winning 3,000sqm Parisian brand with an iconic …

Accor opens a new hotel under the Swissôtel brand will be opening in Çeşme, Turkey. Swissôtel Çeşme is scheduled to open in June 2022, following the contract signed between Accor Hotel Group and Dilek Holding. Situated in Çeşme, Ilıca Bay, which is known as the Pearl of the Aegean and resembling the feeling of being in Maldives to its guests with its turquoise sea and unprecedented beach, Swissôtel Çeşme is architected by Durmuş Dilekçi. Interior architecture of the hotel is assumed by the master architect, Mustafa Toner who works for Toner Architects. “We are pleased to announce the signing of the Swissôtel Çeşme in partnership with Dilek Holding, as it joins our portfolio of managed premium properties under our  portfolio in Turkey,” said Yigit Sezgin, Chief Commercial Officer for Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “Present in 17 countries, the Swissotel brand is the perfect reflection of Swiss tradition blended with modernity. We believe the Swissôtel brand will bring a fresh blood to Çeşme” adds Sezgin, “where guests will experience lifestyle hospitality in every corner of the hotel when opening its doors in June 2022.” Adil Dilek, president of Dilek Holding, expressed his satisfaction about the partnership formed with Accor and stated “We are bringing fresh blood to tourism overall and to Ilıca Bay, also known as the Pearl of the Aegean, where the Swissôtel Çeşme will be located. Just like we brought tourism to Çeşme 20 years ago we will introduce a concept with Swissôtel Çeşme which is promising to take tourism to a higher level. In line with our affiliation with Accor, we are aiming to take Çeşme to a more luxurious segment, positioning the city as …

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”.