Marriott International has celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah together with the Diriyah Company. Expected to open in 2026, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah is anticipated to bring the brand’s legendary service and exquisite design to the cultural destination.  Plans for the hotel include 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, outdoor pool, and fitness center. A kids club with the brand’s signature Ritz Kids offering, a signature spa and other immersive guest programmes are also expected to be offered. The event was attended by Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International and Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company along with senior members from both organisations. During the official visit, representatives visited the site of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, which is expected to be the first hotel to open within Diriyah in 2024.  Bab Samhan will reflect the Najdi culture through its design and hospitality and will feature transformational experiences and destination-rooted authenticity. Design plans for the property include 135 guestrooms, including 27 suites, two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness center, pool, and spa. “We continue to witness great progress across our portfolio within Diriyah and look forward to bringing our cherished and celebrated brands to one of the world’s most anticipated cultural and heritage cities,” commented Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International. Along with The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Marriott International and Diriyah have previously announced the signings of an EDITION Hotel and a Moxy Hotel. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company added “Diriyah is so much …

The iconic Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah reopens its doors revealing a stunning transformation. After an extensive refurbishment, the resort has unveiled 203 keys, including 149 beautifully appointed guest rooms and 54 suites with breathtaking views. The newest chapter of the renowned luxury hotel has begun, as the resort ¬ welcomes guests to live unforgettable once again. Also refurbished during the transformation are the nine restaurants and lounges, the spa and wellness center, extensive outdoor space for private events and weddings, and the resort’s golden masterpiece, the legendary six-meter Waldorf Astoria clock in the heart of the lobby. This stunning clock showcases pearlized domed glass dial with a captivating aquamarine center, complemented by gold-plated Whitehurst 7-day mechanical movement. Paying homage to its Arabic roots, it features rotating prayer rings for precise prayer times. Crafted by Smith of Derby over eight months with three tones of metal, steel, and champagne gold, it bears an inscription from ancient Bedouin songs for added historical significance. The Clock, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah One of the most notable changes to the resort’s footprint is the new look of the guestrooms and suites. The design of the spacious and well-appointed suites, with notes of greens and blues inspired by the waters of the Arabian Gulf, meet the needs of today’s luxury travelers, with unparalleled experiences and elevated personalized service. An exciting stay awaits the resort’s smallest guests with a junior check-in, special amenities and a dedicated children’s club with a varied, fun-filled program. In addition, the resort’s unique concierge program, Little Hotelier, allows children to step into the world of hospitality for a day and learn new skills while creating beautiful memories during their stay. …

The Board of Directors of NEOM unveiled Utamo, its immersive destination for art and entertainment. An innovative event space to host global artists, Utamo is the latest destination to be announced by the sustainable regional development evolving in northwest Saudi Arabia. Cocooned in a mountain located along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Utamo creates a unique backdrop for music events, exhibitions, and art activations that will transform traditional entertainment experiences. Combining natural beauty and technology, the venue has been designed to be a place where art and architecture blend harmoniously, providing visitors with a truly unique experience. Guests will arrive at Utamo via an extended pathway of a garden promenade, featuring more than 50 species of shrubs, herbs and flowers, before reaching the grand hall. The 64-meter-high entrance, which pays homage to art and design, sets the scene for the awe-inspiring experiences awaiting guests inside. A theatre of the future where reality and the digital realm converge, Utamo will host events that redefine the benchmark of entertainment. Its multipurpose performance space, VIP lounges, and signature restaurants will make it one of the world’s most exclusive event spaces, as it plays host to performances from the globe’s greatest artists. The space will be carefully crafted to facilitate immersive artistic installations and performances. Advanced audio-visual systems will captivate guests with sensory experiences, enveloping them in audio-visual wonder as they become part of the performance itself. Guided by NEOM’s unwavering commitment to conservation and its efforts to create spaces in nature that support sustainable development, cutting-edge techniques will be used in the design and construction of Utamo to ensure minimal intervention with the surrounding environment. News of the development follows the recent announcements …

Emirates’ Lounge at Dusseldorf Airport has reopened after a seven-week refurbishment. The exclusive 700 square meter lounge area welcomes Emirates’ passengers with completely new, cream-colored leather seats, new furniture and carpets as well as new lighting and kitchen equipment. With the capacity to accommodate 115 guests, Emirates’ Lounge is the single largest airline lounge at Dusseldorf Airport and one of the largest Emirates Lounges in continental Europe. The newly designed facilities in Düsseldorf conclude a comprehensive investment made by the airline in Germany – within the past five months, Emirates’ airport lounges in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich have also been modernized. “We are constantly looking for ways to further enhance the travel experience for our valued customers both in the air and on ground, Emirates’ exclusive airport lounges are an integral part of our ‘Fly better’ brand promise. The investment in the refurbishment of all lounges demonstrates our commitment to our passengers and to our airport partners in Germany.” says Volker Greiner, Emirates Vice President North & Central Europe. Emirates’ lounge at Düsseldorf Airport opens daily three hours before the departure of flights EK56 and EK58, offering a wide selection of hot and cold dishes that change monthly from the renowned caterer DO & CO, including numerous vegan options, a free bar service and private shower rooms. Access to the lounges is available to all Emirates First Class and Business Class passengers as well as Skywards members with Platinum or Gold status traveling in Economy Class. Access is also available for a fee. The airline’s lounge at Düsseldorf Airport was officially opened in May 2009 as the 20th Emirates Lounge worldwide. Emirates has been flying from Düsseldorf since 2001 and its …

ITVAR wins fastest growing GSA at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Dinkar Dasaur – General Manager UAE – Satguru shared, “A Prestigious platform to nominate, appreciate & honor the top performers in the travel sector & an opportunity for experts to network. Winning an award with ATA is a testimony of being one of the best in the nominated category considering validation from the customers and Jury. It elevates & validates the efforts of our teams who strive hard for excellence. Sharing the platform with the best in the industry through the nominations of ATA, is a motivating factor in itself.  The categories of nominations at ATA signifies the market trend and client preferences & gives us the opportunity to invent & innovate new products in the Travel space.”  

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Middle East successfully concluded its 6th Annual ROC Commercial Strategy Conference, the last of the Global, Commercial Strategy Conferences after London, Toronto, Singapore, India, and Korea. The event’s theme was around Connect Evolve Lead. Connect: Phil Bedford, MSc, Asentiv Worldwide, shared an inspiring keynote on networking in the hotel industry. Evolve: Steven van Belleghem, a Customer Experience Enthusiast spoke about the story of evolution and the infusion of genuine Customer Culture. Lead: Michael Dominguez, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) spoke about The Importance of Culture, Understanding the importance of humility and starting with building the right team members. The HSMAI conference was a remarkable gathering of minds, highlighted by global keynote speakers whose insights were both relevant and thought-provoking. The conference also featured engaging roundtable discussions that fostered dynamic exchanges of ideas providing attendees with key take-home messages on the latest trends and strategies in the industry, emphasizing innovation, customer engagement, and future-forward thinking. The ROC Star Awards held during the second day of the conference, acknowledged three top talents nominated by their peers for their exemplary achievements and influence in the hospitality sector. Nine nominations were selected by the advisory boards from a total of 41 submissions. Outside of UAE, 50% of submissions this year were received from KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq making this a truly regional awards program acknowledging the efforts, innovation and performance of our on-property executives. The 2023 ROC Star winners are Linda Mwaffak, Commercial Director, Conrad Dubai, Abhay Bishnoi, Director of Revenue Management at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Laurence Desirée Klett, Director of Marketing Communications & Sustainability, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Each winner received …

Pulse Hotels & Resorts is targeting the GCC market with a range of unique and exclusive experiences curated for the regions’ avid traveller base, available across its luxury resorts for the festive season. Working with its partners at dnata, the hospitality group is unveiling exclusive offers and a range of experiences across its resorts – Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives and The Nautilus Maldives – for a tropical festive season on Maldivian private isles for 2023/24. Highlights include: Nova Maldives: Exclusive winter offer with dnata Travel In partnership with dnata Travel, the UAE’s longest serving travel provider, Nova has launched an all-inclusive holiday package with exclusive benefits for dnata’s travellers across the GCC, available this winter. In addition to the extensive range of activities and dining available to guests at Nova, dnata guests can enjoy the following, complimentary benefits: a VIP arrival experience with Manta Comfort Lounge Access, a Sunset Cruise, and enhanced in-villa minibar, to make the most of the stylish and spacious overwater and beach villas included in their stay. Nova’s ‘Aqua Utopia’-themed festive celebrations begin on 22 December 2023 with a Christmas Tree Lighting and Barefoot White Party. On December 24, a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner are included in a guests’ stay. Festivities continue through to December 31, with highlights including a Full Moon Dinner & Party (26 December) and a New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party (31 December). GCC travellers can make the most of up to 26% savings applicable on stays over five nights starting from 24 December 2023 to 10 January 2024. Rates start from AED 3,573 per accommodation per night. For bookings, access www.nova-maldives.com Kandima Maldives: ‘Holoworld’ events starting from 22nd  December A …

The picturesque Hatta region of Dubai has emerged as an exemplary model for sustainable growth and cultural preservation, making it a destination that is steadily growing in popularity not just nationally but also globally. Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta region is seeing a remarkable transformation. Driven by a visionary development plan, the region. Hatta is a testament to Dubai’s visionary leadership and commitment to balanced growth. The town, located 130 km south east of Dubai city, has not only evolved into a must-visit destination but also set an example for how modern development can harmoniously coexist with cultural conservation and environmental sustainability. The Hatta Master Development Plan, a visionary blueprint for growth and transformation launched in 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has played a crucial role in the region’s growing profile. Integrating the enhancement of residents’ wellbeing with the creation of unique experiences for visitors, the plan, which forms part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, has catalysed Hatta’s rise as a vital tourism and cultural hub. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Dubai’s Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Pillar, said Hatta’s development, guided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visionary strategy, represents a harmonious balance of sustainability and economic growth and an emphasis on maintaining the region’s unique cultural identity. “This strategic approach is focused on embracing the natural environment and preserving Hatta’s cultural heritage as fundamental and invaluable assets. The area’s development encompasses economic, cultural, ecological and social dimensions, affirming Dubai’s commitment to building a sustainable future in collaboration with the people of the …

Stella Stays revealed that 81% of residents and guests are Millennials or GenZ according to their latest data showcasing trends in purchasing power and behavioural profiles from Gen Z and Millennials renters amidst real estate industry shifts, with this audience base constituting 46% of the global population and growing. The company’s data showcases that 81% of residents and guests at Stella Stays residences are Millennials and Gen Z, the next-generation renters. With the steadfast rising cost of becoming a homeowner, Millennials and GenZ often turn to renting, despite it being a tedious and inconvenient process by traditional means, rife with inconsistencies, untrustworthy rates, lack of flexibility and limited experiences. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by this demographic, Stella Stays redefines renting from a commodity to a horizontally integrated experience that appeals to the same target audience as other tech-enabled services like Careem, Talabat, Apple and Netflix. This is achieved by offering a tech-driven flexible living platform including furnished apartments with versatile payment options including cryptocurrency, designer interiors, prime locations, community spaces and year-round modern services – mirroring the convenience of a hotel in a residential space and eradicating the inconveniences synonymous with traditional rentals. The tech-savvy, trendy and well-traveled next-gen renters view living as an experience rather than a commodity. They prefer features such as technology, indoor and outdoor community spaces, and enhanced design facets, and Stella Stays listened. From smart home systems to design upgrades with modern touches, the company prioritizes modern aesthetics and functionality. The residences’ appeal extends beyond the physical features; Stella Stays strategically creates living spaces that are social media friendly and invests in design upgrades to captivate the “Instagram-able” lifestyle of its major audience. Collaborating …

Saudi tourism statistics achieved positive results during this year, with total number of tourists (overnight visitors for all purposes) reaching (53.6 million), including (39.0 million) domestic tourists and (14.6 million) inbound tourists. The Ministry of Tourism is delighted to announce the preliminary data for the first half of 2023 tourism statistics, which demonstrates the continuous achievements following 2022’s remarkable growth within the tourism sector, in addition to informing local and international investors on the sector’s latest updates, this confirms the effectiveness of the Ministry of Tourism and its partners efforts in attracting visitors by enhancing the tourism products and quality of services, in addition to improving visa structures. Saudi tourism statistics achieved positive results during this year, with total number of tourists (overnight visitors for all purposes) reaching (53.6 million), including (39.0 million) domestic tourists and (14.6 million) inbound tourists. The total tourism spending reached (SAR150 billion), of which (SAR 63.1 billion) came from domestic tourism and (SAR 86.9 billion) from Inbound tourism, that indicates a new historical record for Saudi tourism. Inbound tourism achieved historical record numbers in the first half of 2023, recording an increase of (142%) in number of tourists and (132%) in total tourism spending vs. the first half of 2022. With the continuous development of the tourism sector, there has been an increase in the number of tourists for all purposes with leisure tourists showing the highest growth (347%) vs. the first half of 2022. Domestic tourism in the first half of 2023 recorded a growth of (16%) in tourism spending, due to the average length of stay increasing from (4.6) nights in the first half of 2022 to (6.3) nights in the first half of …