Kamah Hotels & Resorts announced their partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Together, they have signed a US$70 million deal to develop four new hotels—one in Dubai and three in India—under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The exclusive signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all parties, including Dimitris Manikis, President of EMEA, and Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director of TMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Dinesh Yadav, Director of Fine Acers & GBR and Imran Khan, CEO & Founder, PIXL Group, the exclusive global strategy & marketing partner for Kamah Hotels & Resorts. This partnership was formalised at the Future Hospitality Summit 2024 in Dubai and marks a significant expansion for Kamah’s portfolio, developed by Fine Acers Group in India and Global Branded Residences (GBR) internationally. “After our successful collaboration with Wyndham Grand Jaipur last year, we are thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts,” said Mr. Dinesh Yadav, Managing Director of Fine Acers Group & GBR. “This partnership will see the launch of four hotels under the Kamah brand, offering an exclusive luxury and wellness experience under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The first set of properties will be located in Dubai, Coorg, Jawai and Udaipur with further expansions planned in global destinations across North America, Australia and Europe, as well as prominent leisure locations in the Indian subcontinent, such as Goa, Lonavala, and Dharamshala.” There seems to be a substantial gap in the global wellness hospitality sector. With this strategic partnership between Kamah and Wyndham, both companies aim to address this shortcoming with a well-curated hospitality project that …

According to a new report released by Kearney titled: “In the mind of global travelers: how travelers’ evolving expectations are reshaping tourism” which explores preferences and priorities as international tourism traffic is poised to outpace pre-pandemic levels this year. The Middle East, for example, is well poised to capitalize on this given the visionary projects and substantial investments in tourism infrastructure being made. “Tourism in the Middle East is still in its early stages and it takes time to build a strong reputation, so it’s encouraging to see emerging destinations like the Red Sea coastline, the Albanian Riviera, Patagonia, and Lijiang making tourists’ shortlists. This suggests that with continuous asset development and strategic marketing, countries in the region can position themselves as increasingly desirable global destinations,” commented Pascal Armoudom, Partner at Kearney Middle East & Africa. It was stated that emerging destinations are gaining ground on travelers’ preferred lists, signaling a significant shift in global tourism trends. The report released at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai highlights that while travelers still prefer iconic destinations, over-tourism remains a growing concern, presenting promising opportunities for emerging markets. When looking into evolving preferences, travelers are favoring destinations that offer both leisure and urban experiences. Sun, sea and lifestyle remain the top choice, with Dubai coming in fourth globally after Miami, Bahamas, and the Maldives. There is a notable shift towards ecotourism as more globetrotters – particularly millennials – seek sustainable experiences that connect them with nature while minimizing environmental impact. A significant 86% of respondents aged 25-34 expressed a strong preference for tourism destinations minimizing environmental impact, looking for green mobility at their destination, and supporting eco-friendly accommodations. This trend presents an enormous opportunity …

Speaking with TravelTV Middle East, Mohammed Al Athel – Managing Director – Amsa Hospitality shared that their aim is to deliver 500 keys over the next few years, focusing on the mid- scale within the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”Amsa hospitality’s mission is to be the leading company in the Kingdom, where we focus on mid-to-economy scale within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As we speak we have delivered an approximate 780 keys, and the aim is to deliver 5000 keys within the next 10 years.”

On 15th January, 2025, The Land of Legends will open its doors to its newest attractions: Türkiye’s first Nickelodeon Land, and first and only Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in the country. With three brand-new, fun-filled areas, a new hotel and the chance to meet Nickelodeon characters, the new attractions will immerse guests in a Nickelodeon adventure. The new Nickelodeon Land will open at The Land of Legends, Antalya, which is a one-stop shop full of adventure, offering guests of all ages the chance to experience dizzying heights, thrilling rides, and top-class entertainment all in one place, whatever their age. The first Nickelodeon development in Türkiye marks a significant step forward for the Turkish tourism industry and The Land of Legends. The brand’s global significance means the new opening – earmarked for January 2025 – is a key project and investment for Türkiye. The collaboration between The Land of Legends and Paramount Global’s Nickelodeon, one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands, reflects the growth of the Turkish hospitality and entertainment industry. NEW for 2025 – The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Land and Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Antalya Opening 15th January 2025, Nickelodeon Land consists of three unique areas – the underwater Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants, intergalactic Star Trek: Wild Galaxy, based on Star Trek: Prodigy, and the open-air Adventure Bay PAW Patrol. Across the new development, guests will experience thrilling experiences, from riding the giant Jellyfish Jam swing in Bikini Bottom, to experiencing an adventure through space in the Star Trek: Wild Galaxy 5D cinema and flying high in Skye’s Flyers helicopter-style ride. At Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, each guest will live out their own legend and have the …

Taiba Investments unveiled a strategic partnership with Hilton to bring the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand to the holy city of Madinah. Signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World in Dubai, this agreement underscores Taiba Investments’ ongoing expansion into the high-end hospitality market and further reinforces the company’s commitment to elevating Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector by partnering with world-renowned hospitality companies such as Hilton. Commenting on the partnership, Sultan Al Otaibi, CEO, Taiba Investments, said: “This agreement marks a pivotal moment in our strategic growth, reflecting our unwavering commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s hospitality offering across diverse segments. Our collaboration with Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will elevate tourism and hospitality by delivering an extraordinary guest experience in line with the “Pilgrim Experience Program”. This project not only reaffirms our leadership in the sector but also highlights our dedication to Saudi Vision 2030 by providing world-class accommodation that honor the Kingdom’s rich heritage.” Set to open in 2028, Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will mark the debut of the award-winning brand in Madinah, introducing its unparalleled standards of luxury and signature service to the holy city. Uniquely situated on the northern side of the Prophet’s Mosque (PBUH), the hotel boasts exclusive, direct views of the holy site and is only a few minutes’ walk away. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Taiba Investments through this remarkable project. Saudi Arabia remains one of our fastest-growing markets where we plan to grow our footprint to exceed 100 hotels in the coming years. Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will bring the brand’s timeless hospitality and elegant service …

Visit Qatar announced the launch of its new global campaign ‘Amaze Yourself’, which marks an important step towards achieving its strategic goal of attracting more than six million visitors annually and establishing Qatar as a must-visit destination by 2030. The campaign invites travellers from families, couples and friends to embark on a trip to Qatar to explore unexpected new and unforgettable experiences. This initiative sets Qatar apart from other tourist destinations by highlighting its unique landmarks and experiences, each designed to celebrate lifelong moments and memories that visitors carry with them. The campaign showcases a wide range of Qatar’s attractions, offering many relaxation and adventure experiences in a warm, safe and inclusive environment, from the natural beauty of the enchanting Banana Island to the vibrant atmosphere of Souq Waqif, and the excitement of driving over the dunes. The campaign, which features a contemporary version of the classic Bobby Hub song Sunny, has been launched in 10 international markets across a variety of media outlets, including television, social media, digital channels, press kits and outdoor advertising. Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar is geographically located at the crossroads of East and West, making it an ideal and accessible destination. It is only a 6-8-hour flight from most major cities in the world, with access to more than 177 destinations in the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All this makes Qatar an ideal choice for visitors looking for a stopover or a short vacation during which they enjoy a family atmosphere, a safe environment and a bright sun throughout the year. The campaign aims to strengthen Qatar’s global profile and promote its unique landmarks and …

Speaking at Future Hospitality Summit World in Dubai, HE Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE shared that they target 16% contribution from tourism to GDP by 2031. HE Al Marri further shared that they are on track with the demand and supply and that they target over 450biliion dirhams worth of investments in the hotel industry over the next seven years. Further iterated the need to increase room nights especially by combining medical and wellness tourism. “We are targeting over 450 billion dirhams worth of investments in the hotel industry itself to come in in the next seven years. We are looking at increasing the number of keys, increase the amount of hotels, offers, products coming in. We’re looking at it from a different line. We’re looking at medical tourism, wellness tourism. These are kind of the two topics now that’s really going on in the tourism aspects, but they are segregated. They talk about medical tourism on a separate note, and they talk about wellness tourism on a separate note. To me, wellness and medical has to be combined. I look at it that way because the most important thing is the nights per stay, the tourists who stay in the country. Today, there are about 3 to 4 nights per stay. We want to increase that to 7 nights, 8 nights. That’s the dream for any interest of tourism.”

Accor announced the signing of Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, the latest addition to its portfolio of premium hotels in partnership with Gulf Hotels Group. The signing ceremony was held during the Future Hospitality Summit. This agreement marks the rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay as the Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, a strategic move to strengthen the hotel’s competitive position in Dubai’s dynamic hospitality market. Gulf Hotels Group stands as one of the most respected and pioneering hospitality companies in the Middle East and Africa. With a history spanning over five decades, Gulf Hotels Group is synonymous with luxury, innovation, and service excellence. The rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay is another step in Gulf Hotels Group’s mission to uphold its legacy while adapting to market demands and opportunities. Gulf Hotels Group has been managing the property for several years, and with this rebranding, the Group will continue to manage and oversee the hotel’s operations, ensuring the same level of excellence for which it has become renowned. The hotel will now benefit from Accor’s global reach, loyalty, sales and distribution platforms, and brand recognition, further enhancing its appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Set to open in 2025, the hotel brings Grand Mercure’s modern flair and passion for local culture to the city’s vibrant Downtown and Business Bay areas – strategically positioned near Dubai International Airport, financial and business districts, as well as key leisure hubs and tourist attractions. Featuring a prime location with views over the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal, Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown will offer 270 keys comprising 239 rooms and 31 suites ranging from standard, deluxe, superior and grand deluxe. The hotel provides …

RAK Properties has expanded its partnership with Minor Hotels to introduce the upcoming Anantara Branded Residences on Mina al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah. The signing ceremony took place during the Future Hospitality Summit, marking another significant milestone in RAK Properties’ vision to position Mina Al Arab as a leading global destination for luxury island living within a vibrant community hub. This expanded collaboration, part of RAK Properties’ broader strategy of integrating renowned international hospitality brands, reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal to investors and residents seeking high-end living. By integrating world-class brands like Anantara, RAK Properties demonstrates its commitment to sustainable developments that enhance the emirate’s allure for luxury living and tourism. This represents a milestone in the expansion of the company’s premium real estate portfolio and supports Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for luxury waterfront living. The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Residences promise an unparalleled lifestyle, where the tranquillity of traditional Thai design will meet the tropical allure of Ras Al Khaimah. Residents will enjoy the epitome of luxury living, complete with world-class amenities, private infinity pools, expansive terraces, and direct access to the pristine shoreline — all within the comfort and privacy of their own sea-view apartment or overwater villa. The development will include around 94 residential apartments and 20 overwater villas. JT&P has been appointed as the lead designer, ensuring the project’s architectural excellence and seamless integration into the natural surroundings. Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, said: “Our continued partnership with Minor Hotels is a key milestone in expanding our luxury portfolio. The Anantara brand aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering world-class, sustainable developments that highlight the natural beauty of Ras Al Khaimah. …

The existing partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will be strengthened with the announcement that Qatar Airways Group intends to acquire a minority 25% equity stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital (subject to FIRB approval). A deeper strategic relationship between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will drive increased competition in Australian aviation. This will ensure Australian consumers have access to even better value airfares and greater choice. Domestic competition in Australia is dependent on Virgin Australia thriving through the inevitable ups and downs of aviation. Qatar Airways Group’s strategic investment will provide access to the critical scale and expertise of a world leading global airline. The minority stake also serves as a cornerstone investment ahead of an anticipated return of Virgin Australia into public ownership and the opportunity that would provide for Australians to share in Virgin Australia’s future. The equity investment by Qatar Airways Group will unlock new areas of cooperation with Virgin Australia, all of which will help to drive additional consumer and economic benefits. Subject to ACCC authorisation this cooperation will enable Virgin Australia to launch flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to Doha, connecting seamlessly into Qatar Airways’ global network. These extra flights will open up more than 100 new connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Australian travellers. The proposed wet lease services will begin in mid-2025, allowing Virgin Australia to assess the longer-term merits and viability of wide-body aircraft flying while providing Australians with greater local competition for their long-haul travel needs in the near-term. The expanded codeshare and collaboration arrangement will provide access to a greater range of international destinations with improved schedules and frequencies, increased earn and …