NEOM Hotel Division has joined The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance- its 50th member. Consisting of now 50 members, the Alliance works to address critical challenges impacting the planet, people, and places worldwide. NEOM Hotel Division, which is focused on creating and operating hotels of the future that have sustainability at their core, shares the Alliance’s belief that collaboration is the key to unlocking solutions for the hospitality sector and paving the way for a more sustainable future. One of NEOM Hotel Division’s key contributions will be piloting the groundbreaking Net Positive Hospitality Academy, a sustainable training system launched in Q4 of last year. This innovative online platform equips the industry with scalable knowledge assets, tools, and modules, empowering hospitality professionals with the skills and resources necessary to drive meaningful change across the industry. Glenn Mandziuk, Chief Executive Officer of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “I am thrilled to welcome NEOM Hotel Division to the Alliance, especially as our 50th member. Together, we can make a tangible impact on the hotel industry. NEOM Hotel Division is at the forefront of our industry’s sustainability innovation journey to lead all hotels towards Net Positive Hospitality. Additionally, they mark an important milestone as our first member headquartered in Saudi Arabia.” Chris Newman, Executive Director at NEOM Hotel Division, said: “We are excited and honored to be joining the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. We share the same commitment to the principles of environmental responsibility and sustainable and regenerative practices. The Net Positive Hospitality Academy has the potential to have a wide-reaching impact across our industry. Central to the Academy is collaboration – real progress can only be made by working together and we look …

The Spanish hotel chain Palladium Hotel Group strengthens its international presence with its arrival in the Middle East with The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences. This new project, announced in partnership with Al Marjan and Almal Real Estate Development, will feature 442 hotel rooms and residential units under the brand The Unexpected Hotels & Residences. Inspired by the iconic Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, this collection focuses on guest experience and introduces the branded residences segment. Located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the development will include a sophisticated beach club, exquisite restaurant, and captivating infinity pool, all adjacent to the Wynn Resort Island and overlooking the picturesque Arabian Gulf. The Unexpected Hotels & Residences will keep the innovative spirit of Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, preserving its visual identity with recognizable elements like its typography, characteristic color, and iconic hummingbird. This new venture aims to elevate luxury and exclusivity to a new level, in line with the demands of today’s discerning travelers.

Emirates hosted an exclusive tour of its upgraded four-class A380 aircraft at Osaka Kansai International Airport, this week, showcasing the highly popular Premium Economy product that was launched on the Osaka-Dubai route recently. The product launch in Osaka follows the introduction of the Premium Economy cabin on flights to Tokyo Narita in December 2023. The Emirates’ Premium Economy launch event was attended by Marwan Alnaqbi, Deputy Head of Mission, UAE Embassy and Hayato Shingu, Executive Officer Deputy Chief Commercial Office, Kansai Airport Authority as well as Emirates’ trade partners and the local media. The aircraft tour provided trade partners and media guests with an exclusive opportunity to experience Emirates’ newest product firsthand. All the guests also toured the airline’s upgraded First and Business Class cabins as well as refreshed interiors. The introduction of the enhanced four-class A380 aircraft underscores Emirates’ steadfast dedication to continuously expand its offerings for the Japanese market, and reaffirms the airline’s longstanding commitment to deliver an unparalleled travel experience for the Japanese travellers. “Since the introduction of the Premium Economy cabin on our Dubai/Narita route, we’ve seen overwhelmingly positive response from the Japanese travellers who experienced the product. The inclusion of Osaka in our Premium Economy network signifies our commitment to expanding the product offerings for Japanese customers. With more than 10,200 passengers having experienced our product since it was launched in Tokyo Narita in December 2023, we’re confident that Emirates’ Premium Economy will receive an equally positive response in Osaka as it sets a new benchmark in travel standards in Japan, redefining comfort and luxury with its meticulous design and unparalleled service quality.” said Satish Sethi, Emirates’ Country Manager for Japan. Within the four-class configuration of …

Türkiye’s national flag carrier has launched its 14th destination in the United States, bringing its passengers together with the unique beauty of Denver. Having started its operations to the Americas in 1988 with flights to New York, Turkish Airlines has expanded its flight network to include Denver as the 14th destination in the United States of America. Starting from last week Turkish Airlines schedules 3 flights a week to Denver, its 347th destination in 130 countries. From July 9, 2024, the frequency will increase to 4 flights a week, thereby contributing to the tourism and trade volumes between the two countries by transporting thousands of passengers annually on the Istanbul-Denver route. Commenting on the new route, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are delighted to add a new route to our expanding flight network. We began our operations to the Americas on August 26, 1988, with flights to New York via Brussels, and 6 years later, on July 16, 1994, we began direct flights to New York. Today, we are proud to fly directly to 14 destinations in the United States, including Denver. This new route will offer our passengers the opportunity to discover the historical and cultural richness of Istanbul and our country.” Denver, the capital and largest city of the state of Colorado, attracts many domestic and international travelers with its cultural attractions and as a host for various sports events. The flag carrier will operate flights between Istanbul Airport and Denver International Airport with special launch prices. With tickets purchased by July 3, 2024, Turkish Airlines passengers can benefit from prices starting at 787 USD, for travel dates between …

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts  announced the opening of  The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, marking the debut of the brand in Oman. The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort features 250 lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites including one-to-three-bedroom duplexes, offering expansive ocean, golf course or city views. Guest rooms feature private balconies, walk-in wardrobes, large bathrooms and luxurious amenities and are filled with natural light by floor-to-ceiling windows. The legendary St. Regis Butler Service, a personalised hallmark of the brand for more than a century, ensures that each guest’s individual preferences are anticipated at every turn. Blending local heritage, avant-garde design and the timeless glamour of the St. Regis brand, the resort, developed by Alfardan Group, introduces the signature hallmarks born at New York’s finest address of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, to the region’s luminaries. “The debut of the St. Regis brand in Oman marks a significant milestone as we continue to grow our portfolio of the best addresses around the world,” said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. “Oman is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, pristine landscapes and warm hospitality. We look forward to inviting guests to experience this thriving leisure destination, coupled with the anticipatory service and cherished rituals for which the St. Regis brand is renown.” Located in the heart of Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighbourhoods known for its luxurious beachfront living, the exquisite resort is a gateway to the captivating cultural wonders of Oman including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Al Hajar Mountains, the natural pools of Wadi Shab, and the crystal water of Daymaniyat Islands. The resort is positioned on the tranquil shores of …

Etihad Airways celebrated the start of its flights to Jaipur, India offering guests four non-stop services a week, enhancing connectivity between one of India’s cultural treasures, and the rest of the world, via Abu Dhabi.Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “With the resurgence of outbound travel from India, we are thrilled to start four weekly flights to Jaipur, a significant cultural and commercial centre. By establishing this crucial air link with Rajasthan, we aim to meet the increasing demand from travellers in and around the region, providing them with convenient access to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and seamless connectivity to our extensive global network, while delivering a remarkable flying experience.” From exploring the historic forts and palaces to indulging in the vibrant culture and culinary delights, Jaipur offers visitors a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Travellers from Northwest India will benefit from the non-stop service with seamless access to Etihad’s expanding network and frequent connections through Abu Dhabi’s global links. The new route enables more visitors to explore the emirate’s rich history and vibrant culture. Moreover, passengers will experience the exceptional facilities at Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A, Etihad’s new home, which sets new standards for travel comfort and service excellence. Travellers flying from Jaipur to the United States can take advantage of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi, streamlining the immigration process and ensuring a hassle-free journey. The start of the Jaipur service further underlines Etihad’s deepening commitment to the Indian market where the airline has increased its capacity by a third over the past 12 months. The flights will be operated with aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, offering Etihad’s award-winning service to …

Stirling Hospitality Advisors made two announcements, one was to bring in an upper midscale brand hotel on Al Marjan island in Ras Al Khaimah with 300 – 350 keys and the second was the launch of a new Development Advisory Vertical designed to provide hospitality developers with a comprehensive services package that will include essential support throughout the entire development process. Under the new Development Advisory Vertical, Stirling Hospitality Advisors will coordinate the project on behalf of the owner from concept ideation to development and construction, until the hotel is fully operational. Commenting on the launch, Tatiana Veller, Managing Director at Stirling Hospitality Advisors said: “We have successfully positioned ourselves within the heart of the action in Ras Al Khaimah, and are delighted to be able to capitalize on the huge opportunities that are available here, and the rapid market growth. With our expertise and resources, we hold the keys to successful hotel development. We’re excited to launch our new development advisory vertical, further cementing our leadership in the industry.” Under the new vertical, the hotel development process will start with Stirling Hospitality Advisors assisting the investor with concept creation, feasibility study, hotel operator/brand search, and negotiation. Following this, the expert team will continue overseeing and coordinating all stakeholders throughout the development process, anticipating potential problems that a first-time developer might not foresee. Led by Michael Bagdasarov, Senior Advisory Manager at Stirling Hospitality Advisors, the team has already begun servicing clients under the new vertical with two projects underway. This includes a complete development advisory services agreement with BB Holding for an upper-midscale branded hotel on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, with approximately 300-350 keys. Having successfully helped BB …

The latest white paper released by Future Hospitality Summit focuses on the fact that hospitality asset owners and investors are keen on ramping up technology investment, however, they are challenged by the overwhelming abundance of information and options of tech vendors. This abundance, coupled with the fear of costly mis-investments due to a lack of the right information hampers effective decision-making. Ahead of Future Hospitality Summit, organisers The Bench have published their latest industry white paper on Navigating the Hospitality Tech Investment Landscape. Global investment trends in hospitality technology discussed in the report include an increased focus on automation and the guest experience, in which AI plays a crucial role. According to PwC’s 2023 report, over 70% of hotel executives are prioritising investments in technologies that streamline operations and elevate the guest journey. Key areas of investments include Property Management Systems (PMS), AI in Revenue Management as well as guest technologies such as in-room controls, online check-in, and mobile keys. The white paper also touches on specific areas of untapped potential to drive innovation and enhance the hotel guest experience through tech investment. These include the automation of manual processes to free up valuable time to deliver a more personalised guest experience, and the integration of payments technology for a more seamless guest experience and improved operational efficiency. Technology and innovation will be a key theme of focus at FHS World this year. At the dedicated ‘Tech Zone’, businesses can showcase their tech offerings and connect with C-level hospitality investment decision-makers, hotel owners and operators, and investors.

Sabre Hospitality announced the launch of SynXis Concierge.AI, an innovative solution harnessing the power of Generative AI to transform customer service for hoteliers. SynXis Concierge.AI represents Sabre Hospitality’s first deployment of Generative AI, a technology that generates new content from inputs such as text, images, and code. Drawing on Sabre’s extensive data resources, Concierge.AI provides immediate, detailed, and accurate responses to specific queries, ensuring that effectiveness is no longer solely dependent on support agent knowledge and experience. Initially, SynXis Concierge.AI is being utilized by Sabre’s Customer Care and Delivery (CCD) team to enhance customer service. The entire CCD team is equipped with Concierge.AI, poised to handle a variety of customer interactions including questions, requests, and problem resolution. “SynXis Concierge.AI will significantly elevate the customer service experience by providing swift and accurate resolutions,” said Scott Wilson, President, Sabre Hospitality. “This innovation underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.” Sabre Hospitality’s plans for SynXis Concierge.AI, include integration into the Community Portal to enhance self-service capabilities. Sabre is also exploring its application in existing products to drive operational efficiency and optimize conversions. “Generative AI represents a monumental leap in technology for the hospitality industry,” said Amy Read, VP of Innovation at Sabre Hospitality. “With SynXis Concierge.AI, we are not only revolutionizing customer service but also unlocking new opportunities for driving operational efficiency and personalizing the guest experience. We have the data and connectivity to maximize Generative AI’s potential, and we are fully committed to continuous innovation, helping our customers achieve their fullest potential with this transforming technology.”

Kuwait Airways launched its first scheduled summer flights to the city of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman with three flights per week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. They shared that the company said that the selection of Salalah as a destination came after comprehensive research of the feasibility of this destination in general, and the extent of its demand, which is becoming increasingly popular among valued customers, especially during the summer season, due to the various attributes of Salalah, such as its moderate climate, touristic attractions, historical and cultural landmarks, as well as its greenery and picturesque nature. Kuwait Airways had previously announced its flight schedule for the 2024 summer travel season which includes the launch of new destinations such as Antalya with two flights per week, Bodrum with three flights per week, Trabzon with three flights per week, Sharm El Sheikh with two flights per week, Malaga with three flights per week, Nice with two flights per week and Sarajevo with three flights per week, bringing the operation of flights to 55 destinations and the average number of flights per day to 52 flights during the summer season. Kuwait Airways has perceived the necessity to increase the frequency of its flights, to operate additional flights to certain destinations, such as London, Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, and Geneva, and to cater to the increasing demand for these European destinations and to other destinations witnessing extensive demand during the summer, such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Manchester. Furthermore, Kuwait Airways will operate its wide-body aircraft, consisting of the Boeing B777-300, to most of the European destinations, to enable its valued customers to benefit from the amenities of the Royal and Business class …