Category Archives: Hotels

According to a recent report released by Dubai tourism, the hotel sector has recorded one of the highest in the world with occupancy at 76 per cent with establishments delivering a combined 15.71 million occupied room nights during the first six months of the year, a five per cent increase over the same period in 2018. Another noteworthy fact is that the emirate has now reached an inventory of 118,345 within 714 establishments at the end of June 2019, representing a six per cent increase, which showcased continued strong investor confidence in Dubai’s tourism demand. In the Middle East, Dubai continues to be the much favoured destination recording the largest traffic from all over the world. Brands such as Rove have revolutionised the market in Dubai. Luxury five-star and four-star hotels commanded 34 and 25 per cent of the emirate’s total inventory, respectively.  Meanwhile properties in the one to three-star categories represented a share of 20 per cent. Increasing demand for diversified accommodation options was met with a combined 21 per cent of hotel apartment establishments across the deluxe/superior and standard categories.

Travelport has announced the development of a blockchain solution to enhance the hotel commission reconciliation process. Working with IBM Services and BCD Travel, as well as a number of high-profile hotel chains, the blockchain technology solution aims to optimise hotel commission processing on a distributed ledger by managing reconciliation, tracking and accounting for commission payments owed from hotel chains for services purchased by travellers via booking agencies. Ross Vinograd, Senior Product Director, Travelport, said: “Blockchain technology applied to commission reconciliation has the potential to deliver real ROI to both a travel agency and the hotel. Traveller modifications at property, no shows, and complimentary room nights are just a few examples that drive commission discrepancies which in turn generate escalations, cost, and revenue loss. Our aim is to put the lifecycle of a booking on the blockchain and we believe doing so will drive transparency, trust, and ultimately booking volume.” Kurt Wedgwood, IBM Blockchain Leader-Travel, added: “Global distribution companies and providers would benefit from this use of blockchain technology to remove their never-ending work of reconciliation to spend that time adding new experiences and insights for the traveller. Eliminating the hours spent addressing dollars in dispute or the timeliness and accuracy of information allows all participants to focus on what matters most: the traveller.”  

OYO Hotels & Homes have announced multilingual support for its customer app (Android and iOS) and mobile web platforms. With a consumer-first approach backed by innovative technology, through its newly launched multilingual support on the customer app and mobile web platforms, OYO aims to offer a hassle-free and customized booking experience to millions of users across the world. With Arabic language support, OYO aims to extend support to more users in UAE and reach out to the growing number of internet users. The Change Language Functionality will enable users to simply switch from English to Arabic and enjoy customized yet quality booking experience. Commenting on the launch, Anil Goel, Group Chief Technology & Product Officer, OYO Hotels & Homes, said, “At OYO, customer experience is a priority. Being a tech-driven hospitality business, we leverage the right technology and talent to deliver predictable, affordable, good quality stay experiences for everyday travelers and city dwellers. With this multilingual support, we aim to make user interactions hassle-free and convenient, further adding to the overall customer experience across the world. We believe that Arabic language support will make us more accessible to customers in UAE.”    

M Hotel Downtown by Millennium will operate under the newest brand for  Millennium Hotels & Resorts portfolio ‘Millennium Central’.  Situated at the heart of Downtown Dubai, Millennium Central Downtown’s tailor-made services will cater to the needs of frequent business travellers looking for a short stay that is in the vicinity of major commercial, business and trade hubs. The hotel will be known for its features such as a unique central location; a hassle-free and prime quality service, convenience to work and unwind at the same time; unique spaces for business meetings, creative brainstorming or social gatherings; and convenient meal options like food on the go. Millennium Central Downtown is owned by Naissk Hotels and Resorts, a global hospitality company with upscale and luxurious hotel properties around the world. The property will be managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa to offer distinctive and comfortable stay experiences to travellers. Neeska Naik, Founder at Naissk Hotels and Resorts, said, “Millennium Central is the answer to urban travellers’ demand who travel for business, and yet are looking for an informal hotel ambience and personalised services.” Kevork Deldelian, Chief Operating Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa, said, “Millennium Central Downtown will be the first hotel under the Millennium Central brand and we aim to expand our portfolio as an exquisite and tailor-made entity in the hospitality business.”    

Millennium Al Barsha, a four-star hotel located in Al Barsha area in close proximity to Mall of the Emirates, is now open for business and leisure travellers. The hotel is developed and owned by Deyaar Development PJSC, one of the UAE’s leading property development and real estate services companies and managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa, one of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the region. Christian Palacin, General Manager of Millennium Al Barsha, said, “The hotel’s perfect location in the bustling area of Al Barsha, near Mall of the Emirates and at a short distance from all business and leisure areas make it the ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike.” Millennium Al Barsha includes 299 well-appointed rooms and suites and 109 serviced apartments featuring all modern amenities and the latest technology. The hotel’s facilities include House of Colours, an all-day dining restaurant serving international cuisine showcasing playfulness with its open kitchen concept, Moroccan Kitchen serves an authentic Moroccan cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Pool Deck is the rooftop lounge serving light snacks and beverages, while the Lobby lounge epitomises relaxed ambience with a selection of coffee, tea and fresh juices. The hotel also features a spa, two rooftop swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, sauna and steam room, and a fully equipped Kids Club as well as a playground with fun games and activities for children from one up to 12 years of age. Millennium Al Barsha also provides a range of impressive conference and five meeting rooms, designed to host small social occasions as well as large corporate meetings and events.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced a partnership with the world’s leading hotel and resort brand, Aman, who will develop their first three properties in AlUla. The partnership agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, the Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Farhan Al Saud, and Chairman and CEO of Aman, Vladislav Doronin, marking the brand’s first entry to Saudi Arabia and the region. Under the terms of a Technical Services Agreement, Aman will develop three distinct luxury resorts of architectural excellence including a tented camp, a resort near AlUla’s spectacular heritage areas and a third development as a desert ranch-style resort. Detailed design work on all three properties is scheduled to commence in the coming months with a development timeline that will welcome the first guests in 2023. Commenting on the agreement, His Highness Prince Badr, said, “The decision by Aman to open its first resorts in the Middle East in AlUla shows the promise and progress of the vision for AlUla to become a worldwide destination for those seeking unique experiences.” RCU and Aman have also signed a partnership to design, manage and brand the destinations as Aman, offering the refined Aman guest experience that goes beyond any expectation. Doronin welcomed the new partnership and said, “Many of our existing Aman destinations are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty and rich history. With the addition of spectacular AlUla, this takes us to ten properties situated near or in UNESCO heritage sites, making it a fitting location for our first destination in the Middle East.”

Adding to its mid-scale range, Accor is bolstering its portfolio in the United Arab Emirates to 58 hotels with the opening of the Novotel Bur Dubai in Healthcare City. With an ideal location just a short distance from Dubai Creek and within walking distance of Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station, Novotel Bur Dubai will also offer guests a shuttle service to the city’s world-renowned shopping malls, beaches and tourist destinations. Novotel Bur Dubai features 219 rooms and suites, along with a wide range of wellness facilities and leisure activities, including a fully equipped fitness centre, an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool and massage treatments as well as carefully curated F&B options focusing on health and wellness. It will also be the only Novotel in the United Arab Emirates with an outdoor jacuzzi, which can be found on the private balcony of the Executive Suite. Novotel Bur Dubai offers specially designed rooms for guests with physical disabilities (People of Determination) as well as interconnecting family-friendly rooms. Special opening rates, starting from AED 250 per room, per night – including complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi – are available for stays from August 1 to 31, 2019.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East and Africa unveiled its partnership with Holidays by flydubai, the holidays division of the Dubai-based airline, with an aim to boost the MEA tourism sector. Through this agreement, Millennium Hotels and Resorts and flydubai customers can have access to exclusive benefits and packages offered by Holidays by flydubai. Alexander Suski, Associate Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, commented, “Our partnership with Holidays by flydubai comes as part of our efforts to build strategic partnerships and drive more footfalls to the region. We look forward to providing special packages and preferred rates for flydubai passengers to enjoy a unique hospitality experience and have a memorable stay at our hotels and resorts.” Nelson D’Souza, Vice President, Holidays by flydubai, said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Millennium Hotels and Resorts and we look forward to the increased opportunities that our passengers will have when booking their tailor-made packages with Holidays by flydubai.” flydubai’s Holidays division was launched in 2018 and has been consistently growing its product offering across the flydubai network. The online portal is designed to be a one-stop shop for passengers to browse for and book their holiday packages consisting of flights and hotels, with the option to add ancillary services.  

Hilton and Alshaya Group announced a significant development of their ongoing relationship with the exclusive signing of a master development agreement to rapidly launch and develop 70 Hampton by Hilton hotels in nine countries, with the majority of these in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Russia. With the first hotel expected to open in Kuwait in 2021, Alshaya Group will deliver 50 hotels in the next eight years, with another 20 in the development pipeline, significantly expanding Hampton by Hilton’s presence in the region. Hampton by Hilton is the leading global hospitality brand in the focused service hotel category, with nearly 2,500 hotels operating in 27 countries and territories around the world, making it the largest brand in Hilton’s portfolio. “We are delighted to reach this exclusive agreement with Alshaya Group, strengthening our partnership and further expanding our global Hampton by Hilton portfolio,” said Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton. “Alshaya has been an important partner, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of pioneering the hospitality industry this year, and we look forward to working together to introduce travellers to Hampton by Hilton in these high-growth destinations.” “There is growing demand for high quality accommodation in the region and we are excited by the potential of the Hampton by Hilton brand”, said Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group. “This is an important new partnership for Alshaya, further diversifying our offer to consumers, and allowing us to replicate the global success of Hampton by Hilton in our operating markets.”

Dubai Retail, the retail management arm of Dubai Holding, has announced that JRG Dubai, its home-grown restaurant management company, has rebranded as Sarood Hospitality, marking a new era for the UAE-born company. Part of Dubai Retail’s strategic efforts to propel the emirate’s food and beverage industry and establish Dubai as an innovative force in the global hospitality sector, the creation of Sarood Hospitality comes as Dubai Retail aims to reinvent a number of its unique F&B outlets to continue to be ahead of market trends, while meeting the needs of increasingly sophisticated consumers. As a full-service hospitality brand, Sarood Hospitality’s portfolio includes Al Nafoorah, The Noodle House, Pierchic, Flow, The Duck Hook, Hillhouse Brasserie, Khaymat Al Bahar, Pai Thai, Perry & Blackwelder’s, Segreto, and Trattoria Toscana. “Sarood Hospitality is much more than a name, it is a vision and philosophy that sets a clear direction for the future of Dubai Retail as an independent leader in restaurant management and unique concepts born in Dubai,” said Nabil Ramadhan, CEO of Dubai Retail. “Sarood refers to the traditional woven mats decorated elaborately and used in the presentation of food during meals. We chose Sarood Hospitality because the name symbolises how the company’s iconic restaurant brands are already interwoven in the fabric of Dubai and serve as true symbols of hospitality and multi-faceted sustainability,” added Ramadhan.