Category Archives: Hotels

Grand Millennium Gizan won the title of ‘Best business and leisure hotel, KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. One of the premier luxury 5 Star Hotel in Gizan, it is the most preferred hotel for leisure and business traveller conveniently located in the South of KSA within Gizan University complex, just 20 minutes away from Gizan International Airport. The award was received by Marc Sawaya, Cluster Commercial Director, Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Houssam Chaouachi, Senior Sales Manager, Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

Hilton and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) partnered to showcase the diverse travel experiences tourists can enjoy in Saudi Arabia through an engaging creative content campaign. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, short films and photos have been creatively produced to promote Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula, Makkah and Madinah. These captivating visuals transport viewers to discover the country’s distinctive destinations. The campaign builds on last year’s successful partnership between the two entities, in which they created engaging seasonal content for viewers, and is now being rolled out internationally, including across the Middle East, South Africa, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The announcement also follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Hilton and STA in 2023 to explore cooperation opportunities to promote Saudi Arabia and attract visitors to the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030. It also comes as Hilton continues its plans to more than quadruple its presence with over 70 hotels under development – adding more than 18,000 keys to its growing portfolio, introducing more of its award-winning brands, and creating over 15,000 jobs for hospitality professionals across the Kingdom– with more than half of new hires being Saudi nationals. The content, which can be viewed here, serves as a window that immerses visitors in Saudi experiences before their arrival. It brings to life the Kingdom’s must-visit hotspots and dives into the heart of its welcoming cities. From the spiritual significance of its holy cities, and highlighting the historical treasures of Diriyah, to revelling in the beauty of ancient oases and the stunning topography of the country. It invites visitors to experience the very best of Saudi Arabia with Hilton, highlighting the global hospitality company’s hotels …

Rixos Alexandria Park opened its doors in January 2025. Located in one of Egypt’s most historically significant areas, the resort blends the grandeur of the past with the refined luxury that has become synonymous with the Rixos brand. Experience unparalleled luxury in 326 spacious rooms, suites and villas, as well as 31 exclusive chalets. Whether you’re looking for privacy, romance or family luxury, these accommodations offer elegant design and stunning views, to meet all your needs. In addition, the resort features 152 exquisitely appointed club rooms and suites , as well as a main restaurant and two exceptional à la carte dining experiences, to satisfy all tastes.In its first phase, the resort unveiled the Royal Salamlique Palace and the tranquil King Fouad Inn, where guests are invited to enjoy a harmonious blend of history, sophistication and modern luxury. Future phases will continue to offer more exceptional experiences, enhancing the attractiveness of the resort. Enjoy the charm of Salamlek Palace, a true jewel of historical significance. This stately palace features 18 elegantly appointed suites and rooms, including the legendary Royal Suite specially designed for Khedive Abbas Helmi II and his royal family. The charm of the palace extends to the world-class Royal Table 1892 restaurant and a fine dining experience at La Contes, where fine dining meets exceptional service. For unforgettable moments, the Salamlek Ballroom and Plaza Plaza offer a stunning atmosphere. Guests can relax at the luxurious Anjana Spa and enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, diving in total serenity. Located along the shores of the Mediterranean, King Fouad Inn features 80 luxury lodges, each with private terraces and sweeping sea views with direct beach access. Guests can enjoy vibrant marine …

FORM Hotel Dubai is redefining the meaning of boutique hospitality. Located in Al Jaddaf, a rapidly emerging hub celebrated for its proximity to Dubai Creek and Dhow Wharfage, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with the warmth of cultural heritage. As a member of Design Hotels and part of Marriott Bonvoy, FORM Hotel stands out as a testament to modern sophistication and timeless charm. Stepping into FORM Hotel, guests are greeted with a world where thoughtful design meets impeccable attention to detail. Each spacious room is adorned with custom-crafted furniture by contemporary artists, creating a unique environment that feels both personal and inspiring. From the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views and a temperature-controlled pool to a state-of-the-art fitness center, every amenity has been carefully curated to elevate the guest experience. Dining options at FORM Hotel further enhance its appeal, offering culinary experiences that celebrate global flavors while embracing the art of hospitality. Recognized globally for its dedication to excellence, FORM Hotel has earned accolades such as the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024 for Luxury Boutique Hotel, UAE, and Luxury Urban Hotel, Middle East, among others. These achievements underscore the hotel’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for its guests. Al Jaddaf’s transformation into a thriving urban district mirrors FORM Hotel’s vision of innovation and progress. Just minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, the area has become a sought-after destination for its strategic location and burgeoning cultural scene. FORM Hotel’s presence in this dynamic neighborhood speaks to its role as both a pioneer in boutique luxury and a partner in the district’s growth. “As we step into 2025, FORM Hotel continues to champion boutique hospitality in Al Jaddaf, a …

Marriott Hotels announced the opening of Cappadocia Marriott Hotel. Nestled within the moonscape landscapes of Cappadocia, the property is the largest and newest hotel in the region with 298 guest rooms, offering travellers a gateway to the storied destination. Ideally situated near the town of Göreme, guests can easily explore Cappadocia’s top attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Göreme National Park, the Open-Air Museum, and the renowned underground cities. The hotel’s prime location also places guests close to the area’s famous hot air balloon launch sites, providing a breathtaking opportunity to experience the dramatic vistas from above. “We are thrilled to introduce the first Marriott Hotel in Cappadocia, a sought-after destination, renowned for its unique beauty and cultural significance,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium & Select Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “This property not only marks our debut in Cappadocia, but also underscores Marriott International’s ongoing commitment to the Turkish market. Guests can expect our hallmark of heartfelt service, elevated experiences, and the timeless hospitality that defines Marriott Hotels. We aim to create unforgettable stays, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in unique history, awe-inspiring scenery and diverse experiences.” The architecture and design of Cappadocia Marriott Hotel are deeply inspired by the region’s distinctive appearance. Built using locally sourced natural stone, the hotel’s colour palette reflects the earthy tones of its surroundings, with shades of terracotta, soft beige, and muted green evoking a sense of tranquillity and creating a warm atmosphere for guests. Handmade artwork by local artisans, including a unique collection from Venessa Ceramics, further enhances the connection to Cappadocia’s rich cultural heritage and creates a welcoming atmosphere that is both sophisticated and rooted in tradition. Reflecting Marriott …

Jumeirah Group announced the appointment of Thomas B. Meier as their new Chief Executive Officer. With extensive industry experience, Meier has been instrumental in guiding Jumeirah through several important milestones and will now lead the next stage of the Brand’s sustainable growth under its Mission 2030 strategy. As Chief Executive Officer, Meier will spearhead Jumeirah’s bold plans to double its portfolio by 2030, focusing on international expansion and solidifying its position as a global leader in luxury hospitality. Under his leadership, Jumeirah aims to continue setting new standards for the industry, building on its strong legacy and reinforcing its commitment to deliver enriching guest experiences rooted in culture and connection. Meier, who served as Chief Operating Officer since October 2021 and most recently as Interim Chief Executive Officer, takes on the role during a pivotal time for the brand. During 2024, Meier led milestone achievements, including Jumeirah’s entry into Africa with the launch of Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa as well as other upcoming launches, while also strengthening the leadership team with several senior appointments. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Thomas has also led operations and global expansion for renowned brands, including Raffles. In line with its global expansion vision, Jumeirah recently unveiled several high-profile properties, including the two new iconic destinations in Africa; Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia; Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the United Arab Emirates, and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland. Today, Jumeirah operates a portfolio of 30 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The brand is actively pursuing owner and operator opportunities in major gateway cities and resort destinations worldwide, further strengthening …

It was announced that Anantara Sharjah is slated to open in 2027. This 100-key collection will be set within the grounds of the upcoming Anantara Sharjah Resort. Offering fully furnished residences designed to established Anantara styles and standards, these striking smart homes feature incredible views across the Arabian Gulf and UAE skyline plus access to the five-star facilities and services of the adjoining hotel.

voco Bonnington Dubai was awarded ‘Best Corporate Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Best Corporate Hotel of the Year award at the Arabian Travel Awards is an incredible milestone for voco Bonnington. This recognition validates the trust and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, particularly to our corporate partners. This win is both a proud achievement and a motivating challenge, inspiring us to strive even higher. We believe that excellence is a continuous pursuit. Moving forward, we’ll continue to nurture our people and empower them to create memorable experiences for every guest.” Giacomo Puntel, General Manager, voco Bonnington

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa The Palm won the title of ‘Best destination wedding resort’ at the 7th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. “It is a great feeling and it’s lovely to have received this coveted award from the Arabian Travel Awards, which is a very prestigious award and we, being an Indian brand, getting a lot of Indian weddings and being recognized as a destination for the destination weddings. It’s a great feeling and it’s a testimony to the fact that we have been doing this for the last two and a half plus years and we are committed to continuing this journey with even greater strength and dedication.” Nayan Seth, General Manger, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa The Palm, Dubai.  

HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shared that the Kingdom will be completing over 250,000 hotel rooms in the next few years. The significant increase in the number of inbound tourists reflects travellers’ confidence in the Kingdom’s attractive and diverse tourism offering, thereby enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leading global tourist destination.  “As the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Executive Council of the UN Tourism Organization, I would like to shed light on the global tourism industry. We are finally recovering from the devastating impact of the pandemic, and I am optimistic that by the end of this year, we will see full recovery. Let us hope we never experience another crisis of such magnitude. Tourism is not merely a sector—it is a vital engine for economic growth and job creation. Globally, tourism accounts for 10% of jobs, and 80% of tourism businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—entities that often cannot withstand major crises. Importantly, 45% of the workforce in this industry comprises women, making tourism an essential driver of social and economic progress, especially for smaller nations like those in the Caribbean and Pacific Islands. The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that tourism will almost double over the next decade—a testament to its potential. In alignment with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia recognized this opportunity and pivoted from its historical focus on oil and gas. For decades, we excelled in building industries like petrochemicals—where SABIC is now among the world’s top five companies—and advanced financial services. Today, under Vision 2030, we are unlocking new sectors: tourism, culture, sports, and entertainment. The results speak for themselves.”