Category Archives: Hotels

A coalition of key Abu Dhabi entities, including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Aldar, Miral, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, Flash Entertainment and Yas Island, have come together to take Yas Island into the metaverse, as a first phase in placing Abu Dhabi in the virtual world. This pioneering initiative is a first for the UAE in recreating an entire physical destination across multiple world-leading immersive 3D platforms. The result will be a full-featured metaverse ecosystem, allowing visitors from all over the world to access the joys, wonders, and attractions of Yas Island from home. The Yas Island Metaverse is a collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi, Aldar, Miral, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Motorsport, and Flash Entertainment. The virtual experiences conceptualised by these dynamic businesses will enable users to gather, socialise, play, create, and transact. From building and purchasing digital homes, to discovering cultural attractions, to enjoying theme park adventures, special events, premier golf courses, and a world-class motorsport racing circuit, individuals will be able to experience all that Yas Island has to offer in a digital-first journey. Customisable avatars and surprise rewards will be part of every user’s personalised adventure. His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Innovation is central to DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to be at the forefront of what is possible.  With the Yas Island metaverse, we are inviting the world to experience the excitement of Abu Dhabi’s incredible leisure and entertainment destination – virtually –  like never before. As the emirate’s offerings evolve, this project provides a new and compelling perspective which allows the world to discover Abu Dhabi in their own time and space. …

Hotel Development, the NEOM division responsible for building a future-centric hospitality ecosystem in the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, has signed its inaugural hotel partner, Ennismore. With a blank canvas and no legacy infrastructure, Hotel Development will capitalize on the region’s potential to establish a new era for the industry – one of imagination and a sense of duty to guide and inform how humanity engages with our world. The division will also support NEOM’s bold ambitions to attract more than five million visitors by 2030. The agreement signed with Ennismore, the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, corresponds with Hotel Development’s main goal of establishing global partnerships. The inaugural tie-up will see two of Ennismore’s iconic brands – 25hours Hotels and Morgans Originals – open properties in TROJENA, NEOM’s mountain tourism destination that features a ski village. Chris Newman, Executive Director, Hotel Development at NEOM, said: “Hotel Development aims to accelerate human progress by redefining how we travel, stay, and live. Our partnership with Ennismore echoes our mission to pioneer in the space of experiential hospitality in a way that shapes the future of hotels in the Kingdom and beyond. With a shared passion for developing differentiated and imaginative hospitality concepts, we look forward to seeing this relationship – and others like it – flourish.” Philip Gullett, Executive Director and Region Head, TROJENA, said: “The mountains of TROJENA are set to become one of the most awe-inspiring destinations the world over. Both 25hours Hotels and Morgans Originals are ideal brands for TROJENA as we look to deliver extraordinary experiences for residents and visitors seeking luxury, adventure, entertainment, livability, and escape from the status quo.” Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO of Ennismore, said: …

IHG Hotels & Resorts will proudly unveil the opening of the Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park, a sustainable hotel that operates on no single-use plastic; has an onsite water bottling plant; and features digital amenities in all its guest rooms, suites & apartments. The property is set to open in the last quarter of 2022, the latest addition to the Holiday Inn portfolio in the United Arab Emirates. IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is fully committed to supporting innovative environmental growth through “Green Engage”, a long-term strategy built upon driving sustainability actions across all different departments in its hotels worldwide. This initiative is in line with “Journey to Tomorrow”, a commitment by the multinational hospitality company to deliver a more sustainable hotel business through building positive impact in local communities, building a diverse culture, reducing energy use, cutting waste and conserving water. This is IHG Hotels & Resorts’ response to helping achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. With this vision in mind, the team behind the Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park has integrated products and implemented energy and water saving initiatives that not only decrease costs, but also help save natural resources. The water bottling plant built inside the hotel reduces the consumption of at least 1,500 plastic bottles a day by producing glass bottled water instead. The bottling plant has a 3,400-liter capacity, generating 80 liters per hour of cold still water, ambient still water, and sparkling water. The soon-to-be completed hotel is located at the Dubai Science Park, a thriving community that fosters development in the medical, wellness, pharma, and technology sectors. Holiday Inn & Suites …

Travelport announced several new supplier connections are delivering more content to travel retailers on Travelport+. Travelport’s new and expanded agreements with Booking.com and Hertz will now bring more options for accommodation rates and car rentals to retailers using Travelport+, and Travelport-connected agencies will also gain access to more options from Air France-KLM and Lufthansa Group NDC content at the end of 2022. “This is the fourth chapter in our delivery of Travelport+, where we’re giving agents access to more supplier options and fueling their ability to sell more air, hotel, and car offers as we broaden and expand our content catalog,” said Jen Catto, Chief Marketing Officer at Travelport. “This update also helps our supplier partners reach even more of the right customers, with the ability to tailor products to drive sales through the indirect retail channel. As with everything we build, with the end traveler in mind, more options mean a more relevant customer experience.” More Air Content As the demand for travel surges, Travelport is ensuring that travel retailers have more options readily available for their customers by providing even more content to help ensure everyone gets the best possible retailing experience. Air France-KLM NDC content is being introduced on Travelport+, and Travelport will also be starting the rollout of Lufthansa Group NDC content in 2022. Travelport is also adding three new airlines to the platform – Congo Airways, FlyGTA and US-Bangla Airlines, along with 11 new ancillaries, and four more airlines now offer Branded Fares. More Hotel Choices Travelport’s new partnership with Booking.com unlocks a new range of rates across 140,000 hotel properties accessible through the Travelport+ platform, and will grow to over one million properties in …

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, is continuing its ambitious expansion plans with the unveiling of a captivating new resort in the Middle East – Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa. Resting majestically on the unexplored, pristine beaches of Bahrain’s West Coast, the resort delivers a secluded oasis away from the hustle of the city. Guests will experience a luxury getaway with stunning ocean views, lush greenery and meandering waterways invoking a sense of wellbeing and inspiration at the unique resort. From breath-taking panoramic sunsets and an extensive range of leisure and wellness facilities, stays at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa will promise moments of harmony. Families, groups and couples looking to disconnect and relax in the uninterrupted solitude and tranquillity of its stunning beaches and gardens, can stay in one of the resort’s 196 modern and spacious rooms and suites, or enjoy the privacy of its exclusive 11-bedroom Gulf Summer House, located directly at the beach. Thomas B. Meier, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Jumeirah Group said: “With the unveiling of our new property in Bahrain, Jumeirah Group is set to diversify the growing hospitality landscape in the Kingdom. As the darling brand of Dubai, Jumeirah will bring its considerable expertise and success to our neighbouring Gulf state, creating exceptional moments that deliver our promise of Stay Different. From its unique location on the pristine beach front, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa will provide unparalleled Arabian hospitality with a focus on wellbeing, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings and embrace a different pace of life. With a passion for destination dining, …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Al Ajlan Company for InterContinental Hotel & Residences in the Riyadh North area. Set to open by 2028, the prestigious 400-key hotel and serviced apartments will form part of a state-of-the art masterplan comprising of high-end retail, offices and entertainment. The hotel will reflect the modern luxury philosophy and will strengthen IHG’s offering in the segment. Saudi Arabia represents significant potential for tourism and hospitality industry, as part of its Vision 2030 ambitions. While Riyadh has long been and continues to be a centre for business in the Kingdom, new developments in the north of the city, including the Boulevard, U-Walk, and Riyadh Seasons herald a new demand for leisure tourism as well. In addition to rooms designed with modern aesthetics, the hotel will feature distinctive dining options, multipurpose meetings and events rooms, a health club and a spa. Located in proximity to the airport, the hotel will also be strategically positioned to cater to business and leisure demand. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “This Management Agreement of an exciting new build InterContinental property in Riyadh’s vibrant north district represents IHG’s commitment to support the growing tourism and hospitality ambitions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of Vision 2030.  With new developments in leisure and entertainment sector across the country, and the introduction of e-visas and a new airline, Riyadh is ready to welcome more diversified tourists to the capital city. With a strong hotel portfolio across all guest segments and a growing regional office in Riyadh, we …

Delta Hotels by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announced its launch in Qatar with the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott City Center Doha. Offering a seamless travel experience, the hotel allows guests to achieve a perfect balance between their work and personal life whether they are staying for business or leisure. Located in the bustling West Bay area close to key business and destination hubs such as the Doha Exhibition Convention Center, Diplomatic and Financial Districts, and the City Center Mall., the new hotel is an ideal destination for both short and extended stays. “We are excited to introduce Delta Hotels by Marriott to Qatar’s vibrant hospitality landscape,” said Safak Guvenc, Area Vice President – Gulf, Levant & Turkey, Marriott International. “We would like to thank our partners ARTIC, for their ongoing support.  We look forward to building on this relationship and working together to contribute to the success of the country’s tourism sector.” Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President – Premium and Select Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International added, “Delta Hotels is a premium brand with a clear brand philosophy, ‘Simple Made Perfect’, and we look forward to Delta Hotels by Marriott City Center Doha delivering key essentials in a manner that makes travel seamless and enjoyable to our guests.” The 32-storey Delta Hotels City Center Doha is home to 320 modern and spacious rooms with design touches that include neutral palette with colorful accents; a headboard wall with large format artwork, playing with softened shapes and linework that reinforces the brand’s design concept of simplified forms; and premium finishes across the platform bed, lounge area. Each of the rooms, suites and …

UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels has been awarded the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Dubai Chamber) CSR Label Award for the eighth year in succession. Launched in 2010 to reward corporate commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the CSR Label is awarded to companies based on performance scores across seven different criteria. These include human resources (training, development, welfare, Emiratisation), client relations, business development, procurement, environment, health and safety, innovation and community; with Dubai Chamber also measuring the resulting impact in four key areas, namely workplace, marketplace, community and the environment. According to the 2022 report from Dubai Chamber, TIME Hotels recorded an impressive overall score of 81.3%, which was 9.5% higher than the average market score achieved. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, said: “Receiving this official label for the eighth year in a row highlights our consistent commitment to our employees, the environment and our broader social responsibility. “It also allows us to benchmark our own performance against those of other like-minded, forward-thinking companies in Dubai, for whom CSR forms an integral part of their overall corporate strategy and company values.” TIME Hotels’ recent CSR achievements include installing Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers at two of its Dubai properties, joining a Recycle, Reforest, Repeat initiative with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and partnered with Dubai Economy & Tourism Department (DET), collecting over 1,500 kilos of wastepaper for recycling. TIME has participated in the Give and Gain Campaign during Ramadan and managed to donate over two metric tons of rice, which was sent to Emirates Red Crescent, as well as distributing free Iftar meals to taxi drivers.   Moreover, TIME has raised funds for the Children’s Cancer Hospital …

Stirling Hospitality Advisors (SHA), one of the leading boutique advisory institutions in the region, announces the completion of phase one of the mixed-use masterplan project in the mountainous area of Oman. The four-phase project launched in June 2022, with SHA spearheading the development across the tourism and hospitality sectors to optimise the destination’s economic potential and attract further investment.  The mixed-use project encompasses an overarching strategy to develop an attractive, profitable destination, appealing to domestic and international travellers. Working together with governmental agencies, local investment groups, internationally-renowned master planners, and infrastructure and sustainability advisors, SHA is now initiating the second phase of the project.  This includes the development of one of the ridges of the Hajar Mountains into a holistic tourist destination, highlighting Oman’s highest terrain and unique history and artisanry. The sectors SHA is currently covering includes looking at creating all types of accommodation; from wellness escapes and luxury hotels to more standardised 3- and 4-star offerings, as well as family-run B&Bs, which maximise the local community’s involvement. SHA is also looking into the potential development of niche products such as lifestyle boutique hotels, glamping solutions, container camps and farmhouses, catering to diverse customer needs and raising the destination’s competitive edge, enhancing overall tourism in the country. Stretched along the northern coast of Oman, from southwest of Muscat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Hajar Mountains are a six-hour drive away from Dubai, making for the ideal getaway destination for travellers looking for an adventure in the wild terrains or a luxurious and relaxing weekend in the mountains. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors said: “We are delighted to be working on Oman’s stunning Hajar Mountains …

AVIAREPS successfully relaunched its in-person AVIAREPS Middle East Travel Caravan after a 2-year hiatus following the Covid pandemic. Over 110 key travel industry professionals, media and travel influencers attended the Dubai leg of the event which was held on October 11th, 2022 at the Shangri-la Dubai Hotel. The travel roadshow saw key international travel brands and destinations gather under the one roof to meet with the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s key outbound travel agencies and meeting and conferencing professionals, to meet one to one to develop new travel packages, itineraries and events tailored for UAE and Saudi Arabia-based travellers. A total of 27 key international partners joined the 2022 edition of the AVIAREPS Caravan including Qatar Tourism Board, The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Malta Tourism Authority, The Royal Commission for AlUla, Visit California, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and a host of international hospitality brands, airlines and destination management companies. In addition to meeting leading travel agencies, partners also had the opportunity to meet with popular travel influencers from the region, as well as join an intimate panel discussion industry thought leaders, that included representatives from Emirates Holidays, ITL World and Al Rostamani Travel, where they were updated on the latest travel trends and consumer travel requirements from the region. Glenn Johnston, Vice President Middle East & Global Public Affairs, AVIAREPS commented: “As we head towards a post pandemic world outbound international travel from the Gulf Countries continues to demonstrate a remarkably strong and quick return compared to all other major travel regions around the globe. Within this context it is extremely important and timely to hold such an event. By bringing the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s travel professionals …