Category Archives: Hotels

Marriott International announced that its unique hospitality training program, Tahseen, celebrated its first graduating class in Egypt. Developed in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation, the company created the unique programme for Egypt in 2018 to support its commitment to further enhance tourism education in the country. The inaugural graduating class featured 80 students who completed the first of its kind Bachelors of Hotel Operations Management Degree. The celebration took place at The St. Regis Cairo with all 80 students accompanied by their families. The milestone event was hosted by Satya Anand, President, Europe Middle East & Africa, Marriott International and was attended by Professor Dr. Hosam Refai, Acting President, Helwan University and Mohammed Farouk Hafeez, Chairman, Professional Development Foundation, along with other senior officials from the organizations. Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said, “We are excited to celebrate the first group of graduates as part of our Tahseen programme in Egypt.  Tahseen is focused on providing young people with the skills and experience to grow and thrive in the hospitality business and to be part of the success of Egypt’s travel and tourism sector. As a company, we remain committed to enhancing tourism education in Egypt and developing the next wave of exciting and impactful local hospitality leaders in the country.” Tahseen was launched in 2018 in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation to focus on fast-tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders by providing them with firsthand experience of the industry and a springboard to launch successful careers in hospitality. In 2019, the programme received the Ministry of Higher Education’s approval in Egypt and earned bachelor’s degree accreditation. Today, …

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman conducted a special promotional roadshow in five major source cities in India recently. The roadshow comprised a delegation from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Omani tour operators, hotels, and airlines. These roadshows were held in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. The aim of this five city roadshow was to showcase outstanding experiences in Oman’s unique destinations and promote unique travel experiences for leisure, weddings, conferences and exhibitions. In July alone, the number of visitors, including those from India to Oman reached 36,087, the highest in the last decade. This year, arrivals from India reached 167,678 between January to July. Commenting on the launch of the promotional roadshow, Ms Asma Salim Al Hajri, Deputy Director General for Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said: “India is one of the most important source markets for the Sultanate of Oman under our marketing and promotional strategy for all target segments. The roadshow will showcase the unique selling points (USPs) of destinations in Oman that will pique their interest to inspire Indian tourists to travel.” “We also seek to promote the Sultanate as an attractive destination for weddings as this is one of the growing tourism segments, especially for visitors from India. With its pristine nature, picturesque beaches and unique architecture, Oman has seen many Indian weddings for its exceptional capabilities in terms of logistical facilities and accommodation,” she added. Al Hajri also said that the Sultanate of Oman is a multi-season destination known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage and hospitality. It has been attracting tourists of all categories for years. “We want to attract more high-income travellers from around …

Leading UAE-based smart and green FM company Farnek, has discovered that four and five-star hotels in the UAE could potentially be saving up to 10% annually on their utility bills. Put into perspective that is the equivalent of more than 835 room nights, according to STR figures for the average daily rate (AED 594) of Dubai hotels in 2021. The analysis which was conducted by Farnek’s in-house team of sustainability consultants, used data from its own hotel clients, as well from the EGBC Hotel Benchmarking Study. The team found that on average these hotels could potentially save AED 373,000 and AED 125,000 on energy and water consumption respectively, as well as additional costs for waste disposal. “On average four and five-star hotels in the UAE spend AED 4.98 million per annum on their utility bills. By measuring, analysing and benchmarking their performance, hotels have the potential to cut their utility bills by up to 10% or AED 498,000. Of course, these are only average figures and are relative to the size of the hotel. Larger five-star resort hotels will save significantly more money than a boutique city hotel,” said Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director – Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek. To help address the situation, Farnek through its innovative FM solutions company HITEK, has launched a new and upgraded version of its state-of-the-art online remote monitoring tool ‘Hotel Optimizer’ which has been helping hospitality businesses for the past 20 years in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. The digital solution supports hotel operational efficiency, by identifying potential savings through monitoring, analysing and benchmarking energy and water consumption, as well as waste generation. “The key upgrade feature of this tool is …

Prism Digital, a leading digital marketing agency in the UAE has launched an AI-Driven WhatsApp for business Chatbot Service for the Hotel Industry in the Middle East and North Africa. With over 2.2 billion users globally, WhatsApp is the most used app for communicating and for building personal & business conversations. The WhatsApp for business chatbot can reinvent the way a hotel communicates with its customers and addresses their queries. WhatsAppotel Chatbot offers hotels many advantages, including the ability to engage with guests and respond to their inquiries intelligently and with full automation which is available 24X 7. The WhatsApp chatbot can be programmed to communicate in over 50 languages and hence can connect the hotel with potential Guests and visitors in their local language. This feature will empower the hospitality industry to communicate with potential guests and visitors from all over the world. Since you can book directly from WhatsApp it will encourage more direct bookings and reduce the dependence on OTAs, leading to improved sales and Direct Booking and revenue. It also Improves the client Experience. Guests can receive virtual booking assistance from the WhatsAppotel Chatbot at every stage of the booking process. Starting with giving them all essential facts about the kinds of rooms that are available, the cost per night, any complimentary services, and whether or not rooms are still available at the hotel for the dates the guest has chosen, the hotel can also share video, location maps, Discount coupons and links to the hotel website to book with a Call to action. This is revolutionary for the hospitality industry where customer experience is paramount to success. Hotels can leverage greatly from robust booking capabilities …

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, a refined haven blending timeless elegance with modern sensibility and sincere service, situated in the heart of Kuwait City. Connected to The Avenues, the country’s largest retail, entertainment, and luxury lifestyle destination, and just 11 kilometres and a 15-minute drive from Kuwait International Airport, the property’s prime location offers guests convenient access to beloved local attractions such as the Kuwait Opera House, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre and the Grand Mosque. Waldorf Astoria Kuwait features 200 magnificently adorned contemporary deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the vibrant city skyline. Guests will enjoy a transformative journey of the senses, from exquisite dining venues and beautiful event spaces to the awe-inspiring Waldorf Astoria Spa. “We are very excited to be expanding our portfolio in Kuwait to include the iconic Waldorf Astoria, which brings an elevated luxury guest experience to the country,” said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Hilton. “Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is Hilton’s third property in the country and brings a trusted brand to a community of discerning travellers who expect the highest levels of service. We look forward to welcoming guests to this outstanding property, which will no doubt be one of Kuwait’s most prestigious landmarks.” Timeless Luxury Upon arriving at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, guests step into a place where stories begin, and unforgettable memories are made. Interiors reflect a grand yet intimate sense of place, including traditional brand elements such as the iconic Waldorf Astoria Clock, which was adapted to reflect Kuwait’s cultural heritage, as well as The Library and Peacock Alley. “We see the hotel stay as an opportunity to …

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has opened the “Oryx Garden Hotel”, the second airport hotel within its award-winning terminal. Situated in the North Plaza, this is the latest venue where passengers can unwind during a layover.  The Oryx Garden Hotel is one of many new experiences that are part of HIA’s airport expansion project, which is all set to be launched in time for the widely anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The airport expansion project significantly expands HIA’s state-of-the-art facilities, which will include more than 90 brands in one vast shopping area, a world-class art collection, a refreshing environment with lush greenery, and a 10,000 sqm indoor tropical garden with a 268-sqm water feature – a focal point for all travelers. Commenting on the opening of the Oryx Garden Hotel, HIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our second airport hotel at HIA. This is just one of the many new offerings our airport will be unveiling as part of our exciting expansion plans. The Oryx Garden Hotel adds yet another sustainable, world-class facility to the world’s best airport, offering a relaxing environment for guests to unwind and discover the extraordinary destination that is HIA.” Comprising of 100 rooms ranging from king to twin, as well as suites, the Oryx Garden Hotel offers guests complimentary new generation WIFI throughout the premises and ready access to a variety of retail and culinary options conveniently located nearby. All rooms are conveniently located within the terminal, moments away from boarding gates.  The hotel boasts a modern and contemporary design, appealing to both business and leisure travelers, and can be booked around the …

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind ultra-luxury tourism destination AMAALA, has announced tangible progress across the development, with over 300 contracts signed to date, worth in excess of SAR 6.62 billion ($1.7bn). More than 98 percent of the total contract value has been awarded to Saudi firms, highlighting the organizations commitment to strengthening the local economy. These include agreements for the design and build of state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities at the destination for future employees. An additional 6.1 billion riyals of contracts is currently out to tender, across 54 proposals. “Surpassing 300 contract awards underscores the scale of this project and the significant progress being made as we press ahead with activity on the ground to bring our destination to life. At AMAALA, we are working to create a sustainable, purpose- and meaning-driven destination for the discerning traveler, and remain closely aligned with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as we develop one of the top global tourism destinations of the future. I am delighted to be able to showcase the results achieved by our brilliant team and partners,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of TRSDC. Spanning over 4,155 square kilometers of pristine terrain and set within the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve, the first phase of AMAALA is focused on the Triple Bay masterplan. Eight hotels and upwards of 1,200 hotel keys are set for completion in 2024. Work is well underway on-site to progress the enabling infrastructure and groundwork required to develop the destination, with more than 2,400 staff already on site and 9.9 million manhours logged to date. This includes the successful completion of 11 km of roads ahead of schedule to …

Global independent real estate consultants, Knight Frank and premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights provider for the hospitality industry, STR, have shared key hospitality investment insights ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai from 19-21 September 2022. Set to reach – and potentially surpass- pre-pandemic levels of more than 100 million tourist arrivals and over USD 270 billion in revenue contribution in 2022, according to data from Knight Frank, the Middle East’s travel & tourism sector has all the positive indicators to reach the goal of 160 million tourists in 2030, driven by the region’s giga projects that will open up even more amazing tourism destinations and further boost travel and tourism. “The region is going through a fascinating transformation in the hospitality sector, with over 600,000 hotels rooms in the planning and development stage. This quantum of development, which has not been seen before in the Middle East or even globally, is set to change the shape of the region’s tourism industry in the years to come and will help to further raise the region’s profile as a one of the world’s key hospitality players,” said Turab Saleem, Partner & Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure – MENA at Knight Frank. The successful management of mega events has proven to be a key driver in the growth in tourism and hospitality, with the UAE welcoming almost 24 million visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai – amid the global pandemic — boosting international traveller confidence as stated by Knight Frank. With 65,000 hotel rooms under development in Dubai, tourism contribution is set to reach 15% of GDP by 2030: the highest in the …

With a strong leisure-focused pipeline in the Middle East, Hyatt’s brand portfolio goes from strength to strength in the region, including the expected debut of the luxury Grand Hyatt Kuwait and the luxury lifestyle Andaz Doha in Qatar.  At present, Hyatt’s portfolio in the Middle East currently includes 28 hotels, with an additional seven properties expected to open by the end of 2025. Hyatt anticipates rooms growth of more than 80% in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by late 2025, with the expected additions of Park Hyatt Riyadh Diriyah Gate, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea and the highly anticipated debut of Miraval The Red Sea, which will mark the luxury wellness brand’s first resort outside of the U.S., further strengthening Hyatt’s portfolio. This expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be in addition to the current portfolio of six hotels including Hyatt Regency Riyadh-Olaya, Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania, and Hyatt House Jeddah Sari Street. “This ambitious development portfolio showcases our aim to grow our brands with intent as well as our commitment to strategic investments across the Middle East. This market remains a key focus for Hyatt, and one where we continue to observe a growing demand,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President Development Middle East & Africa for Hyatt International. “The diversity of Hyatt’s brands, united through the World of Hyatt loyalty program, allows us to showcase unique experiences to a variety of travellers across the region. Whether our guests and members are seeking the classic luxury travel experience, modern lifestyle, or select-service offerings, each of our brands delivers our standard of excellence.” Hyatt recently reported second quarter 2022 financial results, which reflected strength in the company’s …

Atlantis, The Palm announced a selection of nine local conservation and sustainability projects set to receive funding from the 1 USD contribution initiative the resort launched in June 2021. Over the past 12 months, for every marine animal experience participated in by a guest, Atlantis, The Palm has collected $1 (USD), which has resulted in a $120,000 (USD) investment fund for the project, which aims to support UAE-based conservation and sustainability projects to help protect the ocean and our environment. Over the past two months, UAE-based organisations were invited to apply for funding, after which proposals were solicited and assessed against their contributions to scientific advancement, conservation and sustainability. Atlantis Atlas Project currently focuses on four key groups of wildlife; sharks, rays, dolphins, and corals, and two key threats to the ocean; unsustainable seafood and plastic pollution. With this in mind, projects were selected based on their support of these conservation goals. The first project the funding will support is UAE’s leading social enterprise Goumbook on their ‘Save The Butts’ campaign. This initiative sees the collection of cigarette butts littering beaches and public areas and uses circular economy principles to recycle the waste to create valuable material from it. This campaign will also actively involve Atlantis Dubai’s colleague base through volunteer litter picking and collecting waste within the destination that Goumbook and their partners can recycle. The initiative will also provide a year of funding for UAE-based Seafood Souq, which will support the development of a digital platform to make seafood trade more efficient, sustainable, transparent and traceable. This will involve developing a QR code for diners – to be piloted on Michelin-starred Ossiano’s menu – enabling diners to find …