Category Archives: Hotels

Nammos, the global cultural landmark of Mediterranean glamour is set to disrupt the status quo. Opening its first-ever resort this spring at AMAALA’s Triple Bay, Nammos Resort AMAALA is set to launch a full-spectrum destination built on the brand’s core philosophy of Endless Joy. The resort will feature 110 guest rooms and suites, alongside pool bungalows, villas, and 20 private residences, crowned by the exclusive Cliff Villa, which offers AMAALA’s most exclusive viewpoint. Anchored by a private islandand a dedicated wellness hub, the destination will feature a collection of infinity pools, the Blu Kids Club for younger guests, and three signature dining venues, including the iconic Nammos Restaurant. Recognising the regional desire for absolute privacy without boredom, the resort’s architecture ensures that while the energy is communal, the sanctuary is personal, drawing the entire property towards the water, capturing sunlit mornings and the Red Sea’s dramatic sunsets. Part of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, Nammos Resort marks the first new opening under the global expansion plan for the brand. For more than twenty years, Nammos has set the rhythm for the world’s most discerning travellers, creating destinations where energy, connection, and celebration come naturally. Now, the brand brings that instinctive sense of atmosphere into a resort environment, unveiling a new vision of luxury, one where wellbeing is shared, social and effortlessly immersive. Carolyn Turnbull, CEO of Nammos Hotels & Resorts said: “For years, the global ultra-luxury landscape has been divided into two worlds: the social energy of the world’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations and the silent isolation of the resort. At Nammos Resort AMAALA, those worlds collide. We are bringing our signature social connection into a destination built on regenerative luxury, creating a …

IDeaS announced the debut of IDeaS Rate Data Advantage (RDA), an enhancement providing users with a sharper edge in evaluating market performance to drive increased revenue and profitability. Building on IDeaS’ world-class analytics capabilities, the enhancement offers granular insights to help hoteliers understand their unique revenue drivers within their competitive market. The innovation compares real-time activity across multiple products, offerings and room types, providing hoteliers with the insight they need to grow incremental revenue and outpace their competition. Hoteliers today are wary of travelers’ growing price-consciousness and are actively looking for ways to make smarter, more informed pricing decisions. By leveraging nearly 400 times more consumer rate shopping data, RDA enables operators to compete at a more precise level within their market, including insight into all room types and product offerings, as well as relevant data regarding key lengths of stay and distribution channels. Hospitality providers can leverage these comprehensive, market-wide insights to generate a winning revenue strategy unique to any property. IDeaS’ unmatched forecasting tools paired with RDA enable operators to analyze trends and opportunities at a more nuanced level – something that simpler data sets may disregard. Now hospitality providers can access this reservoir of data to ensure operators are always on the lookout for emerging revenue opportunities at every level of operations.

Golden Tulip Media Hotel won the title of ‘Best 4-Star Leisure Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning the Arabian Travel Award is important as it recognizes a full year of collective effort, dedication, and consistency by our entire team. This award complements the hard work done behind the scenes across all departments and validates our shared commitment to excellence. It is equally valuable to gather professionals from the same field under one roof, exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and strengthen industry relationships that will guide our way forward together with clarity, purpose, and long-term vision for everyone.” Hamed Al Kalbani – General Manager – Golden Tulip Media Hotel

Emirates and Marriott International, Inc. signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge – a 40-key all-inclusive luxury lodge set to be situated on a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to mark the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world and a major milestone for New South Wales’s (NSW) regional tourism. An expression of the renowned luxury brand, Ritz-Carlton Lodges are conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, thoughtfully designed to reflect their surrounds while prioritising minimal environmental impact and delivering a heightened sense of luxury, comfort and craftmanship synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton. Anticipated to open mid-2026, the project offers a new benchmark for luxury travel and potential to reinvigorate the region’s tourism offering. Since 2006, Emirates has invested AU$150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, developing the property with deep respect for its environmental and cultural heritage. This has included the careful restoration of historically significant landmarks — such as the original homestead dating back to 1832 — alongside extensive conservation programmes to restore indigenous flora and fauna, including the planting of more than one million native trees across the site. Emirates is now investing an additional AU$50 million in renovations, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into a world-class expression of The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and refined design, with a deep connection to place. As a reflection of Emirates’ commitment to the location, following the closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, Emirates has maintained the site with a small number of locally employed staff while the property was unavoidably nonoperational. From the resort’s founding, Emirates has worked closely with the …

Hilton announced the opening of two new properties in Makkah, nearly doubling its presence in the Holy City and expanding its hospitality offerings for the millions of pilgrims and travelers who visit each year. The openings include DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah, bringing the brand’s signature warm welcome to the Al Aziziyah district, and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking both the brand’s debut in Makkah and the largest Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel worldwide. Both properties are owned by Wirgan Hospitality. Mohamed Lotfy, Cluster General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, said, “We are delighted to open these two exceptional properties in Makkah, each thoughtfully designed to offer guests comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere during their stay in the Holy City. Our teams at DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, are committed to delivering a warm, memorable experience for every guest.” Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton With 1,386 guest rooms and suites, Wirgan Al Noor marks a major milestone as Tapestry Collection’s first hotel in Makkah and its largest operating property globally. Located near the historic Hira Cave and less than a 15-minute drive from Masjid Al Haram (the Sacred Mosque), the hotel offers serene views of the Holy City and serves as a comfortable retreat within easy reach of Makkah’s most significant sites. True to the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, the hotel blends contemporary style with a strong sense of place, celebrating the authentic character of the destination. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant with diverse culinary offerings, a coffee shop, …

AVENEW Development, a Dubai-born real estate innovator, has signed an agreement with Hilton  to open Waldorf Astoria Dubai Islands and Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Islands, introducing the iconic luxury brand to one of the city’s most anticipated coastal destinations. Waldorf Astoria Dubai Islands will feature 150 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, complemented by a curated selection of dining experiences including a rooftop restaurant, an all-day dining venue, a pool lounge, a specialty restaurant, a signature bar, and the celebrated Peacock Alley. Guests will also enjoy elevated lifestyle offerings such as an outdoor pool, a dedicated kids’ pool and club, a fitness studio and a tranquil spa – building on the brand’s legacy of exceptional service and sophisticated design. Bringing Waldorf Astoria’s timeless luxury and world-renowned hospitality to Dubai Islands, the project is designed to balance residential comfort with the brand’s signature service. It will offer meticulously crafted living spaces that combine architectural excellence with functional elegance, creating a truly distinctive and coveted experience. Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Islands will comprise 120 branded residences, delivering an exclusive collection of premium furnished apartments. Owners will benefit from personalized services and amenities that ensure comfort, convenience and privacy, in addition to full access to the hotel’s facilities. The signing marks a significant scaling of AVENEW’s exclusive portfolio, representing its second branded residence on Dubai Islands and its sixth overall development within the master-planned waterfront community. The move strategically capitalises on Dubai’s established global leadership in the luxury hospitality and branded residential sector. The branded residence segment has grown from a niche market into a leading global asset class. By introducing Waldorf Astoria Residences to Dubai Islands, AVENEW Development combines its forward-looking vision with …

Stirling Hospitality Advisors revealed in their report that Ras Al Khaimah is entering a new phase of its tourism and investment cycle, where demand growth is set to outpace hotel supply from 2027 onwards, creating a clear and time-sensitive opportunity for investors. The report shows that 2025 marked a structural change for the Emirate’s hospitality market, as growth shifted decisively toward higher-value, international demand. Occupancy reached 75.0%, while average daily rates climbed to AED 618.1, driving RevPAR growth of 11.5% year-on-year. Total demand reached 4.8 million room nights, generating AED 1.06 billion in room revenue and AED 1.72 billion in total hotel revenue, up 12% compared to 2024. This performance positioned Ras Al Khaimah as the third-best RevPAR performing hotel market in the UAE and fifth across the Gulf, reinforcing its progress toward the 3.5 million annual visitor target by 2030 and highlighting a structural shift toward more resilient, quality-led growth. The growth of Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector continues to be premium-led, with five-star hotels accounting for more than half of existing keys. While development momentum remains strong with over 2,000 keys announced in 2025 and around 2,500 keys scheduled by 2027, upcoming supply is strategically concentrated on the luxury market. The three- and four-star segments continue to be a key area of opportunity for emirate wide tourism diversification, supported by healthy, although still undersupplied pipeline activity, and a progressively diversifying demand base. A prominent finding of the report is the emerging demand–supply gap, with cumulative demand forecast to exceed supply by approximately 1,300 hotel keys by 2030. Undersupply is expected to begin materialising from 2027 onwards, creating a defined investment window for projects delivered between 2026 and 2029. …

Crowne Plaza Al Jubail is now open, welcoming guests to a contemporary hotel experience in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The opening further strengthens IHG’s premium offering in the Kingdom and showcases the Crowne Plaza brand’s continued momentum. The new property caters to modern business and leisure travellers seeking a blend of productivity and comfort in one of KSA’s most important industrial and commercial cities. Since launching the first business-class hotel in 1983, Crowne Plaza has remained a bold, inventive leader in the hospitality industry. Reflecting its global focus on evolving travel needs, the hotel brings the brand’s three key differentiators – Crafted Connections, Purposeful Gatherings, and Blended Travel – to life through its spaces, services and overall guest experience. Ideally located close to the city centre and key business districts, Crowne Plaza Al Jubail provides convenient access to Al Jubail’s commercial hubs, while also being within easy reach of leisure attractions such as Al Nakheel Beach, Fanateer Corniche, and Deffi Park. This central positioning allows guests to stay connected to work while making time to explore the city. The hotel features 190 guest rooms and suites and seven meeting rooms, following Crowne Plaza’s modern design approach and offering clearly defined zones for work, relaxation, and sleep. Thoughtfully designed layouts enhance comfort and functionality, supporting productivity while allowing guests to unwind with ease. Dining at Crowne Plaza Al Jubail is designed for flexibility and everyday enjoyment. Al Basatin Restaurant offers international and local cuisine in a relaxed all-day dining setting, while Le Monde Café serves specialty coffee, pastries, and light bites ideal for informal meetings or moments on the go. La Palma Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant overlooking …

Accor in partnership with Arabian Hotels & Catering, announced the signing of Swissôtel Jeddah Al Hamra, reintroducing one of Jeddah’s most iconic landmarks to the Kingdom under the Swissôtel brand. The signing marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership to transform a well-established property with more than four decades of heritage into a contemporary destination aligned with the evolving Saudi market. Originally opened in 1984, the hotel is a long-standing hospitality address in the prestigious Al Hamra district, one of Jeddah’s key commercial and lifestyle areas. Over the years, the property has maintained consistent relevance across both business and leisure segments, supported by sustained market performance. The hotel comprises 323 guestrooms, five dining venues, an exclusive club lounge, and comprehensive meeting and event facilities, including a large ballroom suited to high-profile corporate, social and governmental events. The hotel will undergo a phased renovation over the next 24 months, ensuring full alignment with Swissôtel brand standards. Its repositioning will introduce a renewed design and guest experience rooted in Swiss mastery, precision, and vitality. The transformation will respect the property’s existing character while elevating its positioning to meet the evolving expectations of the Saudi market. The conversion aligns with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s objectives to diversify its economy, grow the tourism sector, and attract high-quality international hospitality brands. Following its repositioning, Swissôtel Jeddah Al Hamra will further strengthen Accor’s presence in Saudi Arabia and support the Group’s long-term growth strategy in one of the region’s key markets. “This signing represents an exciting opportunity for Accor to further strengthen its leading position in Saudi Arabia while adding an iconic and well-established hotel to our Swissôtel portfolio. Swissôtel …

Connect Worldwide (CWW), a global leader in marketing and sales solutions for hotel brands and tourism destinations announced a strategic partnership with Buzz Travel Marketing which operates a tourism marketing office in the United Arab Emirates. This partnership strengthens CWW’s global presence and reinforces its commitment to expanding international market reach for clients. Strategic Partnership Overview Buzz Travel Marketing supports destination organizations, travel suppliers and tourism companies in achieving measurable, high-impact results through: • Insight-driven strategy development • Market-access and business-growth solutions • Deep analysis and innovative marketing approaches • Real-world expertise and strong industry relationships The Buzz Travel Marketing team brings extensive tourism experience and long-standing partnerships with tour operators, travel media, digital influencers, airlines and key stakeholders across the Middle East. “We are thrilled to welcome Buzz Travel Marketing to CWW Connect Worldwide,” Eric Otto, Founder & CEO, Connect Worldwide “Their expertise in destination marketing will be an invaluable asset as we pursue the growth objectives of our destination clients. This partnership significantly enhances our global sales and marketing capabilities.” “We are honored to join Connect Worldwide and contribute to its mission of delivering best-in-class solutions, at a time when brands are looking for deeper market engagement and stronger global representation”  SanJeet, Director Buzz Travel Marketing. “This collaboration allows us to combine Buzz’s on-ground expertise with CWW’s international reach, creating meaningful opportunities for destinations and travel brands to grow visibility, trade partnerships and long-term business across the region.”