Category Archives: Hotels

DayAway, the world’s leading online destination for guests to discover and book curated luxury daytime experiences, has announced its arrival in the United Arab Emirates. Perfect for both travellers and residents who are searching for unique, engaging and restorative daytime escapes, DayAway connects guests with a variety of accessible, enjoyable experiences spanning wellness, dining, adventure and more.  With seven luxury launch partners currently on board, DayAway’s offerings in the UAE includes a Precious Pearl Experience at the palatial Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, a Bedouin Desert Adventure at Telal Resort Al Ain and the Ultimate Island Daycation at InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah that includes a 90-minute Spa treatment. Founded by lifestyle and technology leader Martha Waslen, DayAway launched in Singapore in 2021 with prestigious hotel partners such as Raffles Hotel Singapore; the group expanded to Hong Kong and Thailand in late 2021 before launching in Australia in May 2022. “We are delighted to have expanded into the UAE, a dynamic destination that has a reputation for providing a diverse range of luxury experiences. Our mission at DayAway is to elevate the everyday, and we’re defining a new era of luxury experiences that we hope will provide our community with opportunities to experience their favourite hotels in exciting and meaningful ways,” says Martha Waslen, Founder and CEO of DayAway. “Luxury hotels have a unique opportunity to connect with the growing experience economy by repurposing their underutilised assets as curated daytime escapes for both local guests and international travellers. The DayAway platform provides hotel partners with the technology and marketing tools to diversify revenue, while simultaneously engaging a new community of guests searching for experiences to relax, recharge and reconnect,” adds Waslen.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its presence across the UAE with the opening of the 102-key Wyndham Residences The Palm. The opening marks Wyndham’s first collaboration with IFA Hotels & Resorts, a leading real estate developer specialised in mixed-use hotel and residential resort projects. Located in the Palm Jumeirah, one of the most popular landmarks in the emirate, Wyndham Residences The Palm boasts a mix of deluxe apartments ranging from modern studios to three-bedroom suites, a private white sand beach and other high-end amenities. With a number of connecting lobbies conveniently located throughout, it can also accommodate groups requiring five-bedroom apartments. The new property is part of Balqis Residences, one of IFA Hotels and Resorts’ mixed-use developments and offers luxurious accommodation to both residents and travellers who can enjoy scenic views of the Arabian Gulf and the dazzling Marina. Wyndham Residences The Palm is located within short distance to upscale restaurants and stylish nightclubs, and within easy reach of Aquaventure Waterpark, Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, The Pointe and Nakheel Mall. Popular attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Frame are also a short drive away. It has also convenient access to both Dubai and Al Maktoum international airports. The property is the latest addition to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio in the UAE, reaching 22 hotels, of which 14 are in Dubai alone. Michel Augier, Regional Director Middle East and Africa, Wyndham Hotel & Resorts, said: “Wyndham Residences The Palm offers premium accommodation to both regional and international travellers who wish to explore the impressive Palm Jumeirah location. The opening of this hotel marks an important step in expanding our range of accommodation options …

UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels co-founder and CEO Mohamed Awadalla in a recent interview with TravelTV shared that as part of company’s expansion plans TIME hotels will be opening two other properties in Egypt, one next year and the other by 2025. Awadalla reiterated that after the successful opening of  TIME Coral Nuweiba Resort in Sinai Egypt in May this year with 201 rooms, a property which lies on the beautiful Red Sea overlooking Gulf of Aqaba, the next in line will be the 117-key Marina Hotel & Convention Centre on the North Coast, which is expected to open  in 2023. The hotel will have three restaurants, including all-day dining, an Italian and O’Learys Sports Restaurant, as well as a rooftop lounge. Guests will have access to a range of spa facilities, a 750 sqm swimming pool and a gym.  The hotel will also cater to the MICE market with a 700-person capacity convention centre. The next property in Egypt is the TIME Nakheel Deluxe Apartments, located in the New Capital with 216-key property  scheduled to open its doors in 2025. “This is an exciting time for the region’s tourism industry and offers a myriad of opportunities for TIME Hotels, not only with these openings but with others that will come further down the line. We have strategically developed a range of brands within our portfolio to offer our guests, whether corporate or leisure, exactly what they want and need from a holiday, business trip or short break,” concluded Awadalla.  

Over 120 hospitality leaders and tourism experts will address the industry’s hottest topics at the much-anticipated Future Hospitality Summit (FHS), which debuts at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai by bringing together over 900 hospitality investment decision makers from 19 to 21 September. This year Future Hospitality summit unites the investment communities of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) and African Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) under one roof for three days of debate, initiatives and exciting industry announcements to highlight – and celebrate – the key role of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Featuring a topflight line up of presentations and insight from government leaders, hotel investors, owners and developers, and industry experts, the FHS programme hones in on sustainability, technology, talent, investment, innovation, the continued post-pandemic recovery and more – all under the main event theme of Lead the Change. There’s also a Franchising Workshop, Startup Den, regional-specific sessions that bring Africa and Asia under the spotlight, and the finals of the 2022 Sustainability Hospitality Challenge, a global competition for students to turn their ideas for innovation and sustainability into a reality. Hosted by Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts and co-organised by The Bench and MEED. “We are delighted to welcome the region’s most respected and experienced hospitality figureheads to the FHS programme, which has been carefully crafted to address key focus areas, challenges and trends for the hospitality industry. The investment communities of AHIC, GRIF and AHIF all feature in our action-packed agenda, bringing a wealth of knowledge, expertise and insight to this prestigious event,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. “With a focus on embracing and leading change, FHS brings a wide and …

For the fifth consecutive time Tourism Malaysia joins the Gulf Travel Show 5.0, this time as Platinum partner. The event is set to kick off on 28th and 29th September 2022 under the theme of sustainable tourism. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across the globe. The fifth edition or GTS 5.0 demonstrates its commitment to uphold its social responsibility to ensure less carbon emissions yet bring all players to the table and learn and study the stakes, the many opportunities to make things right after a bout of almost two and a half years of pandemic era. Mirza Ghalib – Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia – Dubai, “Malaysia is thrilled to welcome back Middle East tourists to visit and experience our country again. It is a timely opportunity for us to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Gulf region. As the platinum partner of GTS 5.0, Tourism Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths of Malaysian delegates consisting of tour operator partners, hotels, and product owners.” Some of the partners from Tourism Malaysia expressed their comments as well. Sam Poh Choo, Director of Business Development & Marketing, The Taaras Beach Resort & Spa and Berjaya Tioman Resort “We look forward to creating awareness in the Middle East market for The …

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with real estate development corporation Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG), announces plans for an extensive portfolio expansion in Egypt with the addition of new hotels, residential offerings and significant property enhancements. Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty and Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will be introduced in Egypt through this upcoming phase of strategic growth, further building upon the latest multi-million dollar property enhancements at Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Sharm El Sheikh, which doubled the offerings of the existing property with new accommodations, dining outlets, leisure activities, and more. “Egypt is an important destination in Four Seasons history, as it marked our brand’s entry into the Middle East 22 years ago. Our continued expansion illustrates our ongoing commitment to the region, and all that it has to offer for luxury travellers and homeowners,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management. “TMG has long been an integral development partner for our projects in Cairo at Nile Plaza, Alexandria at San Stefano and Sharm El Sheikh. We are thrilled to continue our exceptional work together, providing guests and residents in Egypt with unmatched luxury experiences through our collection of new hotel and residential offerings.” Introducing Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty Located in the heart of the capital’s new evolution, New Cairo Capital is a global destination that stands entirely on its own. Anticipated to open in 2025 and set within the extraordinary Madinaty development on 185 hectares (460 acres) of verdant parkland, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will be a captivating destination for those who …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its presence across the Middle East with the opening of the 278-key Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach in Doha, Qatar. The managed hotel opens in collaboration with leading regional hospitality development entity, Hala Real Estate Development Company and underscores Wyndham’s commitment to bolstering its offering in the region, which includes a development pipeline of 27 hotels. Conveniently located just 500m from the City Centre Doha Mall and 600m from the DECC metro station, Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach is the closest beachfront hotel in the prestigious West Bay area. The hotel is also within walking distance of various corporate, government and leisure establishments in the West Bay area. Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach offers modern premium rooms and boasts state-of-the-art leisure facilities for guests including a variety of on-site restaurants, a spa that includes a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and outdoor pool as well as a fitness centre. Business travellers can utilise the property’s six spacious corporate meeting rooms, which have the combined capacity to host close to 350 people. Wyndham Grand is an ensemble of distinguished hotels that are approachable by design, representing one-of-a-kind experiences with refined accommodation, attentive service and relaxed surroundings. The opening of Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach adds to other top destinations around the world where the brand can be found, including Manama, Istanbul, Athens, Chicago, Shanghai and many others. Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach is the latest addition to Wyndham’s portfolio of three operational hotels in Qatar, and two further properties under development. 2022 is an important year for Qatar with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022™ event in November, the first …

Accor is expanding its luxury portfolio with the opening of its fourth Rixos property in the UAE in Q3 2022. Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi will inspire Abu Dhabi Marina’s iconic architectural landmark offering the finest fusion of Arabian and Turkish dining and hospitality. This multifaceted resort will elevate guest experience through incredible design, ambiance, gastronomy, entertainment and unique leisure services. Inspired in the UAE’s cultural heritage of fishing and pearl diving, the resort combines regal splendour with 21st-century aesthetics, creating a mesmerizing oceanic setting with opulent views. Since joining forces in 2017, it has been a priority for Accor and Rixos to work together to take on new opportunities to strengthen the brand’s footprint across the Middle East and wider region. Rixos is a pioneer hospitality brand which expertise rests on an ultra-all-inclusive concept, with a vibrant, luxury ambience and family friendly adventures. “We are clearly seeing an increasing demand for all-inclusive resorts throughout our destinations, as the leading hospitality group in the region, we are always doing our best to meet our guest’s expectations” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “We couldn’t think of a better brand than Rixos to bring a new All Exclusive luxurious resort to the Marina of Abu Dhabi” The group is partnering with National Investment Corporation (NIC), established in 1999, with the primary purpose to develop the breakwater area in order to optimize the use of this prime location for economic and social enrichment HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirms “We are delighted to have partnered with the Accor and Rixos Hotels to operate one of the luxurious hotels in the Capital “Rixos …

Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director of Consultancy & Sustainability at leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has revealed how all hotels throughout the region can create a bespoke roadmap to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. During her webinar presentation in conjunction with the Swiss Business Council, which was attended by key hospitality figures from across the region, Ibrahim highlighted the fact that some international hospitality brands may already have strategies in place to achieve their Net Zero ambitions. However, many independent hotels, particularly three and four-star properties would require external support from consultants to design, plan and execute a carbon neutral roadmap. “Major international hotel brands such as Accor, Hilton and Marriott have the necessary resources to achieve their sustainability goals, but many privately-owned independent hotels will not have the means to access dedicated internal support. “There is also general confusion about what Net Zero means and the process and actions required to make a corporate commitment and how a hotel’s carbon footprint can be measured and reduced without affecting the operation or guest experience,” said Ibrahim. It is widely reported that tourism and specifically hotels account for 8% and 1% respectively of total global carbon emissions. But implementing a carbon reduction plan is not an easy task, with multiple internal and external challenges. The most common of which are carbon footprint assessments across the hotel and its value chain, a lack of financial resources with little or no budget allocated for climate related activities, the higher costs associated with sustainable products and insufficient regulatory incentives to support a hotel’s Net Zero transition. Ibrahim, who was elected to the board of the official Local Network of …

Dubai-based independent hotel management company, Aleph Hospitality, has signed a management contract with Congo-based Sokerico Group to operate Kertel Suites in Kinshasa. The boutique property, which is currently under development, is set to open in Q1 2023, and on opening the hotel will set a new benchmark for the hospitality sector in Kinshasa with its all-suites accommodations and state of the art food and beverage offerings. Aleph Hospitality’s portfolio now covers 12 properties across eight countries on the African continent. Located in the capital Kinshasa, in the heart of Gombe, a flourishing business centre and embassies area, Kertel Suites offers brand-new, contemporary accommodation. The hotel is conveniently located a 20-minute drive from the N’Dolo Airport. Popular tourist destinations in the vicinity include Picasso Beach, Central Station Square and the Jardin Zoologique. The premium hotel is positioned as approachable luxury with an elegant, classic design for a corporate lifestyle. Leisure facilities include an upscale rooftop resto-bar and a French bakery-bistro, a roof swimming pool, fully equipped gym and spa as well as three banquet halls. Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality said: “We are thrilled to have been entrusted with the management of Kertel Suites in Kinshasa and we are excited to be operating our first property in Africa’s largest city. It’s an interesting time to secure a presence in the heart of Africa, as The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently investing in the hospitality sector, restoring historical sites and strengthening sustainability within their ecosystem. The development is quite unique in its location, and we look forward to bringing next-level hospitality experiences to the heart of Gombe.” Ritesh Hemnani and Kenny Rawtani, owners of Sokerico Group …