Category Archives: Hotels

Ascott Rafal Olaya is amongst Riyadh’s prominent hotel apartments. Home to both leisure and business travellers, the property offers studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments that boasts urban city views. Those planning a little staycation with family and friends, or are on the scout for luxurious living standards, Ascott Rafal Olaya is currently offering up to 25% off with the Escape in Style promotion. Guests can indulge in varied exclusive lifestyle amenities, separate for men, women, and children. These include swimming pools, a gymnasium, sauna, children’s playroom, prayer rooms, and locally popular restaurants that are situated on its ground floor – Don Puro and Opaline, that offer delicious Lebanese cuisine, and are an ideal choice for families wanting to celebrate iftar outdoors.

Hotelbeds announced a strategic partnership with Banyan Tree Group. With this agreement, Hotelbeds has secured exclusive offers and privileges for its customers at Banyan Tree Group’s 48 hotels across 22 countries. This new partnership will provide Banyan Tree Group with access to Hotelbeds’ 60,000 travel trade buyers based in more than 140 source markets worldwide, that includes high value channels such as travel agents, tour operators, airlines and points redemption programmes. With this strategic partnership, and in anticipation of the resumption of safe travel, Banyan Tree Group will benefit from expanding its customer reach, while giving Hotelbeds’ customers access to exclusive rates designed to inspire travel and help fuel the industry’s recovery. Jorge Cortés, Global Sourcing Director at Hotelbeds said, “Banyan Tree Group is one of our key partners with amazing properties in top destinations worldwide. Thanks to an exceptional business relationship, we are looking to increase our business with them and in turn, provide our global travel trade buyers the opportunity to book and experience its amazing hotels once safe travel resumes.” Bobby Ong, Vice President, Head of Growth from Banyan Tree Group said, “Hotelbeds is well-established in the hospitality industry with its extensive network. This strategic partnership highlights the collaboration of two forward-looking industry brands. With wellbeing and sustainability at our core, our Group’s multi-brand portfolio will cater to discerning customers with different needs for travel post-Covid. With this partnership, we are pleased to strengthen our global reach to travel trade buyers and welcome more international travellers to our awe-inspiring destinations around the world.”

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel launches a stay package to support the recent government initiative of a Remote Work Visa and Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. With an attractive monthly rate starting from AED 4,350++ per month, employees and tourists can stay in one of the hotel’s 384 rooms with complimentary high-speed internet and avail complimentary use of a small meeting room facility once a month, 30% discount on Food and Beverage, 20% off on Laundry and Dry Cleaning, a Dubai Parks and Resorts 30% discount voucher, and access to the hotel’s gym and rooftop pool. Those looking to stay longer and moving to Dubai through the Remote Work Visa program can obtain a one-time cashback of their USD287 (AED1,100) visa cost when staying for a minimum of three months which can be used as hotel credit for any incremental charges applicable to dining, laundry, and other services utilized during the stay. “We laud the government’s recent initiatives that allow employees and other nationalities to stay in the UAE and enjoy the country’s safe and attractive business and leisure environment. Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel is ready to welcome entrepreneurs and talents who would like to call the UAE home without the need for employment. Our facilities and our convenient location will boost their productivity while they experience a positive quality of life that the UAE offers,” said Colin A. Baker, Regional Director, Middle East, StayWell Hospitality Group.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Bonnington Hospitality JLT for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Currently operating as Bonnington Hotel, home to the world-renowned McGettigan’s Pub & Restaurant group, the hotel will feature 208 keys and is expected to be rebranded to voco by Q3 2021. After the first voco opening in the Middle East in 2019, this latest development marks the tenth voco hotel in the Middle East and Africa region and adds to the growing brand portfolio with operating hotels in Dubai, Riyadh and Al Khobar and a strong pipeline across key cities such as Jeddah, Doha and Johannesburg. Commenting on the signing, Matthew Tripolone, VP Development, Middle East and Africa, IHG said, “We are excited to be adding voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai to our UAE portfolio, in partnership with Bonnington Hospitality JLT. Since launching globally in 2018, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across the Middle East, and we are proud to introduce our second voco to Dubai, which is a priority market for us in the region. He added, “The brand offers a simplified conversion process, making it quick and easy for owners of high-quality independent hotels to become part of IHG’s system and drive higher returns thereafter. The brand also allows guests to enjoy an upscale experience with the freshness of a unique, independent hotel under a brand name they can trust.” Dennis McGettigan, Chief Executive Officer, Bonnington Hospitality and McGettigan Group, added, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with IHG and the voco brand. As a unique family-owned and operated hotel in Dubai, Bonnington Hotel meticulously provides each guest with the highest levels of …

Dubai Holding launched Hatta Dome Park, an exciting new glamping experience situated next to Hatta Wadi Hub, one of the UAE’s most popular eco-friendly adventure destinations. The resort has opened its doors to visitors.  This latest addition to Hatta’s glamping experience entails 15 dome-shaped, permanent luxury tents designed with panoramic windows offering majestic views of the Hatta mountain range. Hatta Dome Park is the perfect weekend getaway for families and groups of friends alike. The rooms come with the full range of amenities and are designed to accommodate two adults and two children. Each dome tent is equipped with its own private BBQ and fire pit within a large terrace space that allows for comfortable gathering. Located just a short walk from Hatta Wadi Hub, guests at HattaDome Park can enjoy an assortment of exciting activities, from mountain bike coaching and rentals to downhill mountain carting and trampoline jumping; as well as recently introduced activities by Dubai Holding, which include Zip Line, Climbing Wall, Slingshot, and Paragliding. In addition, guests can choose from a variety of F&B options to suit every taste, from the onsite coffee shop to the mixed-cuisine food trucks; and in turn, help support Hatta’s vibrant UAE National entrepreneur community. Joel Russo, Chief Hospitality Asset Management Officer at Dubai Holding commented, “Dubai Holding has been playing a key role in building Hatta’s tourism and investment potential, showcasing the beautiful mountain destination and its dynamic offering to the world. Hatta Dome Park is an excellent addition to Hatta Resorts, including Hatta Damani Lodges and Hatta SedrTrailers, and Wadi Hub, which have been running for three consecutive seasons since they first opened to the public in 2018, having welcomed …

The UAE tourism sector performed outstandingly in 2020 despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed by the Ministry of Economy, noting that the sector was among the least affected and fastest to recover around the world. The UAE recorded a 54.7% hotel occupancy rate in 2020 – the second highest in the world behind only China – while the global rate dropped to 37% under the weight of the pandemic, and hotels in the Middle East region recorded just 43% occupancy. This is in parallel to the significant decline in tourist activity, which fell by 74% around the world and 76% in the region. “The global tourism industry bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic,” noted H.E. Al Falasi. “Guided by the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE was able to quickly contain the outbreak’s impact on the local tourism sector, relying on innovation and agility in its efforts to provide incentives, launch initiatives, and create opportunities to accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector and boost its contribution to GDP.” “Despite the tremendous challenges it brought onto the industry, the pandemic also created new opportunities for domestic tourism, with a surge in demand recorded over the past year, especially during the holidays and vacation season, and some establishments even reporting full occupancy. This reflects the high quality of the services the sector provides, which rank among the best in the world,” H.E. explained. “Strengthening domestic tourism is essential for ensuring the tourism sector’s full recovery and driving faster economic recuperation. The UAE can benefit from its advanced infrastructure, modern facilities, and wide range of services and activities to promote itself as a tourist destination with a lot …

Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) has announced a strategic partnership with Chalhoub Group. This partnership comes as part of DCT’s Medyaf programme, the industry nationalisation initiative aimed at preparing talented young UAE nationals for careers across tourism touchpoints including the retail sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of DCT and Wassim Eid, President People & Culture at Chalhoub Group . The MOU will pave the way for the development and career support of DCT students and UAE nationals in various roles in the retail sector. Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, commented, “Our partnership with Chalhoub Group will provide a major boost to our Medyaf programme to create more opportunities for talented Emiratis to work in the retail sector. The continuing collaboration with the private sector in Dubai comes within the framework of strategic measures being undertaken to meet a key goal of Dubai’s tourism strategy to make the city the world’s No.1 most visited, revisited and preferred destination.  During these challenging times, there is even greater urgency to expand the pool of local talent by working with industry partners like the Chalhoub Group to achieve the goals of our industry nationalisation drive, a critical element in strengthening the city’s tourist-facing workforce and adding to the sustainability and growth of our industry.” Commenting on the agreement, Wassim Eid, President People & Culture, Chalhoub Group, said, “We are proud to partner with the Dubai College of Tourism to support a new generation workforce and attract UAE nationals to join the luxury retail sector. DCT is giving young talents a great opportunity by introducing them to the private sector and …

IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Haitham Mattar as managing director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), replacing the outgoing Pascal Gauvin who left the post at the end of 2020. Mattar will take up the position from April 18.With more than 25 years of experience, he will be responsible for driving IHG’s business in the Middle East, Africa and the South West Asia region, covering both development and operations responsibilities across a portfolio of 165 operational hotels and a pipeline of over 100 properties. Mattar joins IHG from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism where, as senior advisor and a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, he contributed to the development and implementation of Saudi’s sustainable tourism strategy to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Previously, he spent four years as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, reporting to HH Sheikh Saud Bin SaqrAl Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of RasAl Khaimah. It is not the first time Mattar has worked at IHG, having previously spent 11 years at the group from 2000 to 2011 in various operations, commercial and sales and marketing positions based in the region. In his new role, he will be based in IHG’s Dubai office and will report to Kenneth Macpherson, chief executive officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA). Macpherson said, “I am very pleased to welcome Haitham back to IHG and lead our business in IMEA at such a crucial time for the travel and tourism industry. Haitham has a wealth of experience within the sector and has been at the forefront of several important strategic initiatives in the region over the last decade. …

Arabian Adventures to launch ‘The Perfect Evening by Arabian Adventures’, a new, high-end dining experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). Known for its award-winning range of desert safaris, city tours and ongoing commitment to conservation in the DDCR, Arabian Adventures is revealing a luxurious new camp in a private ‘cove’ amidst the dunes of this spectacular, pristine reserve – set to provide a unique, once-in-a-lifetime desert voyage, with a front-row seat to the stars. The experience includes pick-up and drives into the DDCR in a premium vehicle with an Arabian Adventures expert safari guide, sundowners with canapes at a perfect sunset stop, and premium dining at the newly-designed camp with a private chef and waiter, with some traditional Arabian surprises for guests along the way. Justine Thomas, General Manager at Arabian Adventures, commented, “This new, high-end private dining experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve represents a first for Arabian Adventures, as we continue to evolve and extend our product offering to meet the needs and wants of our customers. “We have witnessed a surge in requests for guests seeking a refined, private dining experience in the Dubai desert. As such, our team of local experts is taking the 5-star restaurant experience you can expect from this incredible city and are placing this into an idyllic setting in its surrounding desert within a new luxury retreat, with a personal waiter and private chef on-site. “Match this premium dining event with the privacy and beauty that can only be found in the DDCR, and we believe that we are introducing a new, must-do Dubai experience, for local residents and international travellers alike.” Thomas concluded, “Complete with a lantern-lit path …

Nakheel announced that The View at The Palm, a stunning observation deck that showcases a 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah, is set to open its doors to the public on 7 April 2021. Visitors can purchase their tickets and experience the Palm Jumeirah like never-before, as well as embark on an interactive journey towards the rich history of this splendid island through multiple immersive touchpoints. Omar Khoory, Chief Assets and Hospitality Officer, Nakheel said: “Twenty years ago, Nakheel embarked on a journey to bring the vision of Palm Jumeirah to life and today, we celebrate its growing success story by launching The View at The Palm. As well as a world attraction, The View will uncover the evolutionary journey behind building one of the most splendid man-made islands in the world. As Nakheel continues to add innovative destinations to its ever-growing retail portfolio, we hope that these experiences will inspire wonder to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. We are delighted to welcome residents to experience Palm Jumeirah in a completely new way and we are confident that it will be memorable.” Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: “The View at The Palm marks another major milestone for Dubai’s tourism industry and adds to the city’s range of diverse offerings that residents and visitors can enjoy. The opening of the observation deck under stringent precautionary measures will further enhance the safe environment that Dubai has created in line with the directive of our visionary leadership to ensure that the health and safety of people remains the top priority. The significance of the solid relationships that we have built over the years with …