Category Archives: Hotels

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces the addition of Marc Speichert to its executive leadership team in the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Marc is an outstanding marketer and strategic business builder – a digital innovator with a global outlook who understands the evolving needs of the luxury consumer,” says John Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “His experience and vision will be fundamental to the path forward for Four Seasons, driving continued customer growth, revenue and brand recognition.” “Marc’s global experience and marketing acumen are matched by his reputation as an inspiring leader, with a collaborative style that extends through his work and to those he works with. His appreciation for Four Seasons people, culture and values further strengthens our executive team as we continue to extend Four Seasons leadership position worldwide,” continues Davison. Commenting on his new role, Speichert says, “Four Seasons leadership legacy is undisputed in the luxury space. This is a company that continually embraces new opportunities, while remaining focused on its core business principles and unwavering in its commitment to excellence. The opportunity to play a role in the growth of this iconic luxury brand is tremendously exciting. There is unlimited potential ahead and I look forward to collaborating with Four Seasons teams around the world to continue elevating the guest experience and deepening the connection with those who know and love Four Seasons.”

Ahead of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place in Dubai next month, Hotelbeds, the world’s leading bedbank, has revealed that the prestigious city has consistently been within its top three destinations by room nights sold throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Hotelbeds, despite the crisis, has recovered to pre-COVID volumes, year to date, for the wider UAE as destination. Both early bird bookings and last-minute reservations characterize the majority of the room nights sold. Ali Taheri, Regional Sourcing Director commented, “While the whole of the travel industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, it is fantastic news that we can name Dubai as one of our leading destinations during this time, highlighting its enduring magnetism for travellers. “As a region, and as a team, we have been able to maintain high levels of resilience during these unprecedented times and this is due to a number of factors. Firstly, having exposure to a diversified domestic and international client base protected us against the risk of lost volumes in closed corridors and secondly, we benefitted from uninterrupted cash flow while many players were facing systemic cash restrictions. And last but not least, the destructive nature of the pandemic brought out the streetfighter spirit in the team!”  

Marriott International announced it has signed an agreement with RDK Tourism Investment LLC to amplify its luxury presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the addition of The St. Regis Downtown Dubai. The signing is expected to further enhance the company’s luxury footprint across the UAE where it currently operates 17 properties and more than 6,000 rooms across seven of its luxury brands. “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with RDK Tourism Investment with this milestone project,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “St. Regis delivers exquisite experiences and anticipatory service in some of the most desirable locations around the world. With this addition, the brand will arrive at one of the finest addresses in Downtown Dubai, which is home to the city’s most iconic landmarks. The St. Regis Downtown Dubai is set to offer unparalleled luxury, bespoke service and modern glamour for leisure and business travellers alike.” The St. Regis brand continues to expand its renowned global portfolio by adding the highly sought-after address of Downtown Dubai with the anticipated transformation and rebranding of the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai by the end of 2021. The renovation plans are expected to include a residential-inspired sophisticated design of the lobby and the addition of an Astor Ballroom, which speaks to the brand’s focus on hosting iconic celebrations. The renovations will be blended with the hallmarks of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, including the brand’s celebrated Rituals and signature St. Regis Butler Service. “We look forward to building on our relationship with Marriott International to further expand our hospitality portfolio in the region,” said Rashid Darwish Ahmed Saif Al Ketbi, Chairman of RDK …

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is making it easier to bring people together by combining in-person and virtual settings in a reimagined meetings and events offering. Hybrid Meetings by Four Seasons combines creative design with the latest audio-visual technology, and an unwavering commitment to health and safety, to enrich every meeting with human connections wherever in the world attendees may be. Four Seasons has long been a leader in creating unforgettable meetings and events, helping planners create customised, one-of-a-kind experiences that make lasting impressions on attendees. While the meetings and events landscape has changed as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Four Seasons remains more committed than ever to creating innovative and engaging meetings and events. “We have adapted to a world where we are connecting virtually more than ever before. Until we can gather safely again, we are creating ways to combine advanced technologies with a human approach that is distinctly Four Seasons,” says Ben Trodd, Senior Vice President, Sales and Hotel Marketing. “Time apart from colleagues, clients, friends and family has only reinforced the importance of meetings and events and the need to connect in meaningful ways. Hybrid Meetings offer the service excellence, innovation and creativity that Four Seasons is known for, while elevating the safety and care required to bring people together in the current environment.” Trodd continues, “While the format of these meetings and events may look slightly different, our ability to foster deep connections and create exceptional experiences for our clients and guests remains. Each event is brought to life through industry-leading technology, a focus on health and safety through Lead With Care, and by our incredible people who are dedicated to making each …

Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, today announced its creative partnership with the leading short-form video platform, TikTok, with a common goal to promote and set the stage for young talent across the UAE. Starting from 26 April the hotel will be scouting young creatives across the city, from musicians, artists, designers, and dancers, to identify their talents. The shortlisted candidates will then be given an opportunity to showcase their talents via a professionally shot video, at the stunning boutique hotel. Talking about this unique initiative, Laura Eggleton, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown said, “Digital platforms provide incredible opportunities for young talent to get discovered. However, with the vast volume of content being uploaded online it is sometimes difficult for talent to shine. At Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, along with TikTok, we aim to give emerging young talent the support needed to guide them on their journey as they share their talents, story and make a name for themselves in this competitive market.” Head of Video and Creative at TikTok Middle East, said, “We are proud to announce yet another partnership with a brand that favors the interest and future of rising young talent. At TikTok, we offer our community space where they feel comfortable being themselves and where they can creatively express themselves with spontaneity and authenticity. Through this special partnership with Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, we are joining forces to offer future rising stars the platform to stand out and shine with their talents.”

Marriott International launched its Tahseen programme for the third year in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its commitment to developing Saudi Arabia’s future hospitality leaders. Launched in 2018 in partnership with Cornell University, Tahseen aims to fast track the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Middle East. This year’s programme in Saudi Arabia will see 52 candidates join the 12-month curriculum, which will accelerate their development as future leaders in the industry. Francisca Martinez, Chief Human Resources Officer, EMEA for Marriott International said, “We are excited to launch the third year of our Tahseen programme in the Kingdom. Through Tahseen, we remain committed to advancing local talent and providing them with a platform to be able to contribute to the success of the country’s travel and tourism sector. The programme offers great opportunities for candidates to develop the necessary skills and gain the experience needed to succeed in their careers and become future leaders in the hospitality industry.” Abeer Alreefi, who graduated from the Tahseen programme in 2018, has since moved on as a Recruitment Lead for The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah. Looking back at her experience with the programme, Alreefi commented, “Throughout the programme, I had the opportunity to learn about time management, leadership skills, working under pressure and understanding the value of each department at a hotel. After graduating, I continued to learn and grow and become a better version of myself. I have implemented what I learned during the Tahseen programme throughout projects I managed including ‘Saudi Career Day’ and a recruitment trip outside the country.  Learning and developing throughout the programme with the rest of the Tahseen candidates was an amazing experience. I can’t help but feel proud for …

Accor opens a new hotel under the Swissôtel brand will be opening in Çeşme, Turkey. Swissôtel Çeşme is scheduled to open in June 2022, following the contract signed between Accor Hotel Group and Dilek Holding. Situated in Çeşme, Ilıca Bay, which is known as the Pearl of the Aegean and resembling the feeling of being in Maldives to its guests with its turquoise sea and unprecedented beach, Swissôtel Çeşme is architected by Durmuş Dilekçi. Interior architecture of the hotel is assumed by the master architect, Mustafa Toner who works for Toner Architects. “We are pleased to announce the signing of the Swissôtel Çeşme in partnership with Dilek Holding, as it joins our portfolio of managed premium properties under our  portfolio in Turkey,” said Yigit Sezgin, Chief Commercial Officer for Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “Present in 17 countries, the Swissotel brand is the perfect reflection of Swiss tradition blended with modernity. We believe the Swissôtel brand will bring a fresh blood to Çeşme” adds Sezgin, “where guests will experience lifestyle hospitality in every corner of the hotel when opening its doors in June 2022.” Adil Dilek, president of Dilek Holding, expressed his satisfaction about the partnership formed with Accor and stated “We are bringing fresh blood to tourism overall and to Ilıca Bay, also known as the Pearl of the Aegean, where the Swissôtel Çeşme will be located. Just like we brought tourism to Çeşme 20 years ago we will introduce a concept with Swissôtel Çeşme which is promising to take tourism to a higher level. In line with our affiliation with Accor, we are aiming to take Çeşme to a more luxurious segment, positioning the city as …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the debut of its fourth brand in the United Arab Emirates, with the opening of Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills. This latest addition brings the group’s presence to 14 hotels in the United Arab Emirates and 77 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development across the Middle East. Located in a newly-developed, family-friendly neighborhood, the Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills is a perfect home base for both business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel is conveniently situated close to a range of activities and attractions including the nearby IMG Worlds of Adventure, Global Village and Dubai Autodrome. An ideal location for golfers, Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills is in close proximity to five golf courses such as Trump International Golf Course and Els Golf Club, some of the finest in the Middle East. “We are delighted to introduce our fourth brand, the fast-growing upscale Radisson, to the United Arab Emirates and open the doors of our fourteenth hotel in the country. The UAE remains a key market for us with a robust pipeline of hotels scheduled to open within the next 24 months. The tourism sector in Dubai continues to grow and flourish as a result of the Emirates’ remarkable vision in creating a world-class destination for entertainment and culture and we are excited to contribute to this growth,” says Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, at Radisson Hotel Group. Siddhartha Sattanathan, General Manager Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills, commented, “No matter if for business or leisure, with our dedicated team and modern facilities, we aim to create more meaningful and memorable experiences for our guests. Located in the …

Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche is offering unmissable staycation packages, so you can spend quality time with your loved-ones during the Holy Month of Ramadan.  Book a staycation in a deluxe room with a relaxing view of the Arabian Gulf for as low as AED299/ per night. This rate is inclusive of breakfast or suhoor for two people. Half-board options, which include suhoor and iftar, or breakfast and lunch OR dinner for guests who are not fasting start is priced at AED379/ per night, while the full board package starts at AED429/ per night. For Iftar, Gourmet Garden will serve a special Ramadan spread featuring a range of traditional Ramadan dishes and beverages from the region, alongside a selection of international cuisine. Originally priced at AED199/, Gourmet Garden offers a special rate of AED99/ for the iftar buffet throughout the month of Ramadan. Kids aged six and below dine for free.

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.