Category Archives: Hotels

The CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) Amr AlMadani joined fellow hospitality leaders this week to discuss the future of the industry in the Hospitality Tomorrow virtual forum, hosted by Bench Global Events and watched by a global audience of thousands. The talk was co-hosted by Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the Secretary General at the United Nations World Trade Organisation and member of RCU’s Advisory Board, under the title ‘Legacy, Sustaining Growth through Adversity’. Amr AlMadani, CEO, RCU began by highlighting resilience and innovation as key to the industry’s growth, emphasising that travel in the future will be driven by a desire for deeper, transformative experiences founded in a strong sense of community. As an example, AlMadani noted that AlUla had 250,000 years of history, amid an authentic Arabian landscape, with its own community creatively engaged in its tourism industry. Expanding on the theme of growth, AlMadani emphasised that AlUla remained open to investment, and argued that the future growth of the wider industry is dependent on lowering barriers to investment to fuel innovation. In this regard, he noted that RCU was taking an open-minded approach to current challenges but also that RCU was still signing contracts and remained committed to its partners. Amr AlMadani said, “In RCU, we are banking on a strong recovery for the industry, but one that will newly focus on offering people deeper, more experiential and transformative tourism options – rather than simply a photograph. In AlUla, we have 250,000 years of history for visitors to experience a true, unique locality of Arabian and world heritage, supported by creativity and innovation in our community, projects, and our partners.” Anita Mendiratta said, “Legacy  …

Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) requested all hotel groups to be considerate towards their staff members in time of COVID-19 outbreak, when hospitality industry is at a standstill. Giant hotel groups operate in different countries, some with strong social security systems while others offering weak or totally inexistent support, leaving employees at risk when forced out of work. Khalid Anib – Chief Executive Officer – Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), said “I urge operators to act responsibly and share a tiny portion of their generous fees collected during the previous years to support the staff across all levels, particularly associates at the properties; and to seriously consider creating some sort of solidarity fund dedicated to preserve the dignity of employees should something like this arise in the future.” The hospitality industry all over the world has been dramatically disrupted by the ongoing drastic measures imposed yet critical to preserve life. The main focus facing every hotel owner today is how to deal with this unprecedented challenge of occupancies having reached unbearable levels in a very short period of time with growing uncertainties around the rebound and related timing. Forcing employees to be on paid / unpaid leaves is unfortunately necessary to partially reduce payroll costs; owners will continue to bear in full all other employee benefits: accommodation, food, insurance etc. along with other massive fixed liabilities such as loans and interest repayments / building maintenance and insurances / necessary capital expenditures and others. Anib added, “I have recommended the release of a portion of each employee’s accrued end of service benefit to financially help them to support their loved ones’ back home during such difficult times. I would like to …

Today more than half Accor branded hotels worldwide are closed, likely over two thirds in the coming weeks. The abrupt deterioration in the situation has prompted the Group to take drastic actions across its global operations; hence it has launched ‘ALL Heartist Fund’, a COVID-19 special financial program. In these unprecedented times, the Group stands more than ever by its employees, partners and communities, providing time, resources and access to its local and global network. Given the situation, the Group has decided to take aggressive, incremental actions. Collectively, these include: travel ban, hiring freeze, reduced schedules and /or furloughing for 75 per cent of global head office teams for Q2, resulting in a minimum €60m reduction in G&A for 2020; reviewed recurring investment plan for 2020 resulting in a €60m reduction in capital expenditures; the Group is further streamlining all other costs (e.g. sales, marketing, IT), in line with lower system wide revenues. In these unchartered territories, Accor’s Board of Directors has decided to complement management actions outlined above, by withdrawing its proposal for a 2019 dividend payment of c. €280m. After consulting with the Group’s main shareholders, JinJiang International, Qatar Investment Authority, Kingdom Holding Company and Harris Associates, Accor has decided to allocate 25 per cent of the planned dividend (€70m) to the launch of the ‘ALL Heartist Fund’, a COVID-19 special purpose vehicle. This fund will typically assist: Group’s 300,000 employees, pledging to pay for their COVID-19-related hospital expenses, for those who do not have social security or medical insurance; on a case by case basis, furloughed employees suffering great financial distress; on a case by case basis, individual partners facing financial difficulty This fund reflects the ambition …

The Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) launches Middle East Restaurant Association (MERA); keeping in mind the major challenges faced by the local F&B industry during this unprecedented global crisis. MERA, a non-profit organisation, will act as a hub that connects, promotes and supports its members, while helping to frame the agenda for the UAE’s restaurant industry. Now more than ever, the Middle East’s F&B community needs to come together and support each other through these challenging times, and MERA will be a vital source of help, advice and information that concerned business-owners and members of the industry can come to for assistance and guidance. The association aims to look after everyone in the industry, at all levels, not just owners and management. MERA’s founders are currently in the final stages of registering the non-profit incorporated organisation (NPIO) as a legal entity. Nevertheless, the needs of the industry come first and the MERA team is eager to provide an inclusive support system for the wider F&B community. With that in mind, the association will host its first-ever ‘MERA powered by GRIF’ online Zoom session on April 1 at 10am (UAE time).

STR a leading global data benchmarking and analytics provider, shared preliminary data for Dubai’s hotel performance worsening, as concern around the COVID-19 pandemic broadens. Dubai hotel occupancy fell 9.4 per cent to 77.1 per cent in February, ADR decreased 14.4 per cent to 567.63 Emirati dirhams ($154.56) and RevPAR declined 22.5 per cent to 437.41 dirhams ($119.10). STR analysts noted that Dubai’s occupancy, ADR and RevPAR decreased for 37 consecutive days (February 1 through March 8) in year-over-year comparisons. The steepest declines occurred in the most recent of those days. Of note, the market was already experiencing some declines in the metrics during the last two weeks of January, and the more significant decreases started on January 26.While Dubai has seen negative performance comparisons like most other major cities around the globe, STR analysts highlight the market’s ability to sell six of every 10 rooms on average during the first week of March. STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts – Middle East & Africa pledged to provide all its rooms and facilities to support the nation overcoming the difficulties during the current situation. Ali HamadLakhraim Al Zaabi, President Millennium Hotels & Resorts – Middle East & Africa, announced on his official social media channel to make all the resources at Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA available for the benefit of the UAE. Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA currently operates 45 hotels with almost 15,000 keys in addition to 32 hotels in the pipeline across the region. From a single property in Abu Dhabi, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Africa has expanded into various neighbouring destinations and is now recognised as one of the fastest-growing regional hotel management companies in the Middle East & Africa according to October 2019 report issued by STR. Along the way, the company has cultivated partnerships with reputable and respected owners.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) implemented an emirate-wide awareness campaign designed to support local hotel establishments in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The move falls in line with the nation’s continuing efforts to raise the level of precautionary and preventive measures against COVID-19, in response to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). The SCTDA also confirmed that a series of inspections will be conducted across hotel establishments in the emirate to ensure compliance and adherence to set standards and methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The inspections will ensure that hygiene measures, disinfection and sterilisation are all completed in a correct manner. Hotels are also being advised on documentation of their sterilisation measures. H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, “We are dedicated to making the most pertinent decisions that ensure continuity and minimum disruption, while also minimising the risk of disease transmission in the UAE. The UAE remains in the lead when it comes to  harnessing its energies and capabilities to face this global crisis with full efficiency, in line with the sense of responsibility rooted in the vision of our wise leadership, which calls on strengthening international and humanitarian solidarity to maintain security and stability.” The SCTDA’s Tourism Standards Department is in charge of following up on the disinfection and sterilisation process in hotel establishments in Sharjah, thus ensuring that the precautionary measures are carefully observed and the level of health awareness is raised in order to preserve the safety of all. The Authority has also started to circulate awareness brochures online to all hotel establishments and the authority’s employees. These brochures include key information on how to avoid spreading the virus, …

Rotana announced the opening of DAMAC Towers Arjaan by Rotana in early April. Located on King Fahd Road, the twin-tower architectural landmark offers a total of 448 luxurious rooms, suites and penthouses. The hotel features state-of-the-art amenities such as meeting and events facilities, a wellness and fitness centre, separate temperature-controlled swimming pools for men and women, and a well-equipped gymnasium, among others. Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO of Rotana, said, “This exciting new property marks the Saudi debut of the Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana brand, further enhancing our diverse portfolio in the Kingdom and bringing elegant city living to the heart of Riyadh. Offering the finest in extended-stay, we have no doubt that this hotel will become a preference for travellers looking for a luxurious home-away-from-home experience.” “Despite the current global situation, we remain optimistic about the Kingdom’s tourism performance and the region as a whole. Governments in various countries are focusing strongly on economic diversification, and with tourism playing a central role in these efforts we look forward to a bright future for the hospitality industry,” added Hutchinson.

Accor Middle East & Africa launches partnership with ‘She is Arab’, the first dedicated global speakers’ platform for Arab women designed to elevate female leadership development and to drive women’s economic empowerment and advancement in the workplace. As part of the partnership, a series of dialogues and discussions will roll out throughout the year in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE, including panels, roundtables, fireside chats, in addition to training and coaching sessions focused on leadership skills, public speaking, personal branding and media interaction. These events will tackle topics including the changing nature of leadership, navigating through workplace culture, achieving work life balance, and advocating workplace policies to ensure equal opportunities for women. Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa said, “The region today accounts for almost 30 per cent of the Group’s global RiiSE network of close to 30,000 employees from 4,900-plus hotels in 111 countries. Male and female talent from Accor’s hotels in Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate RiiSE membership in the region. We are thrilled to join hands with ‘She Is Arab’, further cementing our commitment to continuous narrative around gender equality, with the aim of achieving actionable outcomes.” Speaking on the partnership, Noha Hefny, Co-founder, She is Arab said, “We consider this collaboration a testament to Accor’s commitment to social responsibility and its strong support for women-led startups. With the growing momentum and strength of the She is Arab network; we believe our synergies and common values reinforce our shared commitment to women empowerment and gender parity in the MENA region.”

In line with the launch of a new direct route by EgyptAir connecting London to Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Hotels Egypt announced an exclusive holiday package available at Rixos Premium Seagate and Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, for residents from the UK. The first flight from London Gatwick Airport is scheduled to take off on the April 4, 2020 and will operate weekly, every Saturday. Erkan Yildirim, Managing Director of Rixos Hotels Egypt, commented, “This is a beneficial step for the tourism and business markets between the two countries as the direct route would connect the resort city with other parts of the UK as well as the world. It will connect London and the Sinai Peninsula. This new route from EgyptAir is a perfect opportunity to further increase the high occupancy rates of Rixos Premium Seagate and Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, popular destinations of choice for families seeking ultra-all-inclusive staycations. Yildirim concluded,“ EgyptAir chose Sharm El Sheikh as it is known for its tourism and as one of the business centres of the northeast part of Egypt and it is a strategic location with-in close proximity to the main cities of Egypt, in addition to offering the best of the Red Sea coast. It will have a significant effect on tourism in the Sharm El Sheikh region, providing international businesspersons with the opportunity to visit the Sinai peninsula. “