Category Archives: Movements

Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is delighted to announce the appointment of Christian Ruge as the new General Manager, effective 1 August 2023. Ruge’s internationally seasoned career in hotel management and leadership extends across Europe, USA, the Middle East, and Asia, promising a new era of excellence and innovation for the hotel that is a landmark of luxury and wellness in the heart of the city. Born in Essen, Germany, Christian Ruge’s impressive 25-year journey in hospitality management has seen him hold important positions in key locations worldwide. He began his career at the Hotel InterContinental Frankfurt, Germ any, quickly moving up the ranks to work at their top properties in Europe and USA. Ruge’s time with Sofitel Hotels & Resorts included serving as General Manager at the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor in Egypt and Sofitel Wroclaw Old Town in Poland. In 2012 he joined Kempinski Hotels, and his diverse international experience with the brand includes successful tenures as General Manager in Saudi Arabia (Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Riyadh), United Arab Emirates (Kempinski Hotel Ajman), and China (Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan). Prior to joining Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, he was the general manager at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena in the famous ski resort town of Bansko in Bulgaria. Under his leadership, the hotel received several prestigious awards in 2022, including Bulgaria’s Best Ski Hotel, Best Hotel Restaurant, Best Hotel Spa, and Leading Lifestyle Hotel by World Travel Awards. With an MBA in General Management, and a series of professional development courses from Cornell University, USA, Ruge brings an advanced understanding of the hospitality industry. His expertise includes strategic management, hotel real estate investments and asset management, demand management, and new media in …

Cruise Saudi is pleased to announce the appointment of Lars Clasen as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. He is a global industry expert with 30+ years of experience in the shipping and cruise industries across Asia, Europe and North America. Prior to joining Cruise Saudi, Clasen held several key roles across leading cruise companies; Managing Director at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Co-founder and Managing Director of Dolce Cruise Management, CEO of A-ROSA River Cruises, President of AIDA Cruises, and is also the founder and owner of Lars Clasen Cruise Consulting.  His deep experience in the world of cruising is ideally suited for Cruise Saudi as it pursues its development of the cruise sector in the Red Sea and elsewhere. Fawaz Farooqui, Managing Director of Cruise Saudi commented: “We are excited to announce that Lars Clasen has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Saudi. Clasen brings three decades of experience in the global cruising industry, and we look forward to having him as a key member of the team.” Clasen on joining Cruise Saudi said: “As a cruise professional and enthusiast, I’ve been following the tremendous progress Cruise Saudi has made in such a short span of time; from setting up an entirely new industry and welcoming guests on cruise ships for the first time in Saudi Arabia, to garnering a great deal of attention globally as the newest player in the cruise industry. I am honored to be joining a diligent team of professionals and look forward to achieving more milestones together as Cruise Saudi embarks upon a new phase of development in opening not just one gateway, but several new gateways connecting the world to the …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the appointment of Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer as its Acting Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Al Qaseer will continue the ongoing concerted efforts to achieve Shurooq’s vision of developing world-class projects and bolster efforts to drive national and foreign investments into the emirate. He will also oversee the management and operational execution of all multi-sectoral projects under Shurooq’s portfolio, including its tourist and heritage destinations across the emirate. Al Qaseer made formidable contributions in fulfilling the goals of Shurooq’s plans and projects. He has facilitated the growth of businesses across sectors, in addition to strengthening Sharjah’s status as a key investment, tourist and trade destination in the region. Ahmed Al Qaseer joined Al Qasba Development Office in 2006 as Business Development Manager and was promoted to Director of Business Development in 2008. He was an integral part of the team that transformed Al Qasba into the popular leisure and tourism destination it is today. Following his highly successful track record with Al Qasba, Ahmed Al Qaseer played a key role in the establishment of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in 2009. As Director of Property Management in 2010, he was entrusted with the responsibility of managing Shurooq’s properties as well as its operations, sales, and leasing. The following year, he was promoted as Chief Operating Officer of Shurooq, and in that capacity, was responsible for the operational execution of Shurooq’s portfolio of projects and destinations.

Ishraq Hospitality, a division of Mohamed & Obaid AlMullaGroup, one of the most dynamic and prominent business houses in UAE, appoints Alexander Suski as Acting Chief Executive Officer. Mr Suski is moving up to Acting CEO from his role as Group Director, Commercial and Business Development, IshraqHospitality, where he was overseeing commercial operations and strategic expansion of seven hotel properties under InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG Hotels & Resorts) and Wyndham franchises. In addition, he was responsible for driving short- and long-term commercial strategies for the portfolio and developing Ishraq Hospitality’s well-recognized Hospitality Advisory Services for investors or hotel owners. Suski has over 18 years of industry experience that spans Europe and MEA, with more than a decade of strategic development in sales and marketing in the region’s hospitality industry. He was Associate Vice President Sales and Marketing, Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East and Africa, overlooking a portfolio of 48 properties and over 40 future openings in the region. Prior to that, Suski was Area Director of Sales and Marketing Egypt and Bahrain, Kempinksi Hotels, moving to UAE as Director of Sales and Marketing at Kempinski Hotel Ajman and Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. In this role, he reinvigorated sales and marketing strategies, market share, profit expansion and hotel brand repositioning to accelerate growth. Suski’s more than a decade-long valuable experience in Europe is integral to his vast understanding of the hospitality sector.  He has worked with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG) in Warsaw, Sofitel Luxury Hotels (Accor) in Bruges-Ghent-Brussels-Luxemburg-Amsterdam, Crowne Plaza (IHG) in Brussels and De Dikke Van Dale (Fletcher Hotels) in Holland. His leadership capabilities, customer-focused approach, communication skills, matched with innovative thinking and a thorough understanding …

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.”

Israel is reopening its doors to vaccinated tourists starting at the end of May, supported by the launch of a strategic campaign that ensures as many foreign tourist arrivals as possible in 2021.  The announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism Orit Farkash-Hacohen at a press conference held in Tel Aviv.  “Israel today is a world leader in safety and health, and we will make sure every potential tourist knows this when planning their summer or winter vacation,” Farkash-Hacohen stated, “We cannot miss this opportunity – and, as minister of tourism, we won’t.” “Dubai has great tourism potential for Israel,” the Minister said, adding “The UK and the US have always been large markets for inbound tourism to Israel. I have no doubt, we will see many tourists from all three countries within a short period of time.” Farkash-Hacohen also announced the ministry would reinstate a directive incentivizing foreign airlines to operate flights to the Ramon Airport located outside of Eilat. The incentive, which was in place before the COVID pandemic, is now being budgeted at a cap of NIS 25 Million, which will enable foreign carriers to receive financial incentives for every tourist they bring to Israel. “In recent years, Indian travellers have become familiar with the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and now we want to introduce them to the resort city of Eilat, on the shores of Red Sea.  Once international travel resumes from India, we are confident that Eilat will be a destination on the minds of the Indian travellers, so we want to make progress with potential flight routes when the demand comes.” said Sammy Yahia, Director of Tourism, India & Philippines. “Ensuring …

New research from global traveller experiences expert Collinson has found that in the future, 76% of travellers in the UAE and 80% in KSA have said they’ll be prioritising their mental wellbeing more when they travel now than they did before COVID-19. Despite there being a pent up demand for travel in the region, the majority of travellers (62% in the UAE and 67% in KSA) think travel post-pandemic will be more stressful in the current climate. When asked what travel brands could do to help the situation, in both countries, 38% of travellers said they would value propositions from providers that prioritise their mental wellbeing. Travellers also highlighted additional services that they would be willing to pay for to improve their wellbeing at the airport. These included spaces such as airport lounge access, as many as 37% would pay for this in KSA whilst 30% of UAE respondents would pay for a quiet place in which to sit and relax. 18% in the UAE and 28% in KSA have also said they would pay extra for access to airport sleep pods. Priyanka Lakhani, Director South Asia and Commercial Director Middle East and Africa at Collinson said, “In the context of travel during Covid-19, it’s often the conversation around physical wellbeing that has dominated so it’s very insightful to understand more about the importance passengers in the region place on the emotional and mental wellbeing aspects of their journey. While hygiene measures are critical, looking after travellers’ all-round wellness across the travel experience will be just as important and will help the travel industry shape its offering to encourage and rebuild traveller confidence. The travel industry needs to stay flexible, …

Park Inn by Radisson announced the opening of its first hotel in Jeddah. The newest addition brings the group’s portfolio to over 45 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development, accelerating Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion across the country. In addition to celebrating the opening of its latest addition to its growing portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Radisson Hotel Group is also marking another milestone in the Group’s commitment to Balanced Leadership, and its drive to improve diversity and inclusion within its business. Maram Kokandi, General Manager of the Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah Madinah Road made history, with her appointment as the world’s first female Saudi General Manager in the global hospitality industry. Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Our aim is to become the go-to hotelier for local guests and business travelers whilst empowering the Saudi working population simultaneously. As a pioneer and strong advocate of balanced leadership, we were the first hotel group to appoint a Saudi female GM in the Kingdom and it has been an honor to support Maram in her momentous progression.” Maram Kokandi, General Manager Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah Madinah Road and first female Saudi GM in the Kingdom said, “I can’t begin to describe how much being the first female Saudi GM means to me, both personally and professionally. It’s my aim to make a difference by empowering the younger generation and supporting them with their dreams. Introducing a new brand to the Jeddah market, allows us to showcase the brand’s unique affordability, convenience and difference.”

Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO of Rotana, has issued a statement outlining his hopes for the future of the hospitality industry in the wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Hutchinson praised the region’s governments, frontline healthcare professionals and other key workers for their decisive response to the global crisis, and urged the public to adhere to social distancing guidelines during the holy month of Ramadan. “Although we will miss our traditional gatherings, this is a sacrifice we must all be prepared to accept for the greater good. By uniting behind this shared sense of purpose, we are coming together as a community in new and profound ways,” commented Hutchinson. He went on to share details of Rotana’s efforts to support guests, staff and communities across the region, which include the adoption of stringent hygiene protocols and extending the use of Rotana properties to governments to assist in their efforts to combat the spread of the virus. The statement ended on an optimistic note, as Hutchinson shared his vision for the industry in a post-crisis landscape, “The hospitality sector will surely recover. Whether our new reality will be the same as before remains to be seen. Speaking as a passionate hotelier, I would like to think there will be some differences. I believe the dark hours we have faced will lead to a heightened appreciation for the joy of travel, making us realise just how privileged we are to serve our guests through this incredible industry. Together, we will reach those brighter days ahead.”

The German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries (GNTO) has appointed Yamina Sofo as its new Director Sales & Marketing. In her new capacity, Yamina Sofo will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Gulf region team, manage a wide range of marketing campaigns and activities as well as work closely with the local and overseas trade partners and industry stakeholders to promote ‘Destination Germany’ as a year-round travel destination throughout the Gulf region. Speaking on her appointment, Sofo commented, “I’m proud to say that Gulf region is among the Top 20 of the most important source markets to Germany and the third largest source market outside Europe. Due to its diversity, Germany is one of the preferred travel destinations for the GCC nationals, whether for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping – offering high quality services, great value for money, luxury accommodation and facilities as well as environmentally-friendly transportation links throughout the entire country.” Commenting on the recent lockdown, Yamina said, “In spite of the lockdown, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has launched “#DiscoverGermanyFromHome”, a joined communication campaign on all social media channels worldwide to communicate inspiring, emphatic and informative content with tomorrow’s travellers in an engaging and interactive way.”