Tag Archives: hospitality

Aristara AI announced the launch of its multilingual digital assistant at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World, providing delegates with real-time access to information and updates throughout the event. Accessible directly through WhatsApp, the assistant enables participants to ask questions about panel sessions, speakers, venues, and schedules in more than 50 languages. In addition, The Bench, organizers of FHS World, will be able to send important notifications to ensure delegates enjoy a seamless summit experience. Founded in Los Angeles by a team of hospitality and technology leaders, Aristara is an AI-driven company transforming hotel operations and guest engagement. Its platform delivers intelligent automation, real-time personalization, and measurable efficiencies that increase both guest satisfaction and profitability. FHS World also marks Aristara’s official entry into the Arabian Gulf, a key growth region for the firm. Rosanna Wang, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Aristara, said: “We are honored to introduce our technology at FHS World in partnership with The Bench. This is an ideal platform to showcase how AI can enhance event engagement. It also represents an exciting beginning for Aristara in the Arabian Gulf, where we see tremendous opportunities to support hoteliers and event organizers with innovative solutions.”

Accor signed a master development agreement with BinDawood Investment, through its dedicated hospitality arm Al Qimmah, to develop and manage a portfolio of over 3,000 keys across Saudi Arabia, including landmark projects in the Holy Cities. The first phase will feature four flagship projects, including a new-build 288-key Swissôtel in Jeddah, which will be strategically located near King Abdulaziz International Airport and is set to open in 2029. Simultaneously, Madinah will welcome a new-build 1,015-key Mövenpick property in the northwest of the city, offering excellent connectivity via the Abu Bakr Al Siddiq road and convenient access to the Holy Mosque, also opening in 2029.The agreement solidifies BinDawood Investment role as a leading investor in the Kingdom’s hospitality transformation, confirming its alignment with the nation’s tourism plans for the decades ahead. As part of the agreement, Accor will introduce its premium, midscale, and economy brands across a diverse range of developments, spanning city hotels, serviced apartments, resorts and properties designed to serve religious tourism. Further bolstering Accor’s presence in the Holy Cities, Makkah will see the transformation of two existing properties. The ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah, an 801-key economy hotel less than 2 km south of the Holy Mosque, will undergo a full renovation to provide enhanced accessibility for pilgrims, with reopening scheduled for 2027. Similarly, the Mercure Makkah Shesha, a 1,078-key midscale hotel conveniently located near the Mina pilgrimage site, will also undergo a complete renovation, welcoming guests in 2027. Following the announcement of the agreement, Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, Chairman said: “Through BinDawood Investment and its subsidiaries, we are proud to be shaping a new chapter in the Kingdom’s hospitality journey. Our partnership with Accor underscores our commitment to becoming …

Shiji and Amadeus announced a new partnership to offer hotel companies a full range of technology solutions in one place. This includes Property Management Systems (PMS), Point of Sale (POS), Central Reservation Systems (CRS), and tools for sales, catering, and operations. Shiji, known for its fast-growing PMS and support for food and beverage outlets worldwide, is joining forces with Amadeus, a well-respected name in travel technology. Together, they will share one image database and provide smooth, reliable service to make hotel operations easier. This partnership is more than just connecting systems. It’s about working together to give hotels the best technology and support they need to operate well and serve their guests better. By combining their strengths, Shiji and Amadeus aim to help hotels run more smoothly and deliver better experiences with trusted technology and service.