Category Archives: Hotels

ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort opened in Ajaman; nestled within a prime location at Al Zorah, between the mangroves and calming blue waters, an ultimate well-being oasis. This first of its kind  health and well-being resort was unveiled at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which took place from the 16th to the 19th of May. Explore all that ZOYA has to offer as it presents its vision to select media, offering an exclusive introduction of what’s to come. Make sure that you secure your slot to be one of the first to experience ZOYA as it unveils its selection of treatments and tailor-made, wellness journeys. Operated by well-known German Spa & Health business specialist, Premedion, ZOYA’s 5-star holistic Wellbeing Resort provides the perfect mix of a luxury spa experience and an in-depth health retreat. The Premedion name stands for extraordinary spas and health centres worldwide. Their combination of spa expertise, preventive and medical competence is integrated into the unique and tailor made ZOYA offering. Born from the imagination of forward-thinking, Mr Ameer Said, who after sadly losing two members of his family to cancer, decided he wanted to “address the ailments of the modern world” and to encourage people to take a more preventative rather than curative approach to their health. What makes the ZOYA experience so exclusive is its holistic approach; this is the only resort globally to offer an all in one health and wellness experience, meaning that they actually spend time focussing on every element of your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Each visit is considered a journey – to start, you’ll have a consultation with either a doctor or wellness practitioner, and you’ll then be …

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with RIVA Development Company via its wholly owned subsidiary RIVA Hospitality for Hotel Services Company to open at least 7 hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across IHG’s portfolio of brands. The announcement was made at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021 in Dubai. The 5-year agreement will add to IHG’s portfolio across key brands in the country in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province, Abha, Hail, Qassim and Tabuk. Most hotels under the agreement are expected to be greenfield projects and will represent the best in class products. The agreement also presents the potential to extend the partnership for another 5 years to develop an additional 12 hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said, “We are excited to partner with RIVA Development Company as we strengthen our offering in Saudi Arabia. We have a strong legacy in the Kingdom and are committed to leveraging the growth opportunities that focus on aligning with Saudi’s vision 2030 and the priority destinations highlighted in the Saudi Tourism Strategy, by expanding our presence across the country through our portfolio of global brands. With a number of recent signings in Saudi Arabia, across our brands such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, voco and Crowne Plaza, we are growing our presence with best-in-class products, experiences and services, that attract both domestic and international visitors, as well as Saudi talent as part of our support to the government’s “Tawteen” program.  We also look forward to introducing new brands from our global portfolio to the Saudi market, and …

As part of its goal to attract investments to the emirate of Ajman, Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) has announced that it will join the 2021 edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 16 to 19. AFZ will join the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) pavilion as part of their strategic partnership and showcase its attractive features as a business and tourism destination in the emirate, featuring key developments such as Al Zorah and China Mall. AFZ will also highlight the pivotal role of the tourism industry in boosting various economic sectors, as part of Ajman’s and UAE’s visions and discuss several initiatives in line with its 2021-2025 strategy. In addition, AFZ will offer special packages to companies who decide to operate within the free zone during the ATM. Various companies operating within AFZ are directly engaged in the tourism industry, while many more are indirectly contributing to the sector, such as those belonging to the art and culture scene. Aside from these, AFZ also has a diverse portfolio of several business infrastructure for tourism support companies that include commercial offices, industrial warehouses, lands, a retail mall, and onsite accommodations. H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone, said, “We have joined hands with Ajman Tourism to support their goal of increasing tourism activities in the emirate, both for business and leisure. Through our capabilities, tools and resources, we are keen to provide the best options for companies to operate in the emirate.” AlSuwaidi also said that AFZ is proud to showcase its business partners at the pavilion such as Wyndham Garden, Ajman Saray, Fairmont Ajman, Bahi …

Diversifying its market offering, Swiss-Belhotel International will launch two compelling new brands worldwide and two stunning new hotels in the Middle East during the Arabian Travel Market 2021. The new brands, with an innovative approach to hospitality, will join the groups existing suite of 14 distinctive brands providing greater choice to owners and customers. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman, and President of Swiss-Belhotel International said, “Although the crisis is far from over, ATM Dubai is a great way to prepare for the recovery of the hospitality sector. At Swiss-Belhotel International, our business strategy is focused on responsible recovery while delivering value. We are thrilled to unveil our latest upscale lifestyle brands Maua and Bohemia Collection designed to offer inspiring and unique experiences to our guests. These fit perfectly into our extensive portfolio of brands and will give us a tremendous opportunity to leverage our 5-star luxury offering across a wider spectrum of segments and markets for future growth.” As part of Swiss-Belhotel International’s commitment to people’s well-being and the environment, Maua focuses on wellness, peace, and health in exclusive, isolated, and eco-friendly settings; while the Bohemia Collection puts forth a bold statement of being the luxury brand created to cater to an ego that is hungry for a lively, chic and a special experience. Gavin stressed, “Maua’s brand story is built around togetherness, strength of people and nature. The brand name is created from the Maori Culture of New Zealand. Dating back to the 13th century A.D. and taken from Te Reo Maori – the indigenous language of the Maori people, Maua will add a new dimension to the branding of Swiss-Belhotel International. Maua also reflects the heritage of Swiss-Belhotel International …

TIME Hotels is all set to reveal its plans to open eight new properties across the Middle East and the Indian Ocean, over the next 18 months. The properties, which will see the growth and launch of existing as well as new TIME Hotel brands to key territories throughout the region, will be unveiled during Arabian Travel Market 2021, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 16-19 May. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels, said, “Our pipeline of hotels and residences will meet the demands of the ‘new normal’ – attracting overseas digital nomads and local visitors for staycations, as well as more traditional business and leisure segments by consistently offering a value-driven, high-quality experience across all of our branded properties. “We currently have 14 properties consisting of 1,465 keys in operation across the UAE and wider GCC with new additional properties opening this year in Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In 2022, we are opening another property and our first hotel in Mauritius, the 120-key TIME Phoenix Hill. “Our goal is to expand our portfolio to 30 properties by 2025,” added Awadalla. “Plans are in place for two floors of this hotel to be reserved exclusively for female travellers, with dedicated services, including: personalised room service, a female-only check-in counter, dedicated ladies-only guest relations, in-house baby-sitting services, and in-room tablets highlighting all of the services offered for women as well as enhanced bathroom amenities in each room,” said Awadalla. During a recent visit to check on the progress of the hotels,  Awadalla commented, “Work is proceeding well at our TIME Marina Hotel and that property should be ready to open in August. As for the TIME …

Hotelbeds’ Executive Chairman, Joan Vilà, after dedicating more than 30 years of his career to driving significant innovation, transformation, and growth, is announcing his decision to move to a non-executive role on the Board of Hotelbeds with immediate effect. Joan had originally planned to step back from the day-to-day running of the company in 2020, but the impact of COVID-19 required him to delay the move to focus on successfully navigating the company through the global crisis. Now, with a strengthened balance sheet and with the company in a good position to capitalise on the recovery once travel demand returns, Joan believes that this is the right time for him to follow his original plan to move to a non-executive role on Hotelbeds’ board. Nicolas Huss, the former CEO of Ingenico and Visa Europe, is an experienced board-level executive and CEO with a very strong reputation in the payments, financial services, and travel industries, where he has led significant growth, transformation and innovation. He brings to Hotelbeds extensive experience in leading technology and digital companies as well as a proven track record for driving organic growth. A French national, Nicolas has a truly international background and has lived and worked in many countries, including Spain where he was previously based for seven years.   Nicolas Huss said: “I’m really looking forward to taking the reins at Hotelbeds, the market leader in its segment. Joan Vilà’s strategic vision and relentless drive to innovate and internationalise has created a wonderful company and a fantastic workforce with a truly dynamic culture. Together with Carlos Muñoz and Andrés García-Tenorio, and the rest of the highly experienced Executive Leadership Team, we are well positioned to …

At a recent interview with Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality – Emaar Hospitality Group mentioned that the group will be extending its brand not only in the UAE but also other parts of the Middle East region. He reiterated that the first quarter in 2021 was a good start to the year especially in the luxury market and that they will be opening new properties in Bahrain and Turkey later in the year. Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality – Emaar Hospitality Group shared, “we saw a very solid first quarter our occupancies were in line with the luxury market. Our average rates are very solid as well and we have seen a lot of suite business about 40% of our rooms’ revenue came from suite business and the luxury market is very much here within the city. We’ve seen April exceptional numbers and also May, we actually opened the month closing the budget within the first three days and that indicates very successful and strong demand for our hotels. As we move into the summer we are working very closely with DTCM on the summer staycation offers and really welcome people to Dubai for some and that is extremely important to them. AS we move out of the summer in to the second half of the year we will be gearing up and getting ready for Expo where Emaar hospitality is the partner. We’ve got a number of openings this year, since the pandemic started opened up 3 beach properties one Address beach, Rove Le mer and the third in the emirate of Umm al Quwain the Vida Umm Al Quwain so that is already a big achievement, as I …

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 …