Category Archives: Hotels

The third property in the portfolio of Hyatt properties in the Old Dubai area opened recently as Hyatt Place Wasl District joining the two other earlier properties, Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga and Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square in increasing the number of contemporary yet affordable hospitality offerings in the city. The opening of the property brings Hyatt hotels in the UAE to 10 properties. Hyatt Place Dubai/Wasl District offers 202 guestrooms, including 10 suites, with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper, 105 well-appointed apartments comprising of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments that feature kitchenette, modern utility services and more. Meeting spaces amassing over 300 square metres, are designed for clients hosting stylish and flexible small-scale business meetings, conferences or celebrating special occasions. “We look forward to hosting guests both local and international alike as we introduce them to the modern comforts of a Hyatt Place property. The hotel will provide travellers with a unique stay through the design, amenities and warm hospitality offered by the entire team,” shared Fathi Khogaly, Cluster General Manager, Hyatt  Corporation. “The decision to introduce a third Hyatt Place property stems from its seamless integration into the city’s contemporary appeal, prioritising consistent development,” said Kurt Straub, Vice President of Operations, Middle East, Africa and South West Asia, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “We’re seeing an increased guest demand for our select service portfolio and as such are meeting these demands across the UAE and KSA. We plan to continue to expand our brand presence across the Middle East, as part of our pipeline of development for the region.”

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) announced it will provide Dubai hotels with an individual Hotel Emission Analysis Report, offering an overview of each establishment’s emission performance in comparison to its peers using results from the Carbon Calculator software. Providing hotels with recommendations for improvement by referring them to the ‘12 Steps Towards Sustainability’ manual, which was launched by Dubai Tourism last year, the Hotel Emission Analysis Report has been launched in line with the UAE’s 2021 National Agenda to promote sustainable growth, reinforcing Dubai’s position as the smartest city in the world and role model in energy efficiency. In 2017, Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST), an initiative under Dubai Tourism, launched the Carbon Calculator software, a tool developed to measure the carbon footprint of Dubai’s hospitality sector. The emirate’s hotel establishments were mandated to record and submit their emission sources, across electricity, district cooling, water and waste, allowing the findings to be collated for valuable industry insights. Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director – Tourism Development & Investments, Dubai Tourism, commented, “In line with the vision of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations, the Hotel Emission Analysis Report has been developed as a targeted manual to guide hotels on the sustainability performance of their properties. Furthermore, it will provide a cohesive understanding of where they stand comparatively amongst their industry peers on an annual basis, identifying where improvements can be made to facilitate further resource management, in turn reducing the industry’s collective carbon footprint.”  

Leading hospitality providers are implementing new and innovative ways to enhance guest and staff experiences with the help of unified communications and contact center solutions from Avaya Holdings Corp., a global leader in solutions, to enhance and simplify communications and collaboration for the global hospitality industry. According to IDG, 62% of businesses believe digital transformation success is defined by excellent customer experience as measured by customer satisfaction scores. “As a significant and growing global hospitality brand known for superior guest experiences across our 5,000 resorts and hotels worldwide, Accor chooses our vendors carefully,” said Denis Collette, Global Call Centre IT manager, Accor. “We have been an Avaya customer over the last 20 years and we look to Avaya for our continued growth in enhancing our guest journey. The Avaya IX Contact Centre solution is rock solid with a history of proven reliability and support.” Moxy Hotels, Marriott’s newest brand, focuses on providing fresh and innovative experiences to guests by combining stylish design and approachable service at an affordable price point. “To ensure we are giving our guests the finest experience we knew we needed a reliable, rich-feature solution that came in at a competitive price point,” said Lowell Beebe-Center, Director of Operations, Moxy Hotels. “Connectivity today is a critical aspect of the hospitality industry. It is essential to have proper infrastructure to provide the reliable services our guests need,” said Joseph Fayad, Corporate Director IT, TIME Hotels, a chain of four resort brands based in the UAE. “Our new Avaya contact centre and unified communications platform helps make it possible for the group to automate key guest services including wake-up calls, reservation reminders, and requests for information on hotel services …

Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS), the B2B brand within Expedia Group, is bringing its competitive rates and availability for more than 500,000 accommodations to technology specialist dcs plus and its travel partners. The new venture enabled through EPS’s newest hotel API, Rapid, will broaden and deepen dcs plus’s inventory offering, particularly in emerging markets in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. With the implementation of EPS Rapid, dcs plus will be able to offer its partners access to 35 different accommodation types including hotels, resorts, treehouses and houseboats, across more than 25,000 global destinations. The API’s modular architecture also allows for versatility to meet partners’ varying needs. Fritz Oberhummer, Director of Account Management Platforms, EPS, EMEA says, “dcs plus’s reliable solutions have allowed us to expand our reach and provide travel agents and travel management companies across the world with access to EPS’s extensive accommodation portfolio, through EPS Rapid. dcs plus combines its accommodation offering from EPS with travel products, such as flights and car hire, to build dynamic packaging solutions for travel agents.” Andrei Savin, Alliances and Partners Senior Manager, dcs plus, says, “A key factor in our decision to work with EPS was the ability to further extend our existing partner base and give added value to the travel partners we share. We recognise the value of EPS’s cutting edge travel technology products and are excited to work with these to power our partners’ travel businesses.”    

GFH Financial Group signed the Operation Agreement with H Hotels & Resorts Management (H Hotels) for the operation of an exclusive, new 5-star hotel and residences currently under development at the landmark Harbour Row waterfront project located in the heart of Manama. The move will mark H Hospitality Collection’s entrance into the Bahrain market adding to the UAE based company’s growing collection of luxury hotels and resorts internationally including: The H Dubai, The H Resort Seychelles, CentreVille Hotel & Experiences Montenegro and Villa Diyafa in Morocco. Other properties in the company’s portfolio also include Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove in the Seychelles and two hotels under construction in Mecca and Abu Dhabi. The hotel and residences will boast a host of world-class facilities including stylish restaurants, meeting rooms, pool, gym and other lifestyle amenities set to attract and satisfy the most discerning visitors and buyers.  Hisham Al Rayes, CEO of GFH, said, “We are delighted to announce this agreement with H Hotels, who have built a world-class portfolio of well-known properties and brands. We are especially pleased that Harbour Row will mark their first property in the Kingdom of Bahrain, both benefiting from and supporting Bahrain’s vision to further elevate its position as a leading regional tourism and leisure hub.” Claudio Capaccioli, CEO of H Hospitality Collection, added, “We look forward to working with GFH in order to maximise the many unique aspects of Harbour Row including its exclusive and much sought-after waterfront location, easy access to all major commercial and business centres and close proximity to key tourist attractions across the Kingdom.”

Millennium and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem hotels situated in Makkah City Center at Al Naseem district opened their doors to meet the rapidly increasing demand of rooms and luxury stays within the holy city of Makkah. The two properties add 1307 keys to the 4067 keys currently operated by Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and supporting the 2030 vision. The two properties are part of Al Rajhi complex in Al Naseem district in the holy city of Makkah and at a walking distance from Al-Rajhi Mosque that is part of the complex. Millennium and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem provide a convenient location for pilgrims close to the holy sites including Arafat, Mina and Mozdalifa and a relaxing atmosphere to Umrah performers and business travellers. A 24/ 7 free shuttle service to and from the haram, on-site recreational activities, entertainment, restaurants and business facilities are available within Al Rajhi complex for the guests to enjoy while staying in the hotels. Kevork Deldelian, Chief Operating Officer at Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, stated, “We are pleased to introduce these new properties to Millennium Hotels & Resorts portfolio in the Kingdom, as the fruitful outcome of our partnership with Sulaiman A.Al-Rajhi Real Estate Investments Company.  We look forward to seeing these properties among top hotels within the Makkah province.” Khalid Saud Abuhaimed, CEO at Sulaiman A.Al-Rajhi Real Estate Investments Company, commented, “We are witnessing a huge leap in the development of Al Rajhi complex and these new openings represent an essential part of the complex complementing its comprehensive facilities.  As one of the leading Saudi holding groups, we are keen to keep up with the strong growth …

Rove Hotels opened its sixth hotel in Dubai – Rove At The Park – in Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest integrated theme park destination in the region. As the opening offer, guests can stay at Rove At The Park for only AED 199 per night inclusive of two tickets to Dubai Parks and Resorts. Rove At The Park has 579 comfortably sized rooms and interconnecting family rooms, making it an ideal choice for families and groups. Guests at Dubai Parks and Resorts can access more than 100 fun and adrenaline-packed rides and attractions spread across Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, Legoland and Legoland Water Park. This is in addition to free access to themed zones, street ambience and numerous shops and restaurants at Riverland. On the opening of the new hotel, Paul Bridger, Corporate Director of Operations, Rove Hotels, said, “Guests love Rove Hotels for their convenient locations, funky interiors, chilled ambience and great service, which have made the brand one of the most popular in the city. We are excited to open Rove At The Park, our sixth and largest property in Dubai. The hotel offers a launchpad to discover Dubai Parks and Resorts and the rest of the city.” “With the opening of Rove At The Park, guests will have easy access to a vibrant new hotel that is perfect for residents looking for a quick weekend getaway. Opening a second hotel is part of Dubai Parks and Resorts’ strategy to have more than 1,300 keys at the destination by the second half of 2020. We look forward to welcoming even more tourists who will now be able to enjoy rides and attractions at the park, with the option …

Following the success of the recently extended Business and First-class stopover offer, Oman Air is launching another attractive offer for all its passengers. Partnering with the Grand Millennium Muscat, Oman Air’s guests, travelling through Oman on to their end destination, can now enjoy a free night’s accommodation in this luxurious hotel in the centre of Muscat.  Passengers travelling from the Far East on their way to Europe, or vice-versa, can now leave the airport in Muscat to enjoy a complimentary 5-star night in the capital, as well as an opportunity to have a glimpse of the city and its highlights and return to their travels the next day. Visitors wanting to extend their stay can avail attractive rates at the hotel. Richard Bodin, Senior Vice President of Oman Air Holidays, said, “We are delighted with the success of our previous campaign, offering a free stopover option to our premium guests. We are now broadening our offer to include all our passenger base and we are excited to partner with Grand Millennium Muscat for this campaign.” He added, “Oman Air has been successfully attracting passengers from across the world to use Muscat as a connection point to other destinations across our network. Campaigns like this are appealing to them to break their journey, step out of the airport and see some parts of the Sultanate; thereby, promoting Oman and all it has to offer.” Luca Medda, Cluster General Manager at Millennium Hotels and Resorts confirmed his company’s commitment to the campaign, “We are keen to promote Oman to travellers across the globe, and what better way than to get them to actually sample our quality and the famous Omani culture and …

Emaar Hospitality Group is strengthening its market outreach to China with a sales and marketing partnership agreement with Youli Hospitality Consulting, the country’s leading representation company. As part of the agreement, Youli Consulting will promote the hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group’s premium luxury Address Hotels and Resorts and upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts across all key markets in China including Beijing and Shanghai. Youli Consulting will promote Emaar Hospitality Group among Chinese travel and tour operators in addition to driving Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MiCE) traffic covering leading corporates. The hotels will also be promoted through a dedicated WeChat/Weibo account to engage the digital-savvy young Chinese travellers. Chris Newman, Chief Operating Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said, “China continues to be one of the fastest-growing tourism markets for Dubai, led by its ‘China Ready’ strategy. Our hotels are among the most recognised and sought-after by Chinese visitors for its proximity to attractions such as Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall that are visited by 97 per cent of all tourists to the city. Through our partnership with Youli Consulting, which has rich sales and marketing experience in the industry, we aim to strengthen guest arrivals from China.” Li Lei, Founder of Youli Consulting, added, “Dubai is today among the most in-demand destinations among the Chinese travellers. As a leading representation company in the country, we understand the aspirations and needs of Chinese guests and we will promote Emaar Hospitality Group’s hotels in Dubai to young travellers, middle-class families, MiCE agencies and corporates. We are confident that our integrated approach to enhance the visibility of our partner brands as well as our practical experience to make overseas hotels ‘China …

Emaar Hospitality Group partnered with Claviger, the region’s leading sales representation group, to promote the sales of hotel rooms across the GCC region. The sales representation agreement between Emaar Hospitality Group and Claviger covers the promotion of hotels under the premium luxury brand Address Hotels + Resorts and the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts as well as Armani Hotel Dubai. Claviger will leverage its in-market presence across the GCC region to promote the hotels, with a particular focus on families and corporate guests. Led by its dedicated sales associates, the company will highlight the exceptional features and amenities offered by Emaar Hospitality Group’s hotels in Dubai to high net worth individuals and corporate houses as well as conduct roadshows and customer events. Claviger will also highlight Emaar Hospitality Group’s hotels at specialised trade shows. Chris Newman, Chief Operating Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said, “Our hotels, all located in central locations in Dubai in close proximity to the most popular tourist attractions, are already popular among guests from across the GCC region. Through our new sales representation agreement, we are further highlighting the value-add that our hotels offer to newer audiences through Claviger’s dedicated network.” Ahmed Baki, Founder & CEO of Claviger, said, “At Claviger, we believe in the exceptional value addition that we can provide to our partners through our expertise, in-market presence and wide network. Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts and Armani Hotel Dubai are three popular brands with clear industry niches that we will highlight to prospective guests.” With more than 33 per cent of tourists in the region travelling for leisure, 24 per cent for business and over 36 per cent visiting …