Category Archives: Hotels

Swissotel Al Murooj announced that it has been awarded the esteemed Green Key certification, recognizing its commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices. This internationally recognized eco-label is a testament to the hotel’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable tourism. The Green Key certification is awarded to tourism establishments that adhere to strict environmental standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). These standards encompass a wide range of criteria, including water conservation, waste management, energy efficiency, and staff and guest involvement in sustainable practices. “We are thrilled to receive the Green Key certification, which underscores our ongoing efforts to operate in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Amro Nagah General Manager of Swissotel AL Murooj. “Our team has worked diligently to implement and maintain sustainable practices that benefit both our guests and the environment. This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainability and our role as a responsible member of the global tourism community.” Key initiatives that contributed to Swissotel AL Murooj receiving the Green Key certification include: • Energy Efficiency: Implementation of energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and smart thermostats to reduce energy consumption. • Water Conservation: Adoption of water-saving technologies including low-flow faucets and showerheads, as well as initiatives to reuse towels and linens to minimize water usage. • Waste Management: Comprehensive recycling programs, composting of organic waste, and reduction of single-use plastics throughout the property. • Sustainable Sourcing: Use of eco-friendly and locally sourced products, including organic food and beverages in the hotel’s dining facilities. • Guest and Staff Engagement: Educational programs and activities to raise awareness about environmental issues among guests and Heartists, encouraging participation in the hotel’s green initiatives. …

Trump International Resort is expected to be constructed in Oman with 140 hotel units, suites, villas, residential apartments, and a golf course. The project will further include international restaurants and places for meetings and conferences. His Highness Sayyid Dhi Yazan bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, sponsored today at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel the launch ceremony of the Trump International Resort, which is being held within the “Aida” project in the Yiti area in the state of Muscat. Yousef Al Shalash, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, explained that the project will provide a high level of hospitality and hotel services in the Sultanate of Oman, noting that the partnership with the Trump Group will add an aesthetic touch through its global expertise. On the other hand, Ziad Al-Shaar, CEO of Dar Global, the developer of the “Aida” project, indicated that the project will be available for investment, as investors can purchase hotel units (villas and hotel apartments), adding that the project will also include international restaurants and places for meetings and conferences. It is noteworthy that the “Aida” project comes within the general plan of the Yiti integrated tourism project in the state of Muscat, and is being held in partnership between the Omran Group and the Saudi company “Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development.”

The 7th Annual Commercial Strategy Conference ME, organised by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Middle East will take place on 26 and 27 November 2024, focusing on new revenue strategies in the hospitality industry. The event brings together the region’s hospitality sales, marketing and revenue management professionals for unmatched educational insights, connections, inspiration and awards. Staged at the Conrad Dubai hotel, the Commercial Strategy Conference (CSC) will gather industry peers for two days of exclusive presentations, panel debates, networking opportunities and more, including the ROCKSTAR Awards, which recognise and celebrate standout on-property individuals for their remarkable contribution to the Middle East hospitality sector. The Commercial Strategy Conference, which also takes place annually across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, debuted in the Middle East in 2018 as the only conference of its kind in the region. The event addresses the industry’s most pressing issues and hottest topics, with HSMAI’s advisory board – all longstanding, highly experienced industry experts – playing a significant role in the conference content. The event will be preceded by two educational courses – Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer (CHDM) and Certified in Hospitality Business Acumen (CHBA) taking place on 24 and 25 November. Mona Faraj, Managing Director, HSMAI Middle East, said: “Our 2024 Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference will be the biggest and boldest yet, with more attendees, a wider range of discussion points and greater connection opportunities than ever before. Since the inception of the Revenue Optimization Conference (ROC) in the United States 20 years ago, we have grown, evolved and embraced our industry’s ever-changing dynamics, giving hotel executives the insight, experience and education to tackle the most important issues – and seize golden opportunities. …

Marriott International announced two openings in Türkiye, including Residence Inn by Marriott Trabzon and Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara. Located near Trabzon’s Kaşüstü beach and its famous historical city centre of Ortahisar, Residence Inn by Marriott Trabzon provides travellers effortless access to the natural wonders and historical attractions, such as Sümela Monastery and the scenic lake of Uzungöl. The hotel offers 88 spacious suites all featuring modern kitchens, separate living areas, workspaces and smart TVs – perfectly equipped for extended stays. Guests can fuel their day at the Garden Lobby Snack Bar and maintain their fitness routine at the 24/7 state-of-the-art gym. In Southwest Turkey, Delta Hotels by Marriott brings the brand’s ‘Simple Made Perfect’ mantra to the bustling city of Antalya with the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara. A beachfront hotel, Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara showcases a refreshed design accented with dark blue shades and walnut colour, evoking a resort vibe across its 192 intuitively designed guestrooms overlooking the stunning Mediterranean Sea. A foodie’s haven, the hotel boasts three restaurants, four bars and a café, including Horizon Bar, serving up creative cocktails against the breathtaking backdrop of Antalya’s scenery. Other facilities include a fitness centre, Spa, and outdoor and indoor pools.

Fairmont Hotel Riyadh boasts an impressive representation of women in its leadership team, highlighting the hotel’s commitment to diversity, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspective. The hotel’s female leaders play crucial roles in driving strategic initiatives, enhancing the guest experience, and fostering a culture of excellence, with their backgrounds and extensive expertise contributing to the property’s continued success and innovation. Stéphanie Timsit, Director of Operations, Stephanie brings over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, specializing in pre-opening operations and project management, having successfully led projects at some of the world’s most luxurious properties. Stephanie’s journey embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence alongside a dedication to innovation within the hospitality realm, having devised seamless collaborations, drawing upon her extensive experience in project management and finance. From overseeing refurbishment project to navigating complex financial landscapes amidst challenging operational environments, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead cross-functional teams towards extraordinary outcomes. At Fairmont Hotel Riyadh, Stephanie spearheads daily operations, integrating all efforts across departments to elevate guests’ experiences to unprecedented levels of excellence. Joining her in steering the property towards success is Maya Hoteit, the Director of Sales and Marketing. With more than 18 years of experience, Maya has played a pivotal role in the success of various prestigious properties across the Middle East. Throughout her career, Maya has been responsible for developing hotel business plans and strategies, managing strategic account plans, and providing valuable customer insights to adapt to dynamic markets. She has demonstrated a strong ability to foster community and public relations, deliver exceptional customer service, and establish key practices for sales and marketing. Adding to her repertoire of achievements, Maya has coached and developed team …

Dubai Summer Surprises this year unveiled that they have partnered with over 100 plus hotels and attractions for their latest campaign aimed at special activities to residents and visitors curated for every family member.  Opening this weekend it will last until 1st September 2024. Curating an exceptional line-up of thousands of exceptional offers and sensational things to do, see, and explore, Dubai is gearing up to transform this summer into a season of endless possibilities at pocket-friendly prices and great value for anyone and everyone. The iconic Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) returns for its biggest and most exciting edition from 28 June to 1 September, promising residents and visitors a summer well spent with reduced prices, unbeatable promotions, and big savings. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the city will come alive for 65 days of non-stop fun with a jam-packed calendar of electrifying events, incredible shopping experiences, brilliant bargains, thousands of offers and things to do, alongside astounding prizes, diverse gastronomy, and never-seen-before hotel and attraction offers. Commenting on the launch of DSS 2024, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festival & Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “This year’s Dubai Summer Surprises features the biggest summer line-up launched to date. Promising a memorable summer for everyone, we’ve designed an exceptional DSS programme that features thousands of offers and things to do for everyone, from families to friends and couples, and from value seekers and luxury explorers to adventure hunters. Catering to every preference and price point, Dubai has set out to outdo itself yet again as it offers a compelling alternative to traditional summer destinations, with world-class entertainment, endless offers, exciting adventures, and a vibrant culinary scene. We …

Sindhorn Wellness by Resense, the renowned spa facility at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, continued to be recognised the second consecutive year as the 1st Thailand’s Best Hotel Spa at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024 held recently. This prestigious accolade further solidifies the hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional wellness experiences for its guests. Travel + Leisure’s reader-voted awards celebrate the finest in hospitality across Asia-Pacific. The winners span a variety of categories, from urban luxury to beach resorts, unique spas, picturesque pools, top airlines to cruises, travel agencies, and immersive experiences. Nestled in the heart of the multi-award-winning Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, this urban temple of self-discovery and well-being is the Kingdom’s most extensive wellness offering. Spread over two floors with over 4,000 sqm of facilities, it is the perfect combination of spa, fitness, and wellness experiences – a retreat from the everyday with its wide variety of effective treatments and health modalities designed to help one live and feel better. A unique highlight is a thermal facility featuring saunas, a cold chamber, a tepidarium lounge, a Moroccan hammam, a Vichy shower, a flotation tank, Rasul mud room, allowing one to benefit from the earth, water, heat, and cold. The members’ club includes high-performance gym equipment, individualised coaching by personal trainers, group classes that include HIIT, virtual spinning, body combat, bungee fly, Pilates reformer and Presso recovery, and access to the stunning 25-metre saltwater pool overlooking the city. Christian Ruge, General Manager of Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, expressed his delight at receiving the award, saying, “It is a pleasure that Sindhorn Wellness by Resense has received this prestigious award for the second year. This achievement was made possible …

Accor signed a partnership agreement with Egypt’s Q Real Estate Development Company to develop a new Novotel property; Novotel Sidi Abd El Rahman to debut in Egypt slated to open in 2027, featuring 240 spacious and modern rooms as well as a host of thoughtful wellbeing and entertainment offerings. Novotel Sidi Abd El Rahman is the latest announcement for Egypt’s northern coastline, which has seen a rise in development in recent years, transforming the destination from a domestic hotspot to a global travel destination. Accor’s partnership with Q Developments marks the Egyptian real estate company’s first hotel project in Q North, a well-established, mixed-use development, located just minutes away from luxury coastal development Marassi. The hotel is accessible by a one-hour 30-minute drive from Alexandria Borg el Arab International Airport and a three-hour drive from Cairo. Boasting a low-rise build and seafront location, Novotel Sidi Abd El Rahman will offer guests well-appointed, comfortable and modern accommodations, ensuring guests can take time to rest and reenergise. The hotel will feature one restaurant, a trendy café, a pool bar and a rooftop bar – offering panoramic vistas across the Mediterranean Sea. Energizing wellness and entertainment offerings will include a cutting-edge fitness centre, spa, outdoor swimming pool and padel courts – capitalising on the sport’s rising popularity in the region. Water sports activities will also be available to guests from the beachfront. While primarily aimed at leisure travellers, Novotel Sidi Abd El Rahman will also cater to the MICE market with a 600 square metre ballroom – perfect for weddings and celebrations – and four 50 square metre meeting rooms primed for conferences and team-building activities. Present at the signing, Duncan O’Rourke, Chief …

Mandarin Oriental, Muscat has opened its doors marking the Group’s debut in the Sultanate of Oman. The distinctive architectural design of this urban resort and branded residences takes full advantage of the views over the Arabian sea, while its location in the heart of the city in Shatti Al-Qurum, a prestigious neighbourhood, is perfectly positioned to explore Muscat’s intriguing ancient architectural treasures and vibrant culture. Enhancing its heartfelt charm is the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Hajar Mountains. Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service, combined with distinctive dining concepts, a world-class spa and authentic Omani-inspired experiences, will ensure that the much-anticipated resort will bring a new level of exceptional hospitality to the country. To mark the occasion, the hotel’s official opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests including His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, and His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and the personal representative of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman. Their Highnesses were welcomed by Nicolas Dubort, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, who commented: “It is our great pleasure to introduce this beachfront gem to the local community and the world, as we commit to delivering exquisite experiences that honour Omani hospitality, mirror its rich culture and set the benchmark for its luxury offerings. This charming resort truly captures Muscat at heart”. Envisioned by renowned French interior designer Xavier Cartron, the hotel’s architecture draws inspiration from the richness and diversity of Oman’s culture, inviting guests to embark on a journey of discovery. Entering the hotel lobby through grand Omani wooden doors, guests experience a seamless blend of influences from various …

Hilton London Metropole has announced a new two-bedroom family-friendly room category and amenities following a surge in summer bookings from the GCC region. In 2023, over 65% of all summer bookings at the hotel were made by guests from the GCC, reflecting the property’s increasing popularity among regional travellers. The new two-bedroom family suites can sleep up to six and provide an elevated and luxurious space with contemporary aesthetics, his and her sinks and a stunning main living room space to go alongside the main king size bedroom. The spacious suites also have a separate king size bedroom with an ensuite, spacious contemporary room with adjoining living space, both fitted with an impressive 55-inch TV, WiFi and air conditioning. The living spaces have a kitchenette for added convenience and, as with all suites, come with exclusive access to the executive lounge. Voted Best Family Hotel in the UK at the International Travel Awards 2023, the hotel’s latest announcement follows an impressive multi-million-pound revamp completed last year with enhanced facilities to suit the needs of GCC travellers. The extensive refurbishment, which includes the new room category, also included the three King One Bedroom Deluxe Suites, 13 King One Bedroom Executive Suites and a stunning three-bedroom penthouse with breathtaking views of the London skyline. “We are thrilled to expand our family-focused offering to better cater to our new and loyal guests from the GCC who made up more than half of our summer bookings last year. Our two-bedroom family suites, along with our other carefully curated amenities, including a prayer room and curated halal menus featuring authentic Middle Eastern inspired dishes, affirm our commitment to providing a comfortable home-away-from-home experience for our …