Category Archives: Hotels

Dusit Hotels and Resorts will showcase the much-anticipated first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh and September reopening of its iconic flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. Led by Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, Dusit’s team of corporate executives will present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio and its commitment to uniquely delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world. This legacy, pioneered 75 years ago this May by the company’s founder Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui with the opening of her first Bangkok hotel, continues to define the Dusit experience today. Beyond the company’s rich history, attendees can expect to learn more about a diverse range of participating properties, including established favourites such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Doha Hotel, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, and Dusit Thani Maldives, alongside a curated selection of luxury villas from Elite Havens. The spotlight will shine on last year’s international openings, including the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal. Last year’s openings in Dusit’s home base of Thailand will also be showcased, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18. Alongside these recent additions, Dusit will also reveal more about its expected 2024 openings, including up to …

Club Med will debut for the first time in the Middle East in Musandam, Oman. The 300 rooms’ resort will be an Exclusive Collection, the most exclusive and premium line of product of the Club Med portfolio. It offers a refined and authentically luxurious way of living, free from pretension and ostentatiousness while still catering to the standards and needs of an elevated clientele. Club Med Musandam will be carrying a strong flair of the Oman culture, the resort interiors, entertainment and even food and beverages will be inspired by the location, climate, and cultures of the region. The Club Med Exclusive Collection currently consists of 20 properties including: 5 Exclusive Collection Resorts, 10 Exclusive Collection Spaces, 4 Villas and Chalets, and 1 Sailing Yacht, the Club Med 2. Fun family activities creating a warm and inclusive environment together with quiet private spaces will co-exist in a complete vacation offer. For families, this will translate into world-class kids’ clubs with tailored facilities and certified staff for children of all ages, from 4 months old, inspiring curiosity, fun, and friendship. Activities and sports are an integral part of the Club Med DNA and expertise, and active guests can expect a diverse array of land and water activities. One will find sporting sites and professional staff (called G.Os “Gracious Organizers”) who aim to have you discover new sports or improve your skills. With an all-inclusive holiday at Club Med Musandam, holidaymakers can enjoy tennis, paddle tennis, beach tennis, archery, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and paddling over the water. For those looking for a wellness retreat, the Resort will offer a full holistic well-being experience with a real sanctuary to reconnect yourself with …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) has achieved a significant milestone, with 3,400 properties now verified across almost 80 countries. Designed to help hoteliers on their first steps to improve their sustainability ratings and raise the bar of sustainability across the global hospitality industry, this independent global sustainability verification programme is overseen by internationally recognised verifiers Green Key and SGS. It empowers hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting nature conservation, and ensuring local communities benefit from a hotel’s operations. This latest achievement marks a pivotal step forward in Travel & Tourism towards a more resilient and sustainable future. Hotels groups from major Travel & Tourism destinations such as Germany, China, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Spain, India, Madagascar, and Turkiye, amongst many others, have joined the groundbreaking initiative. ‘Basics’ has now been adopted by hotels across all continents, signifying the eagerness from major hospitality players across the globe to move forward in their sustainability journey. In addition to its geographical expansion, Basics is strengthening the sector’s alignment on sustainability through new strategic partnerships. A key collaboration with BeCause is set to enhance relationships and visibility with Online Travel Agents (OTAs), providing an invaluable platform for hotels committed to sustainable operations. This initiative reflects WTTC’s dedication to facilitating meaningful connections within the industry, promoting a unified approach to sustainability. Basics has achieved full alignment with Green Key, a leading international eco-label for tourism facilities, meaning all Green Key certified hotels are now in full compliance with Basics and can obtain Basics verification with no extra effort. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is …

Sabre Hospitality announced a multi-year renewal with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, following the hotel franchisor’s highly successful adoption of SynXis Property Hub, Sabre Hospitality’s property management system (PMS). With seamless integration to SynXis Central Reservation System as a single source of truth, SynXis Property Hub increases operational efficiency by reducing the time to execute routine tasks and allows hoteliers to access their property from anywhere through cloud-native technology. In a landmark achievement that showcases the decade-long partnership between the two companies, Sabre and Wyndham teams successfully migrated more than 5,000 Wyndham hotels to SynXis Property Hub, including the transition of 550 in a single record-breaking month, nearly one year ahead of schedule. This early completion is complemented by the migration’s efficiency, which reduced the expected transition downtime for the Wyndham properties by 34%, ensuring successful management of day-to-day operations. This milestone not only highlights an innovative leap, but also sets a new industry standard for large-scale technology migrations. “Completing this migration nearly a year ahead of schedule is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration,” said Scott Strickland, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Through our work with Sabre, thousands of Wyndham hotels now benefit from groundbreaking efficiencies, further enhancing their ability to serve guests and deliver great experiences day-in and day-out.” Strickland highlighted some of the immediate benefits of this migration for Wyndham properties and their daily operations. “For instance, service desk interactions have decreased by 50% compared to the legacy system after just 30 days of adoption. Additionally, by equipping our housekeeping with mobile solutions, we’ve increased clean room availability for guests by up to 15%. We’ve also streamlined the reservation delivery and …

IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with Refad Real estate investment & development company part of Abdulhadi AlQahtani, sons group Company to bring Hotel Indigo & Residences Al Khobar to Saudi Arabia by September 2027. In line with its commitment to fostering collaboration between its partners, TDF has facilitated the recent signing that will contribute to the sustainability of the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism industries. Developed as part of the Refad project, which is set to become the most iconic mixed-use lifestyle destination in Eastern Province, Hotel Indigo & Residences Al Khobar will feature more than 200 keys of hotel rooms and serviced apartments in the vibrant corniche district of Al Khobar. As one of IHG’s lifestyle brands, Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Just as no two neighborhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, taking inspiration from the area around each hotel to inform all aspects of the guest experience, from the hotel’s boutique design approach to locally inspired restaurants. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) at IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Al Khobar boasts a vibrant tapestry of economic vitality, cultural richness and scenic beauty, and offers a serene retreat for leisure seekers. With the upcoming Refad mixed-use development that will shape Al Khobar’s leisure, entertainment and hospitality offering, we are confident that Hotel Indigo & Residences Al Khobar will meet the varied preferences of guests. He added: “This strategic addition not only fuels our growth in KSA but also reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences in key markets. With the Kingdom having increased its 2030 visitor target …

Baheej Tourism Development Company, a joint venture between ASFAR, the Saudi tourism investment company owned by PIF, and the Tamimi-AWN Alliance, signed a strategic agreement with Kerten Hospitality at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh to manage Baheej’s hotel in Yanbu under the premium Cloud 7 brand, an innovative hotel and residence lifestyle brand known for its vibrant designs, dynamic check-in lobbies, healthy food options, and curated retail boutiques. This strategic collaboration signifies ASFAR’s commitment to enhancing the hospitality sector and demonstrates the company’s ability to leverage its extensive network for the benefit of its partners and subsidiaries. Kerten Hospitality’s commitment to taking an innovative approach to shaping modern hospitality offerings and its dedication to fostering vibrant communities reflects Baheej’s dedication to not only uplift the hospitality experience in Yanbu but also to positively impact the local community and tourism sector. Dr. Fahad bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, the Saudi tourism investment company stated, “Baheej’s collaboration with Kerten Hospitality underlines our core principle: empowering partners and subsidiaries through our expansive network. ASFAR is committed to cultivating alliances and co-investing with private sector entities, both local and global, to accelerate the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and enrich communities in promising cities across the Kingdom in alignment with Vision 2030.” Through a focus on integrating local culture and promoting environmental sustainability in its operations, Baheej seeks to elevate Yanbu’s appeal as a destination while fostering economic and social development in the region. This initiative is a testament to Baheej’s commitment to creating spaces that celebrate the community and the environment, ushering in a new chapter in the story of Yanbu’s hospitality landscape. Norah Al Tamimi, CEO of Baheej Group, expressed …

Rua Al Madinah Holding has signed an agreement with Hilton to open three hotels comprising of over 1600 keys at Rua Al Madinah mega-project, including Conrad Rua Al Madinah, DoubleTree by Hilton Rua Al Madinah, and Hilton Garden Inn Rua Al Madinah. Located at the area east of Al Masjid Al Nabawai, the Prophet’s Mosque, Rua Al Madinah aims to create a distinctive modern and urban environment, underpinned by the religious and cultural significance of the Holy City of Madinah. This agreement marks a significant milestone for Rua Al Madinah and signifies the debut of the luxury Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand in Madinah. Moreover, the agreement is set to create more than 1,100 jobs, opening doors and providing career opportunities for Saudis. Commenting on the signing, Ahmed Al Juhani, Chief Executive Officer, Rua Al Madinah Holding, said: “We are excited to announce our agreement with Hilton, which will significantly enhance Rua Al Madinah with a suite of multi-ranged accommodations. This hotel management agreement marks a crucial step in elevating the experience of Madinah’s local and international visitors. Our company strives to achieve the objectives of our project, aimed at contributing to increasing visitor capacity and delivering an unparalleled experience”. Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “The signing of Rua Al Madinah properties signals a milestone in Hilton’s ongoing expansion across Saudi Arabia. The hotels will further strengthen Hilton’s footprint in the Kingdom and consolidate our presence in Madinah, catering to the thousands of visitors and pilgrims who travel through Madinah every year. As we quadruple our presence in Saudi Arabia in the coming years, we continue to work with our partners to introduce Hilton’s award-winning brands …

Marriott International, Inc. and Al Qimmah Hospitality (a subsidiary of BinDawood Trading) signed an agreement to introduce the JW Marriott brand in Jeddah. Situated on the Jeddah Corniche, JW Marriott Hotel Jeddah is anticipated to be a haven for travelers who seek a luxury escape to the waterfront destination, paired with exceptional service and holistic well-being experiences. Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Development – Middle East, Marriott International said, “The signing of JW Marriott Hotel Jeddah continues to reflect the strong growth opportunities for our luxury brands across the Kingdom. As part of the country’s Vision 2030 framework, Jeddah continues to build itself as a leisure and business destination. We look forward to working with Al Qimmah Hospitality and BinDawood Trading to enhance the city’s luxury hospitality landscape with the JW Marriott brand’s legacy of extraordinary hospitality, thoughtful design, and enriching well-being experiences.” On behalf of Al Qimmah Hospitality, Dr. Abdul Razzaq BinDawood commented, “We extend our gratitude to the leadership of the Kingdom who have paved the way for mixed-use real estate development and the expansion of luxury hospitality offerings in Jeddah. We will leverage our expertise and experience in the retail and hospitality sectors to make JW Marriott Hotel Jeddah a successful addition to the city’s landscape.” JW Marriott Hotel Jeddah is anticipated to offer 280 stylishly appointed guestrooms including more than 50 suites. Plans for the hotel include two restaurants, a lobby cafe and pool lounge, and leisure facilities including a swimming pool, fitness centre, and Spa by JW. Other signature brand features anticipated to be included at the property include a JW Garden, multiple serene spaces, and Family by JW experiences. The property is also expected to …

Cheval Collection’s newest property in the Middle East – Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai – will open in early 2025 as part of the UK-based, award-winning, hospitality company’s expansion in the region. Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai, sister property to Cheval Maison -The Palm Dubai, will be one of Cheval Collection’s largest properties, with 150 luxury hotel apartments, including studios, one-and two-bedroom units and two royal suites. Located alongside the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is a repurpose of the showpiece Leadership Pavilion that hosted world leaders during EXPO 2020 and COP28. It is currently undergoing a full refurbishment. Mohammed S Alawadhi, Managing Director, Cheval Collection, said: “We are delighted to launch another property in Dubai in line with our continued growth and evolution in the Middle East. As Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai celebrates a tremendous first year of operation, we are anticipating the same success from our upcoming opening in Dubai’s prestigious Expo City. “Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is a key milestone in our business expansion, reinforcing our commitment to the region – and our role in contributing to government tourism goals. Dubai is firmly established as a world-leading, pioneering tourism hub, and we are proud to be part of the city’s growth, diversification and accomplishments. We look forward to continued success at Cheval Maison – The Palm, opening in Expo City Dubai, and to further expansion in the Middle East.” Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai will bear all the hallmarks of the much-loved brand: a strategic, vibrant location, luxury home-from-home accommodation, high-end fitness facilities, great dining options and convenient transport links. The property will feature a rooftop pool, …

Accor in partnership with Alesayi Holding announced plans for the opening of a new hotel and residences development, Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences Makkah – MGallery Collection, located in the heart of the Holy City of Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Set to open in 2028, Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences Makkah – MGallery Collection is poised to be a storied and sophisticated destination full of luxury, beauty and culture. The project will span across 2,600 square meters, consisting of 276 hotel rooms and 214 branded residences for sale. The building will also include a business center, a bespoke fitness room and spa, variety of restaurants, and playground for children. Nestled in the bustling heart of Makkah, this hotel serves as a harmonious urban oasis, paying tribute to Makkah’s celestial heritage while drawing inspiration from the rich symbolism of Islamic gardens. The hotel will provide a sanctuary for serenity, spiritual reflection and rejuvenation. Pilgrims and travelers alike will be invited to immerse themselves in this lush harbor within the city with a unique hotel concept to inspire wonder, encourage spiritual reflection in this sacred location, serving as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between the material and spiritual. Every floor of the building will be intricately themed around prominent figures in Islamic history, with the first floor honouring Omar Ibn Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with Him), the second Rashidun caliph and one of the ten to whom Jannah was promised. The intention is for the guest to really experience a boutique hotel stay. The hotel will join the MGallery Collection brand. Established in 2008 the collection of signature, design, and heritage hotels today counts more than 120 luxury boutique hotels …