Category Archives: Hotels

Hilton and Al Taif Investment announced the signing of an agreement to open DoubleTree by Hilton Fujairah City Centre – a new build hotel that will soon welcome guests to this vibrant city of the northern United Arab Emirates. This hotel will provide all of those travelling to and living in Fujairah with Hilton’s world-class service standards and DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature hospitality,” said Carlos Khneisser, vice president, development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring DoubleTree by Hilton to the emirate and delighted to support the vision of our partners at Al Taif Investment – as we strive to support Fujairah as it continues to enhance its tourism and visitor offering.” Located in the city centre, the hotel forms part of a mixed-use development known as Al Taif Business Centre which includes offices and residences. Al Taif Business Centre also has a shopping mall, which the hotel will have direct access to. We conceptualized and designed Al Taif Business Centre as an inclusive facility, providing an iconic fusion of business and leisure facilities, and we are pleased to be working with Hilton to open the hotel at our flagship project in Fujairah,” said Khalid bin Kalban, CEO, Al Taif Investment. “With the emirate continuing to be an important logistics hub for the UAE, hosting several world-class medical facilities and developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects, it is an ideal venue to host many domestic and international tourists – and we are positive that this new addition will serve as a catalyst for the emerging needs of the emirate.” Expected to open in late 2022, DoubleTree by Hilton Fujairah City Centre will have 228 …

UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, is to launch ‘Trendz’ a new standalone hotel management company, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on 9-12 May 2022. “‘Trendz’ offers a unique 360-degree service for hotel owners and operating companies with an accent on technology and sustainability, two of the most important trends in hospitality today,” said Walter Knight, Director of hospitality at Farnek.   “Farnek, which has over 8,000 employees, has traditionally provided manpower and outsourcing services, such as cleaning, security and property maintenance. However, ‘Trendz’ takes that market proposition one stage further, managing front office requirements, reservations, concierge, housekeeping and room service – we can also manage sales operations, marketing and PR.   “It is a cost-effective and totally flexible hospitality proposition. Hotels can engage with us for specific operational requirements or contract us to manage an entire property, either under the ‘Trendz’ brand or as a white label product,” added Knight.   One of Farnek’s most recent accomplishments, was the development of an app called ‘Flexi-Guest’ which digitalises the guest journey from pre arrival to check out.   The app, which was developed in-house, interfaces with a hotel’s property management system (PMS) affording guests a whole suite of services from uploading travel documents, such as vaccination certificates, ordering a car on arrival, room service and laundry. The hotel app can also send automated electronic updates and alerts to the guest, as well as e-registration documents, e-invoices and e-receipts, all in one convenient space.   “This gives the guest an enhanced experience, providing a seamless pre-arrival and check-in procedure. They can order room service in advance, have laundry …

After its successful start in Europe, with more than 40 affiliated hotels in just 5 months –including the first hotel affiliated in Northern Cyprus, Celebi Garden Hotel, in Famagusta– the European hotel group Quartz Inn Hotels & Resorts arrives in the Middle East to help hotels and independent establishments boost their sales under the umbrella of a sustainable brand. Egypt, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will be the first countries in which the group plans to develop its operations. Quartz Inn was presented last year at the World Travel Market in London, with great media coverage, after being the first European hotel chain made up entirely of independent and sustainable properties. The idea is based on facilitating access to technology for those independent hotels that do not have sufficient means to compete with the large chains. Direct sales is one of the factors on which they have put their main focus, in order to avoid the high commissions paid to OTAs. The properties that join the group must commit to comply with a series of standards in terms of respect for the environment, such as the elimination of single-use plastics in the rooms, saving energy and water or minimizing food waste, among others. The group carries out different sustainability programs, to which the affiliates can join. According to Ignacio Merino, co-founder and Managing Director of the London-based group, “We are very excited to be able to contribute to the development of independent hotels and the local communities in the Middle East that need help in terms of technology, marketing and sales, as well as in the implementation of sustainable policies. In Europe, more than 40 establishments in 10 …

IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts a new global loyalty program: IHG One Rewards, as it welcomes guests to the next chapter of travel.  With nearly 6,000 hotels in over 100 countries, IHG Hotels & Resorts has been hard at work while the world was on hold – building its portfolio, repositioning itself in the industry with exciting new brands and partnerships, investing significantly, and taking loyalty to new heights. Today, as travelers pack their bags, dreaming of their vacations or the satisfaction of successful business trips, IHG is launching a best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which is centered around its guests – giving them richer benefits, more ways to earn, and a new premier credit card, all powered by leading technology on its new mobile app. The reimagined program connects IHG One Rewards members to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ growing portfolio of 17 brands, including one of the largest Luxury & Lifestyle collections in the world. The launch of IHG One Rewards follows the announcement in January 2022 of the program’s new tier and bonus point earning structure – designed to help members earn more points faster and have more ways to use them. IHG One Rewards will offer industry-leading value and relevant benefits for members to enhance their stays. Highlights of the program include: Faster Earn: A new tier and bonus point earning structure will allow members to earn more points faster and gain rewards sooner. The new tier and bonus point earning structure starts on April 13, 2022 and will be reflected in all member accounts on or before April 17, 2022.   Richer Benefits: Further enhancements and member benefits include: o             Free Breakfast for Diamond Elite …

Marriott International has reinforced its commitment to developing local talent in Saudi Arabia by launching its fourth iteration of the Tahseen leadership programme. The 12-month programme, designed in partnership with Cornell University, aims to develop the next generation of hospitality leaders. This year’s programme in Saudi Arabia, which also includes Bahraini nationals, will feature more than 37 new participants. Francisca Martinez, Chief Human Resources Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said, “Our commitment to investing in young local talent to ensure the success of the Kingdom’s travel and tourism sector is unwavering. We are excited to launch the fourth edition of Tahseen in Saudi Arabia and look forward to developing the next group of hospitality leaders in the Kingdom. We are also delighted to see the continuous career advancement of those leaders who previously graduated from the program in the Kingdom despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic.” In partnership with Cornell University, the fourth year of Tahseen in the Kingdom will see 37 participants go through a unique and highly individualized 12-month programme focused on practical application across all departments as well as an in-depth understanding of leadership skills led by teams across Marriott’s participating hotels. Tahseen provides candidates with operational experience and theoretical training, empowering them with the knowledge, skills and expertise to accelerate in leadership roles within the industry. Tahseen recently celebrated the graduation of its 2021 class, which saw 46 graduates, of which nearly half were women, step into leadership within their respective hotels and in the department of their choice. Since its inception in 2018, more than 110 candidates have graduated from the Tahseen programme in Saudi Arabia and moved into roles …

It was announced that Palace Beach Resort is slated to open by Q2 in 2022 in Fujairah. The resort will feature 167 rooms and suites set by the beachfront featuring contemporary architecture and Arabesque patterns, testament to a city embracing the future while staying true to its heritage. The hotel will be set on prime piece of coastline on the Gulf of Oman, known for its beautiful sands, vibrant sea-life and the serene mountainous environment. A palatial beachfront oasis where contemporary grandeur, natural beauty and Arabian heritage blend between the cityscape and Indian Ocean, where the City meets the Sea. Designed with a majestic sense of style and developed by Eagle Hills, Palace Resort Fujairah is set to become the brand’s ultimate beach getaway guaranteeing an unforgettable stay at their beachfront oasis enjoying outstanding array of world-class facilities and exceptional amenities. Sit back, relax, and unwind on a beach lounger nestled among the pristine sands of the private beach, where the city meets the sea, and every view is one to savour. “Emaar Hospitality Group is setting its sights on the leading destinations within the UAE and this resort will mark its second opening in this Emirate. This is an important milestone in our journey, as we further expand our luxury portfolio with the country to cater to international visitors and residents of the UAE who have grown to know and love our brand.” – Mark Kirby, Head of Emaar Hospitality Group “With its majestic landscape combined with a rich heritage, Fujairah is fast emerging as a tourist haven that lures the most discerning travellers. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience premium luxury at Palace Beach Resort Fujairah.” …

ZOYA Health Resort, the Middle East’s first-of-its-kind five-star wellness retreat, is set to open from April 22nd in the UAE with guests able to experience a wide range of bespoke retreat programs helping to improve their wellbeing and live a healthier lifestyle. Situated within the prime location of Al Zorah and overseeing the stunning golf course and mangroves, the 61-room accommodation ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort is owned and founded by Saudi National and experienced entrepreneur Mr Ameer Said, who is committed to providing holistic and unique medical approaches to mind and body rejuvenation through retreat programmes and treatments. ZOYA Health & Wellbeing will be operated by Premedion, a spa consultancy and management company founded in Germany in 2005 as a subsidiary of Deutsche Seereederei GmbH with its registered office in Hamburg. Having managed high-end spas and health centres worldwide in countries including Egypt, Oman, China and Qatar, Premedion will be working in partnership with Mr Ameer Said and his team in operating the first wellness resort of its kind in the UAE. Mr Ameer Said commented on the reason for opening ZOYA Health Resort, “ZOYA Wellbeing was born out of a determination to address the ailments of the modern world, to be preventative rather than curative, to help our guests lead healthier lifestyles without the need for medication and assistance, to create a special space that protects, nourishes and invigorates mind, body and soul.” With the guidance and expertise of medical and health professionals, each retreat programme is customised to the specific needs and lifestyle of every guest with the venue’s experienced doctors, wellness specialists and nutritionists conducting a full assessment before creating a personalised agenda. This assessment includes …

Bedsonline announced a major milestone for its distribution in Egypt after signing an agreement with Blue Sky to become its new General Sales Agent (GSA) in the country. “We are very pleased to start working with Blue Sky in Egypt on this new venture and to benefit from their in-depth market and product knowledge from their 50-year track record,” said Tomeu Gili, Head of MEAI at Hotelbeds, the parent company of Bedsonline. Tomeu also explained how important client support is for the company and how “being able to offer a personalised and easily accessible customer support service to our clients is key for us and we look forward to work hand in hand with Blue Sky to deliver the very best to our clients”. As a result of the agreement, Blue Sky will offer Bedsonline’s local clients: A dedicated helpdesk located in Egypt, in both the local language and English. This will include dedicated local telephone numbers, which will also help to reduce costs for Bedsonline’s clients. A dedicated sales team to visit travel agencies and provide a highly personalised service to clients in Egypt. Egyptian travel agencies that are already working with Bedsonline will continue to book all their accommodation, experiences, transfers and car rental via www.bedsonline.com.

Domes Resorts, one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing luxury hotel brands, is thrilled to announce the opening Domes Lake Algarve on 9th April 2022. Located near Vilamoura in southern Portugal, this launch marks Domes Resorts’ international expansion outside of Greece for the first time, as well as the group’s first year-round hotel. Comprising 192 rooms and suites, the hotel’s interiors are inspired by the surrounding eco-protected landscape, which fresh colours reflecting the property’s gardens, pools and lake, which many of the rooms overlook. The hotel also features Domes Resort’s hyper-luxury Haute Living Selection, providing a ‘hotel-within-a-hotel’ experience for the most discerning travellers looking for space, privacy, and a deeper connection with calming nature and local activities. With its private saltwater lake and private access to Praia de Falesia beach, four sparkling swimming pools, a 1.2km deck stretching the gardens towards restaurants and observation pergolas, Domes Lake Algarve is a soothing setting for unwinding in the tranquil environment, as well as trying activities to make the most of its location such as clam and oyster picking, birdwatching, sailing, and wine tasting.   For those also looking to soak up the local culture of Vilamoura, the hotel is a short distance on foot to the famous marina, the wetlands, Ria Formosa Natural Park, restaurants, beach clubs, golf courses, and more. For adults seeking some downtime, the award-winning Soma Spa combines ancient Greek methods and contemporary healing techniques, with results-orientated products from ELEMIS, as well as GODAGE Paris which utilises active natural ingredients for more tailored treatments. Children are equally entertained, with KiEPOS, which aims to nurture eco-conscious minds and invites children to plant their greens, herbs and flowers for an interactive and educational …

Outrigger Hospitality Group announced 31 March that it has acquired the newly renovated five-star Maafushivaru Resort in the Maldives – adding another premier beach property to its expanding global portfolio. The luxury resort has been renamed Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort and is located on a private island in the pristine South Ari Atoll region, a 25-minute seaplane flight from Malé – offering convenient access and breathtaking views for arriving guests. The resort is comprised of a collection of 81 luxury villa styles including beach, pool and duplex accommodations, as well as coveted overwater bungalows and more. “There are few destinations that evoke higher levels of relaxation, elegance and seclusion than the Maldives. This resort is the perfect addition to our array of global beachfront properties,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “With travel on the rise, we look forward to welcoming our global guests to the Maldives and curating unforgettable Outrigger Signature Experiences that allow visitors to appreciate Maldivian culture in an iconic beachfront setting.” Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is classified by many world travellers as the ultimate luxury beach destination. Known for its uninterrupted views of white sandy beaches and a seemingly endless turquoise lagoon, the Maafushivaru Resort has recently undergone an extensive modernisation and is poised to be among the Maldives’ most sought-after vacation destinations. Outrigger will leverage the knowledge of General Manager, John Allanson, who has served the brand previously and has three decades of hospitality leadership experience. In his new role, Allanson will spearhead the transition of this property utilising The Outrigger Way philosophy. This ethos has allowed the brand to expand across the globe without compromising its values …