Category Archives: Hotels

Hotelbeds is pleased to announce that it is one of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ preferred partners for distribution of wholesale rates from IHG hotels in Europe and Greater China. As a result, travel buyers working with Hotelbeds will continue to enjoy access to wholesale rates from IHG hotels. Hotelbeds’ network reaches thousands of B2B travel buyers, such as offline tour operators, retail travel agents, airlines and company employee loyalty programs, across more than 140 source markets worldwide. Hotelbeds’ portfolio of B2B travel buyers offers IHG’s hotels incremental, high-value bookings from both domestic and international travelers. Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer at Hotelbeds, commented: “This partnership demonstrates our shared confidence in the future growth of the B2B industry.  Thanks to this collaboration, our client partners worldwide will have access to a leading product portfolio which is fantastic news coming off the back of some very challenging years.” George Turner, Chief Commercial & Technology Officer at IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Partnering with Hotelbeds in Europe and Greater China will enable us to more seamlessly manage our wholesale distribution.” IHG Hotels & Resorts has 17 brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express and last year joined Hotelbeds’ Green Hotel Programme to further strengthen its commitment to sustainable tourism. The Green Hotels Programme is a turn-key solution to bring Hotelbeds and its partners into the green economy and accelerate the transition of the travel industry towards sustainability – a topic whose importance has increased dramatically in light of the COVID pandemic.

It was announced recently that the much awaited Ritz Carlton in Amman Jordan is slated to open by Q2. Two stunning towers unveil a refined, modern luxury experience the heart of Jordan’s buzzing capital city, Amman. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman will offer 228 guestrooms including 34 lavish suites, perfectly complemented by the brand’s legendary service. Guests can relax in the elegant Cigar Lounge or indulge in distinguished cuisine at the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant. For a dinner with a view, the rooftop restaurant and bar offer dazzling views across the skyline. The enchanting towers offer both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre and spa, along with a 1,000 square metre ballroom.

Akhom Consulting and METT Hotels & Resorts, a 5-star lifestyle collection of Hotels & Resorts, announce their partnership starting from March 2022. Akhom Consulting will lead the Sales representation of METT Brand in the Middle East luxury hospitality market. With a particular focus on the GCC region, Akhom Consulting will expand METT’s brand presence in the luxury hospitality market. METT Hotels & Resorts is a luxury brand by Sunset Hospitality Group. METT lives up to its Bohemian-chic, minimalist style in unique locations. The concept of METT Social Living takes its routes from the way people live in the Mediterranean, with a focus on driving incredible dining experiences. The brand offers an enriching escape to all guests looking for easy living in a mesmerising setting. Since May 2021, METT Hotels & Resorts have welcomed guests in Bodrum, Turkey, by the turquoise Aegean Sea. With a strong pipeline including Dubai, Spain, Greece, and Italy, METT is getting ready to set the new hospitality norms for the elite travellers in multiple destinations. The next resort opening is scheduled for summer 2022 in Marbella. Mouhamed Abdulkhalek, Managing Director of Akhom Consulting said: We are delighted to partner with METT Hotels & Resorts and represent this top-notch luxury brand in the Middle East market. We believe that METT Hotels & Resorts will bring a different perspective in hospitality. METT’s Bohemian-chic Social Living concept will help the brand be the leading name this season. Our triumphant work will allow METT to access the Middle East market, one of the most efficient tourist-generating regions, and to ensure a strong market presence and the desired revenue for the brand.

According to new research commissioned by Arabian Travel Market and conducted at the end of 2021 by hotel market intelligence and global benchmarking company STR, Makkah and Doha are both expanding their hotel room inventory by 76%, followed by Riyadh, Medina and Muscat with 66%, 60% and 59% growth respectively. In Dubai, rooms growth stands at 26%, which is still extraordinary, considering its existing base and following years of continuous hotel development – it is still more than double the global average. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 9-12 May 2022 said, “With the global average sitting at 12% we are witnessing multiple GCC destinations growing at six times those rates.” “These figures coupled with the ongoing relaxation in travel restrictions, will undoubtedly encourage travel professionals throughout the Middle East and further afield. As such we are expecting a substantial increase in the number of participants at our live event this year, especially Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE,” she added. According to the report, there are almost 2.5 million hotel rooms currently under contract around the world, 3.2% or 80,000 rooms of that supply is taking place in Saudi Arabia alone. Furthermore, although Expo 2020 in Dubai, is now drawing to a close (31 March 2022), the mega event has been the catalyst for accelerated hotel room growth in the UAE with almost 50,000 rooms still due to open across the Emirates. Following closely behind is Doha with final preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 now being put in place. Doha is on track to deliver 23,000 hotel rooms pre- and post-World Cup …

Global augmented hospitality group, Accor, through its loyalty program ALL-Accor Live Limitless, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), to announce the launch of the ALL-ADCB Infinite and Signature Credit Cards for consumers in the UAE. The official signing of the partnership took place today at the ADCB Head Office in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Mr. Ala’a Eraiqat, the ADCB Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mehdi Hemici, Chief Loyalty & Partnership Officer at Accor, and Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Visa Group Country Manager, and Senior Vice President in GCC, in additions to senior management members from all parties to mark the significant milestone. This formidable agreement brings together ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, and ADCB to create a co-branded Visa credit card that rewards cardholders with elevated experiences to enjoy in the UAE and globally. Drawing on the rich experience and comparative advantages of three leaders in hospitality, banking and payments, the ALL-ADCB Infinite and Signature Credit Cards will provide holders with a gateway to endless privileges and benefits. With an unrivalled portfolio of 28 Accor properties, guests can enjoy a wide range of service options that complement their lifestyle in the UAE. In 2020, Accor announced its global partnership with Visa, to bring new payment experiences to loyalty members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, through the ALL Visa credit card. The introduction of the ALL Visa card enables the Accor Group to engage customers beyond their stay, via an industry leading loyalty program, offering ALL members the ability to earn points, enjoy new experiences and even more hotel nights. The success of Accor’s global partnership with Visa …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Crowne Plaza West Cairo- Arkan – its first hotel in Egypt. Located in the west of the Egyptian capital, Crowne Plaza West Cairo-Arkan is the first premium hotel in the heart of Sheikh Zayed and is in a prime position for locals and those travelling to Cairo for business, leisure or a combination of the two. Designed to meet the needs of the modern business traveller, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts deeply understands work/life blend and this is brought to life at the brand’s hotels worldwide through a modern, distinct and purposeful design featuring multi-functional zones, great food and drinks, and a warm and engaging approach to guest service. Engineer Amr Badreldine Chairman of El Badr Commercial Developments, commented: “Arkan Plaza is pleased to welcome its newest addition an IHG hotel, the first Crowne Plaza hotel in Egypt, one of the fastest growing hotel brands globally. Perfectly located within Arkan, Crowne Plaza – West Cairo will provide an exemplary experience. Arkan’s strategic location and wide range of facility services & offerings will meet every guest’s needs creating an exceptional experience at Crowne Plaza – West Cairo Arkan.” Haitham Mattar, Managing Director IMEA at IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We are excited to open our first Crowne Plaza hotel – Crowne Plaza West Cairo-Arkan, in Egypt, and expand our brand portfolio to offer world-class hospitality options to travellers with diverse needs. Crowne Plaza is known to be an international premium hotel brand which is loved by business travellers across the globe. We are confident that this new addition to our portfolio in the region will be a popular choice with both domestic and …

C Central Resort the Palm will continue to attract families, groups of friends, couples, and honeymooners in the year 2022. The 5-star property recorded a peak in the number of leisure and group segments, with guests from the UK, France, Germany, and CIS countries topping the list, comprising 70% of its total guests since opening in September 2019. Guests reportedly booked an average of four nights stay and are particularly interested in the various beach and water activities, the magnificent surroundings, multiple dining options, excellent facilities, friendly and warm service, and the stunning location. “We look forward to an amazing start to the year. We have seen an increase in the number of guests from our key target markets, and we hope this trend will continue until the first half of the year. The coming months will be hectic for the property as we have planned some exciting promotions for Mother’s Day, Ramadan, Eid, and leading up to summer. It will be an exciting season as Dubai strengthens its position as the destination of choice for international travelers,” Hussein Gamaleldin, Group Director of Sales and Marketing. The 203-key beachfront hotel and resort feature rooms and suites that command breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and The Palm. The Premium Rooms, the Skyline Suites, and Palm Suites have private balconies where guests can watch the city’s spectacular sunset and the glittering Dubai skyline in the evening. The guest rooms feature contemporary and modern decor, dramatic wall art, and in-room amenities for complete comfort and relaxation. With several dining venues to choose from and plenty of money-saving promotions, C Central Hotel The Palm is the ideal dining destination. Whether staying at the …

Following the success of the “Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba” which has been operating since July 2020, “Ayla ” and Kerten Hospitality agreed to manage another one-of-a-kind Hospitality Hub to further diversify the hospitality offering and continue to increase the footfall. “The Pulse”, a Cloud 7 Boutique Hotel, consists of 75 rooms located at the Marina Village, the heart of Ayla – a real estate leisure hub with the potential to be a second home destination. It is a tailored destination seeking to attract wanderlusters and exploration lovers and seeking to become an attractive Business Hub suited for short and extended stays that will constantly evolve throughout the seasons, attracting a diverse audience for a variety of immersive experiences along with dedicated workspaces for ‘bleisure’ travelers, guests, music and art lovers. Ayla’s Managing Director, Sahl Dudin, said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with “Kerten Hospitality” following their great success in managing the ” Cloud 7 Residences” and we entrust the Group with the management of “The Pulse Hotel” whilst seeking to expand our hotel accommodation and entertainment offerings in Jordan in addition to the real estate development projects. Since its launch, Ayla has taken the initiative to work on promoting and diversifying the tourism offers in Aqaba. Our commitment to grow the hospitality and real estate facilities would not have been possible without the right partners.” Marloes Knippenberg CEO of Kerten Hospitality said: “Our vision and efforts have always been exerted to create local collaborations and bring projects to life with depth and purpose that allow to bring communities together. Our relationship with Ayla has developed where we share and motivate new ideas for development; we are truly …

Royal Central Hotel the Palm continues to attract the Russian market and expects to increase bookings from this segment by 25% for the first quarter of the year. The forecasted growth is based on the steady number of room nights booked during the last quarter of 2021 and at the beginning of 2022. There were more than 200% Russian guests who stayed an average of four nights during the trip, either booked by couples or families. Russia, France, Germany, The Netherlands, the UK, and the CIS markets are the top nationalities staying at Royal Central Hotel The Palm when holidaying in Dubai. The property has been a favorite for its exceptional location, with access to one of the best private beaches in the city. In addition, it offers unobstructed views of the vast Arabian Gulf. “We are expecting higher demands from the Russian market this year, and it’s an excellent indication that interests in international travels have re-sparked post-pandemic. The Russian travelers play an important role in the UAE’s travel sector because of their spending power, and we are glad that Royal Central Hotel The Palm has been one of their top choices. We also laud the UAE government for its relaxed visa process and health and safety protocols that attract many foreigners to the country,” said Hussein Gamaleldin, Group Director of Sales and Marketing. According to data released by Reed Exhibitions, ahead of the next edition of Arabian Travel Market, Russia has grown to become the second-largest source market for Dubai in 2021. It is also likely to retain its status as the preferred GCC destination for visitors from this segment over the longer term, accounting for more than …

The Kempinski Hotels portfolio is steadily growing in the Middle East: With the signing of a management agreement for a prestigious luxury hotel in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, another milestone in the expansion of the international hotel group has been set. The upcoming five-star Kempinski Al Qeshan Hotel is being built in a prime location in the heart of the Al Olaya business district on the famous King Fahad Road, which is home to banks, elegant restaurants and fine boutiques. The hotel with 150 elegant rooms and suites as well as ten serviced apartments is planned to be built and opened in approximately four years. With this luxury hotel, the owner is not only focusing on technical and structural sustainability, but also has included a full green façade in his plans. While one complete floor of the 35-storey building is reserved for an exclusive ladies’ spa and one for a men’s spa, guests can indulge in culinary delights in two high-class restaurants or admire the skyline of the metropolis from the rooftop lounge and terrace with pool of the luxury hotel. “With Sheikh Abdul Kareem Abdullah Al Qeshan, an extremely successful businessman in the cementitious and construction industry, we have found an ideal partner who, like us, places the highest demands on quality and relies on a prime location,” says Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Board Kempinski AG. “The country’s financial capital signifies an important step in our growth plans in the Kingdom. Following other projects in our development pipeline in Al Madinah, Makkah and Yanbu, as well as our already successfully operating Kempinski Hotel Al Othman in Al …