Category Archives: Hotels

Royal Central Hotel The Palm posted a fantastic performance from January to June of this year, doubling its occupancy rate, with the highest being recorded at 96 percent in March compared to 45 percent for the same period last year. The luxurious property recorded a strong beginning of the year with significant demand from guests who visited the Expo, those who took advantage of the cool weather, and the ease in travel restrictions from neighboring countries and key markets. Visitors from France, Germany, and the GCC continue to dominate the number of hotel guests, but tourists from Italy are viewed as the new potential market for Royal Central Hotel The Palm. “We are very proud of our hotel performance for the first half of the year, and we are positive that we can keep the momentum till the end of the year. The impressive growth was from the momentum generated by the hugely successful Expo 2020, which brought immense attention to Dubai and the easing of travel restrictions worldwide. We are projecting the demand to increase during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and as we welcome the festive season, we can see a healthy 2022 for the hospitality industry,” noted Abdulla Alabdulla, Group General Manager, Central Hotels & Resorts. Occupancy rates in Dubai have averaged 74 percent throughout the first half of 2022, making the city the world leader for hotel occupancies, ahead of New York, London, and Paris, according to the recent tourism data revealed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Dubai has welcomed 7.1 million international overnight visitors up to June 2022, a 183 percent YoY increase. The 74 percent occupancy figure was maintained from …

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has opened 20 properties with more than 4,500 units in H1 2022, a 56% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in units. In addition, Ascott has recently completed its acquisition of Oakwood Worldwide (Oakwood) in July 2022, expanding its portfolio by about 15,000 units, to over 153,000 units across over 900 properties. Ascott is also acquiring a freehold asset in Tokyo, Japan via the Ascott Serviced Residence Global Fund (ASRGF), Ascott’s private equity fund with Qatar Investment Authority. The asset will be refurbished to introduce Ascott’s first lyf-branded coliving property in the city. The acquisition follows Ascott’s signing of over 7,500 units in H1 2022, a 32% increase compared to the same period last year. The 140-unit coliving property to be named lyf Ginza Tokyo is ASRGF’s fourth acquisition in 2022, deploying close to S$400 million across four countries in under five months. Slated to open in June 2023, lyf Ginza Tokyo is set to meet the lodging demand of conglomerates and start-ups located nearby and cater to leisure travellers visiting the capital city. With the acquisition of lyf Ginza Tokyo, ASRGF will hold 12 properties with over 2,300 units across 9  countries. Mr Kevin Goh, CLI’s Chief Executive Officer for Lodging, said: “Ascott has completed its acquisition of Oakwood, and achieved strong organic growth in H1 2022 with the addition of newly signed and opened properties across our brands. We have kicked-off the integration of Oakwood with Ascott, placing us in a stronger position to drive further growth, deliver higher returns to our property owners and offer better experiences to our guests.” “As a vertically-integrated global lodging business, Ascott is able to leverage its full suite of real …

Al Khoory Hotels announced the official opening of their latest 4-star property, Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel in Dubai. Centrally located on Al Waha Street, off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, the property delivers a blend of quality accommodation, facilities and amenities twinned with exceptional value. Conveniently located in a central location, the Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel provides easy access to Dubai International Airport. For families, the location is close to a myriad of attractions in Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, while business travellers will enjoy the short distances to hubs such as Business Bay and the forthcoming District 2020. The hotel comprises 158 rooms categorised into eight configurations, ranging from the superior and deluxe rooms to the premium and Courtyard suites. Guests can choose from four distinctive dining experiences, including the authentic Al Baha Levantine Restaurant. Guests can relax in the spa and rooftop infinity pool or explore the many attractions and shopping destinations on the hotel’s doorstep. Jeff Isaacs, Hotel Manager, Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel, said: “Al Khoory Hotels has seen incredible growth in recent years thanks to our strategic position in business and leisure hubs throughout Dubai. Each of our properties offers unrivalled connectivity, and the Courtyard Hotel is no exception. “Guests to the new property will have access to world-class amenities and excellent F&B outlets, emphasising quality at unbeatable value. Our popularity and growth as a company are in recognition of our superior service, with business travellers, leisure visitors and families returning year after year.”   The hotel is Shariah-compliant, and all rooms are non-smoking with connecting room facilities available, making the Courtyard the ideal choice for families. The management team has also focused on adopting local …

In a recent interview with Tracy Lanza Group Head of Global Brand Development at The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), shared that the development of The Red Sea Project will be in two phases, one to be completed by end of 2023 and second to be completed by 2030. She reiterated, “we’re looking forward to welcoming our first guests early next year. Following that, the first phase will be fully completed and operational by the end of 2023. It will include 16 resorts for a total of 3,000 keys, 18-hole championship golf course, luxury marina, and retail and entertainment facilities. Phase two is scheduled for completion in 2030, and will include 50 resorts with 8,000 keys, and 1,000+ residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.” Commenting further that the work is on track in order to welcome guests, “We’re fortunate to be able to partner with some of the world’s most iconic hotel brands, including EDITION, St Regis, Fairmont, Raffles, SLS, Grand Hyatt, Intercontinental, Six Senses, Jumeirah, Miraval, Rosewood and Ritz Carlton Reserve. Some of these will be able to host their first guests by early next year, while others will open their doors in the months following.” In keeping with the Vision 2030 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lanza shared, “The project supports the Saudi vision through the development of a brand-new tourism industry that has not existed in the Kingdom before. It will open the door for thousands of young Saudis to pursue new careers and opportunities. We expect to create up to 70,000 new jobs and contribute as a much as 22 billion Saudi riyals (USD 5.3 billion) to the nation’s GDP.”

Since opening its doors in March 2022, Somerset Downtown Al Khobar, the stylish property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under The Ascott Limited (Ascott) portfolio, has witnessed strong occupancy rates in its first quarter of operations, as it continues to provide the ideal long-stay setting for both leisure and business travellers in the heart of Al Khobar. The property has witnessed a steady growth in the long stay segment, alongside a higher demand for the leisure domestic segment as school summer holidays take place across the region. Leisure guests can now avail 20% as part of the brand’s ASR Member Special Rate at discoverasr.com/offers Parallelly, the property is also offering a Long Stay Offer of up to 30% off for its corporate guests at discoverasr.com/offers Commemorating its successful first three months, Ascott is offering guests up to 60% off on bookings and Triple ASR points as part of the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme at the stunning Al Khobar property, until the end of August. Mr. Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Managing Director, Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India said, “Somerset Downtown Al Khobar provides the perfect option for travellers who enjoy inspired living, whether they are planning a quick trip or an extended stay in the city. Offering guests’ a balanced living experience that effortlessly integrates work and personal life, Somerset Downtown Al Khobar is the perfect home-away-from home retreat. This is reflected in the formidable performance the property has experienced in such a short space of time, and we look forward to continued success for our Somerset apart’hotel in this coastal city.” The stylish 16-storey property showcases 139 elegantly designed and lavishly aesthetic apartments. Somerset Downtown Al Khobar …

Ishraq Hospitality and Capital Elite Development have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch two new hotels in the New Capital, Cairo, Egypt. The properties will jointly add around 600 keys to the Egyptian hospitality market when they open to guests in 2025. The hotels will be developed by Capital Elite Development, a leading real-estate development company in Egypt, born through the development of the New Administrative Capital. The developer is part of the Mustafa Mansour Group and has earned a reputation for its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art projects for its clients. Ishraq Hospitality will work closely with Capital Elite Development to bring the project to fruition, following which, the group will manage operations at both properties, with the goal of adding to its well-earned reputation for highly successful third-party hospitality management. “The signing of the MoU between Ishraq Hospitality and Capital Elite Development brings together two companies that are well regarded leaders in their respective fields. The partnership will see the combining of world-class project development and hospitality management experience, which will result in the delivery and operation of two properties that are sure to dramatically enrich the burgeoning Egyptian hospitality sector. “We are very excited to embark on this journey with Capital Elite Development to expand into one of the most culturally significant tourism destinations in the world,” said Sherif Beshara, Group CEO at Mohamed & Obaid Almulla Group. The signing of the MoU aligns with Ishraq Hospitality’s strategic expansion plans, which were first unveiled in May at the Arabian Travel Market 2022 in Dubai. During the event, the company announced its intent to expand into Egypt, while further developing its home base market of the UAE. …

Le Méridien Fairway has reopened its doors to guests with the promise of the most relaxing getaway experience. Amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, Le Méridien Fairway is situated within a close proximity of the enchanting Dubai Creek providing guests luxury comforts and easy access to Dubai’s main attractions, some of which include The City Centre Mall, The Gold Souk and the infamous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Le Méridien Fairway boasts an array of pristine facilities, for those looking to lounge in lavish settings, the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect destination. The Peak Health Club is the hotels renowned fitness studio ideal for guests looking to stay active during their relaxing retreat. For those who are looking to indulge in delicious offerings, Le Méridien Fairway showcases three spectacular restaurants. Petit Café is the all-day dining restaurant offering mouthwatering international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Patrons looking for a laid-back option can look to the Press Club bar where guests can revel in exclusive promotions. The promotions include a bucket of hops, happy hour and buy one get one free deal. The bar is open to revelers from 3pm to 2.30am. The Lobby Bar is ideal for business lunches, for the price of AED 39 only guests can enjoy a speedy and light business lunch daily, from 11am to 3pm. For the main attraction, Le Méridien Fairway presents a range of beautiful rooms that boast views, comfort, and relaxation. The room categories include: Deluxe Rooms King/Twin – Recently renovated in 2021 the 40 sqm Deluxe Guestrooms offer a great escape for those looking for a relaxing experience. Perfect for leisure and business travelers the Deluxe …

Aleph Hospitality has solidified its presence in Uganda by taking over management of the Best Western Plus The Athena Hotel in Kampala earlier this month. Best Western Plus The Athena is a contemporary four-star hotel situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Bugolobi, on the outskirts of the capital Kampala. The boutique hotel features a restaurant, cocktail lounge, outdoor garden, pool and gym, as well as a business centre and conference facilities. The hotel is located in the central business district of Kampala. Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality said: “We are delighted to welcome the Best Western Plus The Athena Hotel into the Aleph portfolio. Seven years ago, when we identified a gap in the market for independent hotel management companies, I could not have imagined that today we would be managing 12 hotels in Africa, with many more properties in the pipeline.” Owner of Athena Investment Ltd, Ms Grace Kavuya, said: “We are excited to work with the experienced team at Aleph Hospitality and look forward to taking the hotel and our guest experience to the next level. With the strong post-pandemic recovery in travel globally, and the country’s continued investment in the hospitality sector, we are confident that there is a bright future for our hotel and the tourism industry in Uganda.” Aleph Hospitality, which has targeted 50 hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2026, manages hotels directly for owners, either on a franchise basis for branded properties or as a white label operator for independently branded hotels.

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) will debut in Dubai this September, bringing together the Middle East and Africa’s industry leaders for discussions, deals and insight on the continued growth of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Hosted by Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts and co-organised by The Bench and MEED, FHS brings together the investment communities of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) and AviaDev under one roof. Other conference tracks include Sustainability & Innovation, Startup Den and The Future of Human Capital. The three-day summit takes place at Madinat Jumeirah from 19 to 21 September 2022, uniting government leaders, hotel investors, owners, developers and operators to discuss the industry’s hot topics, set the scene for the future and network with elite players in their field. 50 leaders from some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality brands who have confirmed to speak include José Silva, CEO of Jumeirah Group Hotels & Resorts; Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited; Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO Minor Hotels; Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO at Rotana; Sandeep Walia, Chief Operations Officer at Marriott International; Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels; Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality; Haitham Mattar, Managing Director MEA & South West Asia at IHG Hotels and Resorts; Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA at Wyndham Hotels, Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President Middle East, Africa & Turkey at Hilton as well as Chris Newman Executive Director Hotel Development at Neom; Agnès Roquefort, Chief Development Officer at Accor and Elie Younes, Chief Development Officer at Radisson. Among the names representing the global food & beverage investment community – coming together on the first day of FHS for the …

Among key hotel markets in the Middle East, Dubai’s gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) came in seven times higher than the 2019 comparable, according to STR’s May 2022 P&L data release. Helped by strong international arrival numbers, as well as an earlier Ramadan, Dubai’s May GOPPAR reached US$115.37. That level was 776% of the pre-pandemic comparable. Just a month earlier during Ramadan, the market was at 79% of 2019 GOPPAR. Also reporting significant month-over-month improvement in the region, Qatar posted a May GOPPAR of US$60.87. That level was 466% of the pre-pandemic comparable after the market had fallen into negative territory using the same comparison in April. Saudi Arabia’s GOPPAR was just 39% of the 2019 comparable, down from 325% in March.