Sunday, April 30, 2017

Wyndham Hotel Group expands in the Caribbean

Wyndham Hotel Group has opened its first properties in South America, stepping up its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean to 200 hotels.

IHG expands in Greater China

IHG has unveiled HUALUXE Zhangjiakou as its 300th open property in Greater China. The hotel becomes IHG’s fifth for the HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts brand and the only international-branded, upscale hotel in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, one of the host cities for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Swiss-Belhotel International expands in Egypt

Global hotel management company, Swiss-Belhotel International, is planning further expansion in Egypt with the signing of Swiss-Belresort Marseilia Beach 4 on the country’s stunning north coast.

Hyatt Plans to double brand presence in the Middle East

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is planning to expand Hyatt’s brand footprint in the Middle East with the signing of management agreements by a Hyatt affiliate for 14 Hyatt-branded hotels across the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Place, and HYATT house brands.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Mövenpick reveals first property in the Maldives

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to manage its first resort in the Maldives. The planned 102-unit resort, Mӧvenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives, will be situated on the remote Kuredhivaru Island in Noonu Atoll, providing a desirable sanctuary surrounded by pristine natural beauty in the undeveloped northern part of the Maldives.

STR reports record revenue in US hospitality sector

Results from STR’s Host Almanac 2017 indicate that the Unites States hotel industry revenue and house profit reached all-time highs in 2016. Revenues topped an estimated US$199 billion in 2016, increasing nearly US$9 billion from 2015.

STR records record revenue in US hospitality sector

Results from STR’s Host Almanac 2017 indicate that the Unites States hotel industry revenue and house profit reached all-time highs in 2016. Revenues topped an estimated US$199 billion in 2016, increasing nearly US$9 billion from 2015.

AHIC 2017: Industry pioneers recognised with prestigious awards

On the final day of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, founder, Action Hotels, and Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive, flydubai, were announced winners of the prestigious annual AHIC Awards.

AHIC 2017: Industry pioneers recognised with prestigious awards

On the final day of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, founder, Action Hotels, and Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive, flydubai, were announced winners of the prestigious annual AHIC Awards.

AHIC 2017: Mid-market hotels offer opportunity in Middle East

The economy and mid-market hotel segment was identified as presenting a significant opportunity for hotel owners and operators alike at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference. Expert speakers also identified a gap in the market for more experiential accommodation and entertainment attractions, especially in Dubai, as the market continues to diversify its hospitality offering.

Six Senses to open spa resort in Ibiza for 2020

Tucked away on the peaceful northern tip of Ibiza is crystalline Cala Xarraca Bay. Located just 30 minutes from the airport, this is the inspiring setting for Six Senses Ibiza, the newest addition to the portfolio of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

The Montague at the Gardens to welcome back Beach Bar this summer

Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for flip-flops and island living at Bloomsbury’s very own Beach Bar, returning to The Montague at the Gardens this June. The luxury hotel is bringing the colourful and lively Beach Bar installation back to its outdoor wood deck area after a triumphant introduction to London’s summer bar and dining scene last year.

AHIC 2017: Hospitality industry examines catalysts for change in Dubai

Catalysts of change, including the shift in global economic powers, demographics and ageing populations, and the impact of digitisation, were some of the hot topics discussed live on stage during the opening sessions of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2017.

AHIC 2017: Hospitality industry examines catalysts for change in Dubai

Catalysts of change, including the shift in global economic powers, demographics and ageing populations, and the impact of digitisation, were some of the hot topics discussed live on stage during the opening sessions of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2017.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Dubai Gourmet reveals boutique hotel for Qasr Al Sultan development

Dubai Gourmet will launch a boutique hotel at the family lifestyle and heritage destination, Qasr Al Sultan, in September this year. Distinctive and traditional in style, the property invites guests to live like Sultans.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Jumeirah Vittaveli unveils Royal Residence

Step inside the Royal Residence at Jumeirah Vittaveli and discover the ultimate beachfront retreat. Designed for families and groups of friends looking for the ultimate in luxury, this stunning residence offers five bedrooms extending across 3,500 square meters of pure tranquillity.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Rotana signs with Golden Group for Oman property

Rotana has signed a management agreement with Golden Group Holding, a diversified Oman-based business group for a new hotel project in Muscat, Oman.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Time Hotels to launch female-led hotel

Time Hotels Management has unveiled plans for a new four-star hotel in Dubai’s Al Barsha shopping district, Time Asma Hotel, which will aim for 80 per cent of team members to be female, led by general manager Ghada Mahgoub, with dedicated facilities for female guests.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Expo 2020 legacy examined in Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai, the first mega-event to be hosted in the Middle East, will lay the foundations for a diversified and sustainable tourism industry through a series of initiatives designed to support the UAE’s plans for diversification to a knowledge-based economy.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Dubai Gourmet reveals boutique hotel for Qasr Al Sultan development

Dubai Gourmet will launch a boutique hotel at the family lifestyle and heritage destination, Qasr Al Sultan, in September this year. Distinctive and traditional in style, the property invites guests to live like Sultans.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: One&Only reveals portfolio expansion in Dubai

One&Only has revealed it will evolve its portfolio beyond award-winning Beach Resorts with One&Only Nature Resorts, One&Only Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes. These new experiences will complement the existing award-winning resort collection, set in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, offering guests a distinctive style and personality borne of its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unparalleled.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Dukes Dubai welcomes women-only Duchess Floor

Dukes Dubai has debuted its Duchess Floor, an exclusive area dedicated to female guests, with 20 exclusive rooms. Located on the third floor at Dukes Dubai, the floor has private lift access and features women’s only public spaces, as well as discreet and private access to rooms.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Emaar reveals plans for six new properties

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties, has unveiled six new hotel projects as part of its regional and international expansion plans at the Arabian Travel Market.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Emaar reveals plans for six new properties

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties, has unveiled six new hotel projects as part of its regional and international expansion plans at the Arabian Travel Market.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: One&Only reveals portfolio expansion in Dubai

One&Only has revealed it will evolve its portfolio beyond award-winning Beach Resorts with One&Only Nature Resorts, One&Only Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes. These new experiences will complement the existing award-winning resort collection, set in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, offering guests a distinctive style and personality borne of its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unparalleled.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Time Hotels to unveil expansion plans at Arabian Travel Market

Time Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality company and hotel operator, is set to announce plans to open ten new properties across the Middle East by quarter four of 2018.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: R Hotels to debut new properties in Dubai

The latest addition to R Hotels’ growing portfolio, The Retreat Palm Dubai, MGallery by Sofitel and Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche will mark their inaugural participation at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Rotana to showcase upcoming properties in Dubai

Rotana will showcase its key upcoming properties at Arabian Travel Market, the region’s premier travel and tourism event which starts today. Rotana is preparing to open 17 new properties before the end of 2018, adding more than 4,500 keys to the company’s existing room count.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Retail therapy booms in Middle Eastern hospitality

Hotels developed in and around the Middle East’s shopping malls can expect to post an average daily rate a quarter higher than hotels that are not co-located with a major retail development. The findings are published in a report by Colliers International, released for Arabian Travel Market.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Frasers Hospitality Group reveals Middle East expansion plans

Frasers Hospitality Group is expanding its global presence with eight new properties in the Middle East and Africa. The new properties will increase Frasers Hospitality Group’s global footprint to more than 1,500 units across both regions.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Dukes Dubai welcomes women-only Duchess Floor

Dukes Dubai has debuted its Duchess Floor, an exclusive area dedicated to female guests, with 20 exclusive rooms. Located on the third floor at Dukes Dubai, the floor has private lift access and features women’s only public spaces, as well as discreet and private access to rooms.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Seven Tides to charge Tesla owners in Dubai

Luxury residential and hospitality property developer Seven Tides has installed Tesla Destination Charging connectors at three of its Dubai properties – Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Dukes Dubai on Palm Jumeirah and at the Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: R Hotels to debut new properties in Dubai

The latest addition to R Hotels’ growing portfolio, The Retreat Palm Dubai, MGallery by Sofitel and Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche will mark their inaugural participation at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.

Arabian Travel Market 2017: Time Hotels to unveil expansion plans at Arabian Travel Market

Time Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality company and hotel operator, is set to announce plans to open ten new properties across the Middle East by quarter four of 2018.

Swissôtel signs new hotel in Sarajevo

Swissôtel, part of AccorHotels has entered into a franchise agreement with Al Shiddi International for development of a new 218-room urban resort scheduled to open in early 2018.

W Hotels unveil first W Sound Suite in North America

Marriott’s W Hotels Worldwide have unveiled the first W Sound Suite to launch in North America at W Seattle. The private music studio, writer’s room and lounge offers a retreat for musicians and producers to write and record tracks while on the road. Hotel guests are also able to get in on the fun by booking the studio to live out their rockstar dreams.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Swissôtel signs new hotel in Sarajevo

Swissôtel, part of AccorHotels has entered into a franchise agreement with Al Shiddi International for development of a new 218-room urban resort scheduled to open in early 2018.

W Hotels unveil first W Sound Suite in North America

Marriott’s W Hotels Worldwide have unveiled the first W Sound Suite to launch in North America at W Seattle. The private music studio, writer’s room and lounge offers a retreat for musicians and producers to write and record tracks while on the road. Hotel guests are also able to get in on the fun by booking the studio to live out their rockstar dreams.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef to host World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony

World Travel Awards has revealed the five-star Sun Aqua Vilu Reef will host its prestigious Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2017 on the July 8th. The event will take place on Meedhuffushi Island in the Maldives’ South Nilandhe Atoll, with hospitality leaders from across the region expected to be in attendance.

Temptation Cancun Resort to reopen this autumn

When it reopens fall 2017, Temptation Cancun Resort’s sensually anticipated redesign by Karim Rashid will redefine the destination’s skyline. Inspired by the human body, the resort’s smooth, multi-collared seven story façade will be a beautiful, sensuous highlight of the strip.

AccorHotels reports strong increase in sales for first quarter

AccorHotels has reported consolidated first-quarter 2017 revenue of €425 million, up 35.4 per cent on last year, or 7.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis. Changes in the scope of the company made a positive contribution of €82 million, or 26 per cent.

AccorHotels reports strong increase in sales for first quarter

AccorHotels has reported consolidated first-quarter 2017 revenue of €425 million, up 35.4 per cent on last year, or 7.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis. Changes in the scope of the company made a positive contribution of €82 million, or 26 per cent.

Rudding Park Spa to unveil roof top spa garden

Rudding Park has confirmed its new £9.5 million spa will include the UK’s very first roof top spa garden when it opens in May. Rudding Park Spa will introduce a world destination spa to Yorkshire, re-capturing Harrogate’s spa town heritage by drawing natural waters from the grounds of Rudding Park and creating a revolutionary new spa journey for all.

New sales leadership for InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam

InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam, Thailand, has appointed Jocelyn Whiteside as director of sales and marketing. Whiteside brings with her a wealth of experience and an impressive skill set.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef to host World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony

World Travel Awards has revealed the five-star Sun Aqua Vilu Reef will host its prestigious Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2017 on the July 8th. The event will take place on Meedhuffushi Island in the Maldives’ South Nilandhe Atoll, with hospitality leaders from across the region expected to be in attendance.

Dusit International expands into Bangladesh with Dhaka property

Dusit International is set to expand its global footprint with the opening of DusitPrincess Dhaka, the company’s first property in Bangladesh, under a long-term arrangement with a subsidiary of Lakeshore Hotels.

Pierre & Vacances welcomes Crvena Luka Hotel & Resort, Croatia, to portfolio

Continuing its international growth and offering a plethora of desirable destinations, Pierre & Vacances has introduced four stat premium residence Crvena Luka Hotel & Resort in Croatia to its portfolio.

New sales leadership for Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa in Johannesburg has revealed the appointment of Willie Williams as director of sales and marketing. Williams brings a wealth of experience gained from almost 20 years in the South African luxury hospitality industry focusing on sales, revenue management and marketing.

Voivenel steps up in Middle East for Swiss-Belhotel International

Global hospitality group Swiss-Belhotel International has named Laurent Voivenel as senior vice president, operations and development for the Middle East, Africa and India. This strategic announcement comes in time for Arabian Travel Market 2017 where Swiss-Belhotel International will have a strong presence.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Oakwood Olympic & Olive joins North America portfolio

Oakwood Worldwide has opened Oakwood Olympic & Olive, a stylish addition to its portfolio of more than 50 branded properties globally. Located at 1001 South Olive Street in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, this newly constructed property is also the ninth US corporate housing asset owned by Singapore-based Mapletree Investments, the parent company of Oakwood Worldwide.