Thursday, March 29, 2018

Aerotel London to debut at London Heathrow next month

Plaza Premium Group will soon bring Aerotel, an international airport transit hotel brand, to the United Kingdom. Aerotel London is due to open its doors at Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 in April and is now available for online reservation.

Corinthia Hotels signs for new Bucharest, Romania, property

Corinthia Hotels is set to expand its five-star hotel portfolio with the opening of a new luxury property in Bucharest, Romania. Located in the heart of the capital, the former Grand Hotel du Boulevard will open its doors again on in December 2019, to coincide with Romania’s National Day.

Hotel Indigo – Durham welcomes first guests

Hotel Indigo - Durham has opened in the centre of the city, promising guests a stay which is truly immersed in the culture and heritage of the local area. Famous for its eponymous university, Durham is laden with historic pubs, listed buildings, cosy cafes and spellbinding churches, surrounded by rolling countryside and quiet villages.

Avani Hotel Suites & Branded Residences scheduled for 2020 opening in Dubai

Avani Hotels & Resorts has revealed a new addition to its growing pipeline with the signing of Avani Hotel Suites & Branded Residences, currently being developed in Dubai by Alfahim.

Oakwood Residence Saigon to debut next month

Oakwood Worldwide has revealed plans for a second property in Ho Chi Minh City, District 7. Set to be operational next month, Oakwood Residence Saigon, the first Oakwood serviced apartment developed by Mapletree in Vietnam is part of the Saigon South Place.

Haidar to lead Address Dubai Marina in Dubai

Emaar Hospitality Group has appointed Riad Abi Haidar as general manager of Address Dubai Marina, a popular urban waterfront destination set in one of the world’s largest waterfront developments. He is mandated with strengthening the strategic positioning of the hotel, delivering creative initiatives, and focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa set for November debut

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa will be opening on the island of Vagaru, Shaviyani Atoll, in November. The 61-villa property will be headed up by renowned general manager Marc Gussing and will bring fierce competition to the Maldives with highlights including a private pool with every villa, a treetop restaurant, an and expansive wine cellar.

X2 Chiang Mai Riverside brings luxury flourish to Thailand

Distinctively blending the old with the new, the 30-room X2 Chiang Mai Riverside stands out from its peers with a prime waterfront location, spacious, stylish accommodation, a stunning rooftop pool and constantly evolving menus of world-class, Michelin cuisine.

Avani Hotel Suites & Branded Residences scheduled for 2020 opening in Dubai

Avani Hotels & Resorts has revealed a new addition to its growing pipeline with the signing of Avani Hotel Suites & Branded Residences, currently being developed in Dubai by Alfahim.

Kenya unveils tourism promotion plans as AHIF heads to Nairobi

In six months’ time, Kenya will show itself off to the world with an unprecedented week of tourism promotion. During the first week of October, it will host the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, the highest-profile event of its type in Africa, attracting international investors from dozens of countries.

Hilton signs for Rabat property to open in 2022

Hilton will once again be welcoming guests to the Moroccan capital city of Rabat from 2022 after a landmark deal was signed with Wessal Capital.

Half Moon to unveil renovated property in November

Half Moon is investing $75 million to renew its legacy as the Caribbean’s most iconic resort, in celebration of its upcoming 65th anniversary. Enhancing the property and delivering transformative experiences for generations of discerning travellers, the rebirth of the Half Moon legacy will be realised in November 2018.

Kenya unveils tourism promotion plans as AHIF heads to Nairobi

In six months’ time, Kenya will show itself off to the world with an unprecedented week of tourism promotion. During the first week of October, it will host the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, the highest-profile event of its type in Africa, attracting international investors from dozens of countries.

Emaar welcomes Vida Za’abeel to Dubai hospitality portfolio

Emaar Hospitality Group has expanded the portfolio of hotel projects under its upscale lifestyle hotel and serviced residences brand, Vida Hotels & Resorts, with the new Vida Za’abeel. The property is set centrally in Zabeel, a mega-development by Emaar as a joint venture with Meraas.

Hingis appointed ambassador for Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

Martina Hingis began frequenting the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz during her time playing competitive tennis, and now, as an official ambassador, the former champion will be spending even more time at the property.

Uribe to lead Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina, Saudi Arabia

Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina has revealed the appointment of Juan Uribe to the role of general manager with immediate effect. A Swiss national, Uribe brings a wealth of more than 25 years of experience gathered in the hotel management and hospitality sectors to the role.

Kenya unveils tourism promotion plans as AHIF heads to Nairobi

In six months’ time, Kenya will show itself off to the world with an unprecedented week of tourism promotion. During the first week of October, it will host the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, the highest-profile event of its type in Africa, attracting international investors from dozens of countries.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

STR reports decade of growth in global hospitality

Everyday we hear of new hotel openings. But have you ever wondered how many hotels there actually are? On the tenth anniversary of the launch of its international expansion, STR has gone some way to answering the question.

Waltz becomes latest Mandarin Oriental ambassador

The campaign elegantly connects Mandarin Oriental’s well-recognised symbol, the fan, with international celebrities who regularly stay at the group’s hotels.

Rosewood Luang Prabang opens in Laos

Rosewood Luang Prabang opens today as an ultra-luxury escape within an idyllic hilltop forest in north central Laos, where guests are able to immerse themselves in the rich cultural history, spiritual heritage and diverse tropical landscape of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kempinski Hotel Muscat welcomes first guests to Oman

Kempinski Hotel Muscat has opened its doors to guests from around the world. As a key part of Kempinski’s Middle Eastern growth strategy, the hotel aims to blend the brand’s timeless European elegance with Omani traditions and hospitality.

Sandals sees growth in UK business following launch of new tour operator

Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ UK trade business has increased an impressive 20 per cent, just a year since the launch of in-house tour operator, Unique Caribbean Holidays.

Ayana Hotels to launch Phinisi cruise ship in Bali, Indonesia

Ayana Hotels launch the largest specially built Phinisi cruise ship, Ayana Lako di’a, in July. With a name meaning Safe Journey in Balinese language, the craft draws on ancient techniques passed down from generation to generation.

Gennadi Grand Resort to open in Rhodes, Greece, this spring

A new resort set on the coast overlooking the azure waters of the Aegean, Gennadi Grand Resort opens in May 2018 and will set a new standard for five-star hospitality in the Greek islands. Part of Lindos Hotel Group, this eco-friendly luxury resort redefines modern luxury, offering a true sense of locality and with an emphasis on bringing the outside in.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Number 38 Clifton offers new accommodations in Bristol

Almost seven years since opening as Bristol’s first boutique townhouse accommodation, Number 38 Clifton has reopened, almost 50 per cent bigger. This smart double-fronted Georgian merchant house overlooking Bristol’s iconic Downs now spills seamlessly into the next-door building.

Morad to lead Address Boulevard, Dubai

Emaar Hospitality Group has appointed Mehdi Morad as general manager of Address Boulevard, a city lifestyle resort in Downtown Dubai. Address Boulevard opened in 2017 under Emaar Hospitality Group’s Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium luxury hotel and serviced residences brand.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Four Seasons unveils plans for private island in Belize

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has announced plans for the development of Caye Chapel, a private island in Belize featuring magnificent oceanfront estates, private residences and overwater bungalows.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

ATM 2018: Hoteliers lead way in Middle Eastern hospitality

Hotels will comprise a fifth of the total show area at Arabian Travel Market 2018, the largest exhibition of regional and global hotel brands in the history of the event.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

ATM 2018: Hoteliers lead way in Middle Eastern hospitality

Hotels will comprise a fifth of the total show area at Arabian Travel Market 2018, the largest exhibition of regional and global hotel brands in the history of the event.

Marriott reports record European growth for 2017

Marriott International has reported its most successful year for signing development contracts in Europe, adding 35 hotels and signing 12,000 rooms in 2017. The company now operates or franchises more than 547 properties and over 110,000 rooms in 40 countries and territories in Europe, representing nine per cent of Marriott’s global room distribution, across 23 of the company’s 30 brands.

Banyan Tree reveals new accommodations as British Airways returns to Seychelles

Banyan Tree Seychelles, nestled in Intendance Bay, is launching upgraded villas and a number of new food and beverage offerings, including farm to fork dining and a Beatles inspired destination dining option, as well as a partnership with Takamaka Rum.

ATM 2018: Hoteliers lead way in Middle Eastern hospitality

Hotels will comprise a fifth of the total show area at Arabian Travel Market 2018, the largest exhibition of regional and global hotel brands in the history of the event.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Forte Village welcomes Acquaforte Private Spa for summer 2018

The Acquaforte Spa at Forte Village has long been renowned as a pioneer of thalassotherapy and the health benefits surrounding it. A circuit of six pools of varied salt densities – created with the help of the Thalasso Research Centre at Milan University – lies at the heart of the spa, set in lush gardens on the southern Sardinian coast.

Forte Village welcomes Acquaforte Private Spa for summer 2018

The Acquaforte Spa at Forte Village has long been renowned as a pioneer of thalassotherapy and the health benefits surrounding it. A circuit of six pools of varied salt densities – created with the help of the Thalasso Research Centre at Milan University – lies at the heart of the spa, set in lush gardens on the southern Sardinian coast.

Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel to open later this year

Avani Hotels & Resorts has revealed the third Avani location in Bangkok will be along the capital’s main commercial, business, and leisure artery of Sukhumvit, in its up and coming On Nut and Phra Khanong neighbourhoods. Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel is schedule to open end of 2018.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park prepares to debut new spa

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London will unveil a new contemporary spa, wellness and beauty facility in late May 2018, as part of its extensive renovation programme. Guests will benefit from several new and exclusive partnerships with some of the most sought-after health and wellness experts.

Monday, March 19, 2018

Rainer appointed chief executive at Sandals Resorts International

Sandals Resorts International has appointed industry veteran Gebhard Rainer as chief executive of the company, effective immediately. The move was announced earlier by Sandals chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

Rainer appointed chief executive at Sandals Resorts International

Sandals Resorts International has appointed industry veteran Gebhard Rainer as chief executive of the company, effective immediately. The move was announced earlier by Sandals chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

Chef Olvera set for Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, showcase

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo will present chef Enrique Olvera’s Mexican cuisine at a pop-up restaurant in the hotel from May 15th-18th.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

AHIC 2018: Modern leaders, forward-thinking investors and bold hoteliers to take centre-stage

The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2018 will provide unique insights into modern leadership, forward-thinking investment and new operating models via a stellar line-up of speakers confirmed for the annual gathering for the Middle East’s hospitality investment community.

AHIC 2018: Modern leaders, forward-thinking investors and bold hoteliers to take centre-stage

The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2018 will provide unique insights into modern leadership, forward-thinking investment and new operating models via a stellar line-up of speakers confirmed for the annual gathering for the Middle East’s hospitality investment community.

Friday, March 16, 2018

InterContinental Hotels Group takes controlling stake in Regent Hotels

InterContinental Hotels Group has announced it has agreed to acquire a 51 per cent stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts for $39 million in cash. IHG will have the right to acquire the remaining 49 per cent interest in a phased manner from 2026. 

Rainer appointed chief executive at Sandals Resorts International

Sandals Resorts International has appointed industry veteran Gebhard Rainer as chief executive of the company, effective immediately. The move was announced earlier by Sandals chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

Corinthia Hotels brings the sunshine to southern Europe

Booking a holiday? Then ensure the sun shines for the entire trip and head for the top two sunniest cities in Europe. According to a league table of southern European cities, Valletta, the capital of Malta, outshines all others when it comes to hours of sunshine.

New head of human resources for Centara as growth continues

Centara Hotels & Resorts has appointed Rujapa Hamnilrat to the role of vice president for human resources. Rujapa has over 20 years of experience in human resources in consulting, general administration and organisational development for leading companies such as Accenture, Kimberly-Clark, and Robert Bosch. 

Irwin takes up Kempinski leisure sales role in United States

Kempinski Hotels has announced the appointment of Pamela Irwin as the new director of leisure and entertainment sales in North America, West Coast.

Pearl Rotana Abu Dhabi welcomes first guests in Middle East

Rotana has announced the launch of the new Pearl Rotana Abu Dhabi. Located in the heart of the Capital Centre business district, the new hotel is only a few steps away from the National Exhibition Centre and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s international airport.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Corinthia Hotels brings the sunshine to southern Europe

Booking a holiday? Then ensure the sun shines for the entire trip and head for the top two sunniest cities in Europe. According to a league table of southern European cities, Valletta, the capital of Malta, outshines all others when it comes to hours of sunshine.

Reitmaier takes up EMEA business development role with Oakwood

Oakwood Worldwide has revealed the appointment of Andrew Reitmaier to the newly created role of director of business development in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Grand Hotel & Spa welcomes 100 new rooms as expansion comes to fruition

The Grand Hotel & Spa, York has today doubled in size with the official opening of 100 new luxury hotel rooms as part of its £15 million redevelopment.