Jenny Fajutag has joined TAJ Palace Hotel Dubai as Marketing and Public Relations Manager
A Filipino national, Jenny gained a BS in International Travel & Tourism Management from Philippines before moving to the UAE in 2006 to join Jumeirah.
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Samir Baidas has been named Chief Development Officer, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International
Baidas brings with him a wealth of expertise as a result of 10 years’ experience within Marriott International. Starting his operations career in 1991 Saudi Arabia, he then went on to establish the hospitality and real estate consultancy department at BDO Bahrain Jawad Habib before rejoining Marriott in 2004 as Vice President Development officer. Earlier in his career he also spent four years in the Arthur Andersen Middle East real estate and hospitality division where he conducted advisory assignments for potential investments in twelve countries.
Philip Bryson has been appointed as Senior Vice President, Middle East and North Africa at Marriott International
Bryson will have responsibility for the overall performance of Marriott International’s existing hotels and provide oversight for new build properties across the Middle East and North Africa. He will oversee the Area Vice President and Market Vice President positions and will be responsible for the development and implementation of regional strategies and initiatives, executing brand service strategies, and enhancing owner loyalty. Bryson has had a long and varied career with Marriott International, for over 20 years, spanning the United Kingdom, Africa, and Asia. His strong operations background and his emerging market experiences make him an ideal candidate for this role.
The Oberoi, Dubai Voted "Middle East's Leading Luxury City Hotel" at World Travel Awards 2014 and Also Voted "The Best New Business Hotel" by Business Traveller Middle East Awards
The Oberoi, Dubai, The Oberoi Group's first hotel in the UAE which opened in June 2013, has been named the at the Middle East's Leading Luxury City Hotel prestigious World Travel Awards and has also been voted Best New Business Hotel by readers of Business Traveller Middle East. The two awards follow the recent announcement that The Oberoi, Dubai was ranked number one hotel worldwide for service by ReviewPro.
Oussama Chalak has been promoted to Resident Manager at Grand Millennium Dubai Hotel
He has been with the hotel for over 6 years, previously held the position of Director of Rooms, and before that he was appointed Director of Revenue at Grand Millennium Dubai. A Lebanese national who hold a Business degree from Computer International College in Beirut, and Career Development Certificate in Hotel Revenue Management from Cornell University. Mr. Chalak is multilingual and well experienced in cultural diversities. He has been in the hotel industry for over 15 years, starting his career with Hilton Hotels, and relocating within the Gulf region between UAE, Kuwait and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with international names in the hospitality world.
HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings Enters Budget Segment with ECOS Hotels
Capitalizing on the soaring demand for quality budget accommodation in the GCC, HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings announced today at Arabian Travel Market its foray into budget segment with ECOS Hotels. Unveiling the expansion plans for the 'no frills' brand, Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO, HMH, said, "We are eager to penetrate the largely untapped market for mid-scale and economy hotels in the region with ECOS Hotels that ties together a unique economical and ecological concept. To start with we have three different projects under consideration in the UAE and the first of these will be developed in Dubai. ECOS will serve as the ideal address for savvy budget conscious business and leisure travellers looking for quality in terms of basics such as a good bed, shower and breakfast".
TBOHolidays joins eRevMax Channel Ecosystem for seamless connectivity
TBOHolidays, one of the leading B2B online booking sites in the Middle East, has initiated two-way XML integration with eRevMax for smooth distribution connectivity to its growing client base.
Hotel Performance in Dubai Remains Strong, According to 2014 JLL MENA Hotel Intelligence Report
JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group, has released its 2014 Hotel Intelligence Report today for the Dubai Market at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC). The positive trend in tourism is expected to continue in coming years due to Dubai’s increasing global popularity as a destination backed by the government’s pro-tourism initiatives. Dubai is expected to retain its status as the UAE’s primary tourist hub by expanding its conferencing and business facilities, expanding leisure entertainment options and maintaining its regional retail dominance.
Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga Celebrates Official Opening
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and wasl Hospitality, a subsidiary of wasl Asset anagement, today announced the opening of Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga, the first Hyatt Place hotel in the Middle East and the fourth Hyatt-branded hotel in Dubai.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership in the Middle East with 75% Portfolio Growth by 2017
From the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced it will open 35 hotels in the Middle East in the next three years, expanding its portfolio to over 80 hotels. Starwood will open seven new hotels in the Middle East this year, in both established and fast- growing markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq and Bahrain. With a current footprint of 46 hotels and more than 13,000 rooms, this diverse region is key to Starwood's global expansion strategy and continues to be one of the company's most rapidly growing markets.
Hospitality Leaders Say GCC Region a Bright Spot in the Global Economy During AHIC 2014
Hospitality leaders said today at The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC 2014), at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, that The Middle East region generally and the GCC in particular remains one of the brighter points in the global economy.
IFA Hotels & Resorts and Tijaria Launch USD$50million Vacation Club
International hotel and real estate developer IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) has joined forces with Kuwait-based Tijaria to launch their first-ever vacation club business. The announcement was made on the opening day of the 2014 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference. The USD$50million joint venture brings together two significant hospitality forces in the Middle East. IFA Hotels & Resorts' global holdings include properties ranging from the cutting-edge YOTEL brand to hotels and mixed-use developments operated by Fairmont, Mövenpick, Four Seasons and Sheraton. Tijaria's holdings include the stunning Hotel Missioni and Symphony Hotels in Kuwait.
Hossam Nabil has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
The Egyptian national brings more than 18 years of UAE hospitality experience to his new role, having held senior sales and marketing positions with groups such as IHG, Time Hotels, and Rotana Hotels. Nabil joins the hotel during the final stages of its expansion – the property has already delivered 225 new rooms, bringing the total to 341 guest rooms. The hotel has also completed a new swimming pool terrace with event space for up to 1000 guests, new F&B outlets, a spa, and a new ballroom
HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings To Have a Hotel in Every GCC Country by 2020
Rolling out its expansion strategy at the Arabian Travel Market, HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings announced today that the group will continue to expand its footprint in the GCC. Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO, HMH, said, "By 2020 our aim is to have a hotel in every GCC country while doubling our portfolio in Dubai and we certainly believe it is achievable. Dubai's successful bid for World Expo 2020 is a massive stimulant for the entire (GCC) region's hospitality and meetings industry accelerating economic growth and development. The GCC's hospitality market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.1 per cent to $28.3 billion by 2016 compared to $19.2 billion in 2011. The Expo will deliver global exposure for the UAE and its tourism sector, including its world-class infrastructure. Therefore, being based in Dubai, it presents an unprecedented opportunity for our group and our various brands that we are eager to capitalize on."
Auris Hotels Partners with eRevMax for a Superior Distribution and Visibility
Dubai based hotel chain, Auris Group has chosen Connect by eRevMax, a solution that will ensure real time two-way connectivity between the hotels and Online Travel Agencies, Metasearch Engines, Travel Agents and Corporate clients. Connect will effectively enable simultaneous bookings generated on all these channels directly to the individual hotels and update rates and rooms inventory automatically. This development comes at a time when the Auris Group is implementing a high level digital reputation and marketing strategy that will guarantee rate parity on all channels, market parity, digital visibility and availability. Connect will also reinforce visibility through multi-platform advertising on meta search engines which include Google Hotels, WeGo, Kayak, Trivago among others.
Burj Al Arab Unveils its Wedding in the Skies, 212 Metres Above the Arabian Gulf
Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel, is taking romance to new heights offering weddings in the sky, 212 metres above the azure Arabian Gulf on the famous Burj Al Arab helipad.
Bill Keffer has been promoted to General Manager at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
Bill Keffer has taken over the role of general manager at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, following the retirement of his predecessor Rupprecht Queitsch.
Langham Hospitality Group Enters The Middle East With The Langham Brand In Dubai
Langham Hospitality Group announced today an agreement with DAS Real Estate to manage The Langham resort in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Located on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah and scheduled to open in 2015, this 323-room resort marks double landmark "firsts" for the Hong Kong- based hotel company: it is the group's first foray into the Middle East and the first resort in its global collection. With the interiors designed by the Aedas Limited, The Langham, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai will showcase tasteful furnishings reflective of the brand's heritage as one of the premier grand hotels in Europe. With a prime waterfront location directly facing the Arabian Gulf and the impressive Dubai Marina skyline, all the rooms and suites will have expansive outdoor terraces and sea-front views that will take full advantage of the emirate's year-round sunny climes. Catering to couples and large families, the resort will have 53 well-appointed one- and two-bedroom suites that range from 63 to 236 square meters; 22 of them will feature individual plunge pools. Designed to become one of the city's social centres for dining, The Langham will offer guests a wide variety of innovative restaurants and bars, most of them with al fresco waterside dining. Headlining the culinary options will be Palm Court, an elegant lounge modeled after its namesake at The Langham, London - the first grand hotel to serve the traditional afternoon tea in 1865. Other dining experiences include a Japanese restaurant, a waterfront seafood outlet, a niche breakfast room, an Arabic and Italian fusion café, an all-day restaurant featuring international buffet and a la carte selections, a beach restaurant and a juice bar that offers light snacks and refreshments. The hotel will also feature a Club Lounge offering complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day and dedicated concierge service. Setting a new standard for leisure travellers, The Langham, Palm Jumeirah will feature one of the region's largest hotel recreation facility covering almost 4,000 square meters over two floors. For an unrivalled retreat of relaxation, the group's signature award-winning Chuan Spa will showcase a remarkable 26 treatment rooms as well as therapies based on the sound principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM.) The expansive fitness centre features a free form pool, exercise studio, and a full range of strength- and cardio-training equipment. Catering to family holiday makers is a 445- square meter Kids Club with a fun slide, play zone and themed party area. A distinctive feature of The Langham, Palm Jumeirah is the dedicated Travellers Lounge which will provide all the facilities and comforts for early arrival or late departure flyers. Designed as a sanctuary and an extension of the luxury resort experience, guests are welcome to take full advantage of the well-stocked library, entertainment selections, light dining service, business centre and shower/change rooms with the compliments of the resort. Adding to the mystique, The Langham signature pink roses will be specially grown at the resort with the assistance of a refrigerated irrigation system. Native palms, fruit trees and water features will provide an oasis of serenity for guests and local visitors. "We are very much looking forward to introducing The Langham's rich heritage and impeccable service values to Dubai," said Robert Warman, chief executive officer of Langham Hospitality Group. "The trifecta of this hotel's spectacular location on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's winning bid to host the World Expo in 2020, and The Langham's beautiful design aesthetics, make it the perfect time to debut our first resort in this dynamic destination."
Michael Kempf has been promoted to Executive Assistant Manager (EAM) at Amwaj Rotana - Jumeirah Beach Residence
Amwaj Rotana's Michael Kempf, previous Director of Front Office, has been promoted to become the hotels new Executive Assistant Manager. With formal qualifications in Hospitality Management from Germany, Michael brings with him more than 17 years of luxury hospitality experience from the UK, Europe and the UAE. A true Rotana ambassador, Michael credits his success to the mentors and peers he has worked with over the last 12 years, having been with Rotana Hotels since 2002.
HMH Partners with eRevMax to Improve Online Sales for its Hotel Portfolio
Hospitality Management Holdings has chosen to partner with eRevMax to boost online sales for its hotel portfolio. The group will be using RateTiger Suite, the industry leading channel manager, across its properties for live rate and inventory management.