The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are expected to welcome 195 million international tourists by 2030. Between 25 million and 50 million new jobs will be required in the region over the next decade. Over 20 Ministers and industry leaders will gather at the Ministerial Forum to discuss how tourism can play a role in the future of the MENA region.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has appointed Anas Shahin as revenue director to oversee the execution and continuous development of revenue management for the resort.
The Syrian native, Al Issa was previously the sous chef at Warwick Dubai, having worked with the hotel since 2014.
Rattan, who is the new director of sales at the hotel, completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management in 1999 and began his hospitality career with the Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Doha.
With over 10 years’ marketing experience, Sona Shah brings extensive marketing and communications knowledge to the property.
Louvre Hotels Group MENA has appointed Jean Claude El Hitti as the new general manager for the Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah, which opened in September 2016.
Sherif Madkour joins the 537-room Media Rotana in Barsha Heights, Dubai from Al Maha Arjaan Abu Dhabi where he was the hotel’s general manager for the last four years.
Alan Stocker has been appointed as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and joined the team on March 13, 2017.
Anupam Singh has been appointed as Assistant Director of Sales - MICE by Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. He brings strong experience to his new role having worked previously with Jumeirah, InterContinental and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. As a young and dynamic leader, Anupam is very passionate about his job. During his career, he had the opportunity to be associated in the organisation of a wide range of social, cultural and corporate events such as weddings, parties, exhibitions, meetings, seminars, workshops, etc – which gave him a strong knowledge of event planning and execution. Anupam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Tourism Management Catering Technology, Hygiene & Sanitation (1st Class) from National Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology in Goa, India.
STR's preliminary February 2017 data for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, indicates significant growth driven by rate increases. Based on daily data from February, Abu Dhabi reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Rixos Hotels has promoted Cenk Unverdi to the role of general manager of the five-star Rixos The Palm Dubai.
Al Bait Sharjah, the new luxury resort to be managed by General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM), is set to raise the bar for luxury hotel accommodation in the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) cultural city while adding interest and vibrance to the historic inner-city precinct in which it is situated, when it opens at the end of this year.
Building on the expertise of planning and producing the world's largest hospitality technology show, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), will host its inaugural HITEC Dubai from November 14–15, 2017 at the Conrad Dubai in Dubai, UAE – the center of the fast-developing markets of Asia and The Middle East. Produced in partnership with Naseba, HFTP's HITEC Dubai will serve as the association's third, and final, HITEC of 2017.
The management team of Park Rotana, Abu Dhabi is pleased to welcome the property’s new General Manager, Rabih Melhem.
Central Hotels has confirmed its participation in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place in Dubai from 24th to 27th April, 2017. Making the announcement, Mr Ahmad Ali Al Abdulla Alansaari, Chairman of Central Hotels, stated, "We are pleased to take part in ATM that is the region's leading travel fair and offers a fabulous platform to showcase our existing and upcoming hotels to both trade professionals as well as investors and developers. It also presents a unique opportunity to see the extensive developments taking shape world-wide in terms of hotels and related industries such as airlines, marketing and technology that are transforming our business."
Cristal Group has several projects lined up for opening that will be unveiled at Arabian Travel Market 2017 (ATM). Confirming the group's participation at the exhibition from 24th to 27th April, Mr Kamal Fakhoury, CEO of Cristal Group, stated, "ATM is the Middle East's premium travel and tourism show, and offers us the perfect platform to not only promote our existing properties but launch our upcoming projects. GCC and the Levant region remain the main focus of our expansion strategy where we have some fantastic hotels in development that will be launched during ATM. In addition, we also have some strategic new announcements to share with the local and international travel trade."
In an industry first, hotel asset management specialist TFG Asset Management has revealed the financial impact of high staff turnover on Dubai's booming hotel industry.
Dubai-based luxury hotel operator Jumeirah group has appointed a new general manager (GM) for its ultra-luxurious property, the Burj Al Arab, it announced on Wednesday. Margaret Paul, GM of Madinat Jumeirah, has been appointed to the role. She replaces Anthony McHale, who was made GM in 2014.
Chris Newman, Chief Operating Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: "Address Boulevard is another statement of our ambition to set new industry standards. It is uniquely positioned as a city lifestyle resort - which integrates all the romantic charm of a resort with the convenience, amenities and appeal of a city hotel."
General Managers Mahmoud Sakr and Sven Wiedenhaupt have switched roles – Sakr has been appointed as the General Manager, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Wiedenhaupt, has been appointed General Manager, Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Mahmoud Sakr will be responsible for developing and running the commercial and operational strategy, the management of 400 rooms and suites and 530 members of staff at Jumeirah Emirates Towers - a landmark property in the heart of Dubai’s business district. In addition, Mahmoud has also been appointed Area General Manager. With 30 years’ experience, he started his career with Jumeirah Group in 1999 as Director of Rooms at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Over the next eight years, he became Executive Assistant Manager – Rooms Division and Resident Manager before Hotel Manager. Sakr was appointed General Manager of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam in 2008. The Cairo-born hospitality professional moved to Jumeirah Emirates Towers from his role at Jumeirah Beach Hotel as General Manager on 1 March.