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.
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.
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
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."
Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces its debut in Ajman with the opening of Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this opening, Starwood expands its footprint in the UAE where it now operates 23 hotels and resorts, including three under The Luxury Collection brand.
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.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces its debut in Ajman with the opening of Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this opening, Starwood expands its footprint in the UAE where it now operates 23 hotels and resorts, including three under The Luxury Collection brand.
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 taken over the role of general manager at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, following the retirement of his predecessor Rupprecht Queitsch.
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."
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.
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.
Dubai, UAE 9 April 2014: The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC 2014) will be presenting the Leadership Award this year to HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), in recognition of his vibrant role in developing the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia.
Hilton, Waldorf Astoria and Shangri-La are all making major investments in previously sleepy outposts such as Ras al Khamiah as well as hot new locations like Saadiyat Island, both in the UAE. But one local company has a head start on the big global players coming late to the game. Rotana Hotels is an Abu Dhabi-based chain that has been growing at an aggressive rate since it was founded by business partners Nasser Al Nowais and Selim El Zyr in 1993.
Investment Corp of Dubai (ICD), the emirate's sovereign wealth fund, has bought a stake in global hotel management firm Kerzner International KZL.UL from investors including the family of South African casino tycoon Sol Kerzner. The deal gives Dubai, which depends heavily on its booming tourism industry, control of a second major luxury hotel firm. The first firm, Jumeirah Group, is owned by Dubai's ruler. Kerzner International, originally founded by Sol Kerzner, manages the Atlantis and One & Only resort chains. Locations of it resorts range from South Africa to Mexico, but the firm has increasingly focused on Dubai in recent years. Istithmar World, a unit of state-owned conglomerate Dubai World DBWLD.UL, already owns 25 percent of Kerzner International. Shaibani will now take over as chairman of the company from Sol Kerzner.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, part of the Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, is pleased to announce Yui Tung Cheung has been appointed as the new Director of Revenue.
Action Hotels plc and Whitbread plc announced today a partnership to develop Premier Inn Hotels across the Middle East. Premier Inn will undertake long-term management contracts on four new Premier Inn hotels owned by Action Hotels, to open between now and 2016. The hotels include a 166 bedroom Premier Inn Sharjah King Faisal Road (opening late 2014), a 100 bedroom Premier Inn Jeddah in the Modon Industrial area (opening 2015), a 119 bedroom Premier Inn in Bahrain's Diplomatic area (opening 2015)and a 245 bedroom Premier Inn Dubai Healthcare City (opening 2016).
Freiwan, a Jordan national has a wealth of experience with more than 16 years in the hotel industry. He worked in various positions for different properties within the Rezidor Hotel Group in Jordan, Muscat, Iran, Dubai, Lebanon and held the same position at Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah in 2012. Later he moved to Kuwait to take up the position of rooms division manager at Missoni Hotel, Kuwait. In his current role, Freiwan will be in charge of overseeing the Front Office, Housekeeping and ensuring smooth running of the day-to-day operations of these departments at the hotel. Owing to his outgoing personality, he easily blends with the environment and contributes in shaping the Radisson Blu brand service attitude of 'Yes, I Can' with friendly, helping hand.
Hotels in Dubai enjoy some of the highest occupancy rates in the world. Tourists flock from around the region and afar to bask in the emirate’s winter sun, lie on its beaches and attend its glitzy events.
Valerie joined Jumeirah last year as Director of Sales for Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and brought with her wealth of experience from working in various international hotel chains around the world such as JW Marriott Dubai and Hyatt Regency Queensland. Valerie has proven to be an integral part of the team since she joined Jumeirah Beach Hotel in 2013.