Reflecting the circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic, STR's preliminary March data for Abu Dhabi shows significant year-over-year declines in the three key performance metrics. Compared with March 2019 data:
Expo 2020 Dubai, slated to begin in October this year, is likely to be delayed by one year due to the coronavirus situation.
Leading the property is James Berry as cluster general manager. Bringing more than two decades of experience, Berry was previously GM at Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel after spending two years as GM at Sofitel London Gatwick Hotel. Berry has also previously worked with Radisson Hotel Group as GM of Park Inn Peterborough, during which, he also oversaw the opening of the Park Inn Rotherham, and at Park Inn Thurrock. Most recently he was the GM of Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City.
Roni Masri has been named as the cluster HR director. Having been with Radisson Hotel Group for seven years, Masri will be tasked with leading all HR operations, along with talent development and strategies, administration, compliance and management.
Leading sales is Amjad Mohammad as cluster sales director. With sales experience lasting close to two decades, Mohammad has worked across Oman and the UAE with a number of established hotel groups. He has worked with Marriott, Accor, IHG and Radisson in similar roles, in his new position he will oversee the hotel's strategy across key market segments.
British national Tim Reynolds has been made cluster hotel manager. He will be responsible for the hotel's operation, working with relevant departments to drive revenues, guest satisfaction and employee engagement.
Cluster financial controller, Lola Toplica brings more than 25 years' experience in financial and management accounting to the team and will aid in moving the property forward with the right strategic direction.
Caroline Jonsson has been made cluster head of PR and marketing, tasked with overseeing all PR and marketing projects and campaigns.
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of the Radisson Resort Dubai Palm Jumeirah, its first beach resort in Dubai and third Radisson hotel in the United Arab Emirates, bringing its UAE portfolio to 23 hotels in operation and under development.
Moerth brings with him 30 years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and in luxury hotels around the world.
Aanou has been with the property since 2017 as an executive housekeeper in the pre-opening phase. Now elevated to her new position, she will oversee the daily operational tasks of the hotel, while ensuring all employees are in a healthy work environment. A hospitality veteran, she brings to her role knowledge of current travel trends, global events and climate change awareness.
STR's preliminary data for Dubai shows hotel performance declines worsening as concern around the COVID-19 pandemic broadens. February preliminary data:
Ishan comes on board with over 10 years of revenue management and distribution experience, he has worked in highly demanding and performance driven properties, within global hospitality brands. As a data-driven professional, he sees his role as paramount in streamlining distribution channels, optimizing revenue streams, and in aligning the property's long term strategy in the rapidly changing hospitality landscape of Dubai.
According to Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights Hotel & Residences, Ghada will oversee the strategic sales operations of the 463-room hotel tower and the 405-apartment residences tower. In her role, she will drive the commercial strategy, with a strong focus on growing International MICE and corporate business. Her mandate also includes identifying new market segments, as well as increasing ADR and market share. Sustainability and green business will also be high on her agenda, as operating responsibly, environmental stewardship and achieving the corporate sustainability vision are a priority.
Dubai: Emaar Hospitality said it will stop bookings at some of its hotels between March 15 and August 31 amidst a general slowdown in the travel industry due to the coronavirus spread.
In her role, Hassan will lead the HR department, while supporting the group's current expansion plans in the region. A graduate of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai Women's College, Hassan brings 25 years of experience to her position. Prior to her job with Millennium, she was HR director at Union Properties, Uptown Mirdiff, prior being promoted to GM. She also has senior experience across General Electric, Damac Holdings, HSBC and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
Millennium Hotels & Resorts has appointed Samy Boukhaled as its VP of operations in the UAE.
WitWork, a community that transforms cafés, restaurants, and hotels into coworking spaces, has added the Rotana group of hotels to its portfolio. This strategic partnership will introduce several new coworking options to WitWork expansive list of prime venues.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is pleased to announce Wesam Khouran as General Manager at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. In his new role, Wesam will oversee and drive the successful performance of the hotel in accordance with company standards, mission statement, vision, and values.Wesam brings a wealth of over 18 years' experience within the hospitality industry, with predominant expertise in F&B. Throughout his career, Wesam took part in 4 hotels opening in the Middle E ast with international well-established brands such as Four Seasons, Kempinski, Intercontinental and also Accor.Wesam's new role as General Manager comes as a promotion from his most recent position as Director of Operations at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. Here, he was responsible for pursuing outstanding quality of operations and high performance of the hotel. Alongside his experience with Sofitel, Wesam has over 7 years' experience with Pullman. His journey started when he joined the pre-opening team of Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates as Food & Beverage Manager. He then continued to grow his career when he was promoted to Food & Beverage Director at Pullman Deira City Center. Wesam then extended his scope at Pullman Deira City Center Residences where he was Residence Manager and Food & Beverage Director.In 2017, Wesam successfully completed the International Hospitality Management Program (IHMP) from ESSEC Business School Paris, the Accor's Glo bal fast-track Leadership Development Program for aspiring General Managers.
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group®) adds a new neighbourhood to its boutique and lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo, the brand's first ever hotel in the Middle East. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa.