IN BRIEF

Deutsche Hospitality concludes 2022 expansion

In the past few months, Deutsche Hospitality has opened three new hotels in the Middle East, bringing its total operating portfolio to 26 properties. In addition, it has launched three Steigenberger Nile cruises from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. deutschehospitality.com

Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace reopens its doors

Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace reopened its doors on December 30, 2022, offering a unique taste of luxury in the heart of Beirut. Located in Sin El Fil, the hotel features 185 luxurious rooms, including 20 elegant suites, as well as an eclectic selection of food and beverage venues: Al Shindagah, an all-day dining restaurant; the Tea Garden, serving afternoon tea accompanied by live piano music; Candles Lounge, where guests can enjoy a selection of Scotch whiskies and cigars; and Venezia, boasting an authentic Italian dining experience.

The property also has nine meeting rooms, a grand ballroom — which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests — a fitness center, outdoor pool and tennis court. hilton.com

Marriott International and RDK Tourism Investment to bring four hotels to the UAE Marriott International Inc has signed a deal with RDK Tourism Investment LLC to open four properties in the UAE.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts is expected to open its first resort in Abu Dhabi with the Marriott Mirfa Resort. The 114-room resort is projected to be completed in 2025.

We sat with Jonathan Mills, CEO of Choice Hotels EMEA, to get the lowdown on Choice Hotels and his role in overseeing the company’s investments across the EMEA region.

Choice Hotels is one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world. What makes it unique?

What sets us apart from other hotel chains is that we are the only international hotel group focused exclusively on franchisees and their success. We do not have any managed or owned properties in the EMEA region; we are exclusively franchisee focused, and this drives our every decision. We empower our

We are the only global hotel company to enter the Middle East market through Saudi Arabia. Thanks to our master license agreement with Seera Hospitality, 10 hotels are slated to open within the next five years. By partnering with a strong hospitality group, we strive to increase Choice Hotels’ footprint in the region. We continue to look to develop similar partnerships in other countries in the Middle East and in Africa as part of our ambitious growth strategy. Aside from the Saudi market partnership, which countries are you interested in entering and what type of partnerships are you seeking? We are focused on being a preferred option for hoteliers across the Middle East who

On course to open by the end of 2023, Liwa Hotel, part of the group's Autograph Collection, is expected to offer an unmatched desert experience, with 66 rooms and suites.

Upon its scheduled opening in 2024, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, will offer 147 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Slated to open in 2023, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Barsha South, Dubai is expected to include 411 apartments, townhouses and penthouses. marriott.com may be looking for business support, with proven success rates, especially if they wish to continue to boost their business following large events or activities in their region. choicehotels.com

Enrol in Rotana Rewards Select and save 10% off room rates

Book a stay at any Rotana hotel or resort in the region and receive 10% off all public room rates with flexible cancellation, 10% off dining, as well as access to exclusive VIP amenities, late check-out and more.

Book now via rotanarewards.com or call our toll free numbers below:

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Or call our office at +971 (0) 2 811 9777

TWO NEW APPOINTMENTS: DUNCAN O’ROURKE CEO MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA AND ASIA PACIFIC FOR PREMIUM, MIDSCALE AND ECONOMY BRANDS

Duncan O’Rourke has been appointed CEO of Accor Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Asia-Pacific. He succeeds Mark Willis, who is Fairmont's new CEO.

With more than three decades of hospitality experience, O’Rourke has held several executive positions in Europe, the US and the Middle East. He served as general manager for Kempinski before being promoted to regional director, overseeing the operations of the properties in the Middle East. In 2008, he was appointed COO of Kempinski Hotels and member of the Management Board.

O’Rourke joined Accor in 2016 as COO Europe for the luxury and premium segment before taking over as COO Central Europe. He was responsible for more than 470 hotels and 13 brands within Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He was appointed CEO Northern Europe and member of Accor’s Executive Committee in October 2020.

Having spent 30 years at several leading hospitality companies, including IHG and Sun International, Mark Willis is the newly appointed CEO of Fairmont. He spent a large portion of his professional life with the Radisson Hotel Group, where he held a number of senior leadership positions, including senior VP for Africa and Turkey. It was in this role that Willis oversaw all brands within a portfolio of 85 hotels, with over 80 hotels in the development pipeline.

As CEO of Fairmont and member of Accor’s Luxury and Lifestyle Executive Committee, Willis brings with him a wealth of operational experience and knowledge of the market, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.

SWISSOTEL AL GHURAIR

APPOINTS AMAL EL ANSARI AS ITS NEW GM Swissotel Al Ghurair and Swissotel Living Al Ghurair has appointed Amal El Ansari as general manager to lead the 620-room property. El Ansari aims to deliver strong commercial growth while bringing to life Swissotel’s

RICHARD HADDAD BECOMES ISHRAQ

HOSPITALITY'S NEW CEO

Ishraq Hospitality has appointed Richard Haddad as its new CEO, with a focus on driving growth for its vast hotel portfolio and regional expansion.

Prior to joining Ishraq

Hospitality, Haddad was the CEO of Jannah Hotels and Resorts, where he achieved major milestones, including double-digit profit growth within his first year, opening a new branded hotel and finalizing the acquisition of new properties.

Over the course of his career in the Middle East, Haddad has held managerial positions across renowned hotel groups, including director of product development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

As CEO, Haddad will be responsible for driving the successful and profitable results of Ishraq Hospitality, overseeing daily operations for the eight-owned properties under IHG, including Holiday Inn Express (HIEX) hotels and Staybridge Suites, as well as Crowne Plaza Deira and Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah, with an exciting line-up of new hotel openings in the pipeline.

AHMED GALAL ISMAIL APPOINTED CEO OF MAJID AL FUTTAIM HOLDING

Ahmed Galal Ismail is the new CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding. He assumes the position from Alain Bejjani, who served in the role for eight years.

In his new role, Ismail will oversee Majid Al Futtaim’s malls, hotels, communities and project management operations. He previously served as CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Ventures and VP Strategy of Majid Al Futtaim – Holding.

Following a steady economic recovery in the retail and leisure sectors, Majid Al Futtaim reported revenue of AED 18 billion for H1 2022, an increase of 15 percent compared to H1 2021.

RAINER STAMPFER ANNOUNCED AS FOUR SEASONS' NEW PRESIDENT, GLOBAL OPERATIONS, HOTELS AND RESORTS

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, has announced a key appointment in its operations leadership team with the promotion of promise of “Life is a Journey. Live it Well.”

El Ansari, who is a Moroccan native, was raised in the business world. She brings a wealth of expertise to the table and offers a strategic vision for Accor’s flagship hotel.

Thanks to her business acumen and strong communication skills, El Ansari has successfully managed Pullman, Novotel, Ibis, Rotana and Sheraton brands. She is an advocate of innovation and strives to achieve the utmost in whichever position she holds, always keeping the company’s mission, values and strategy in mind.

Rainer Stampfer president, global operations, hotels and resorts.

In his new role, Stampfer joins Four Seasons Executive Leadership Team, overseeing a diverse and growing portfolio of hotels, resorts and private residences as the company continues to expand its global presence. Stampfer is focused on ensuring today’s luxury consumer – both travelers and locals alike – experience the highest levels of quality and personalized service that they have come to expect at every Four Seasons touchpoint. Stampfer succeeds Christian Clerc, whose career with the company spanned more than 20 years.