Hotels

MOROCCO

KATARA HOSPITALITY AND ACCOR SIGN FAIRMONT TAZI PALACE TANGIER Accor, has opened the new Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier in the northern region of Morocco.

Opened in December 2022, the new luxury hotel marks the consolidation of the long-standing partnership between the two groups, with Katara Hospitality already owning several landmark hotels managed by Accor. The historical palace will feature 133 rooms and suites, a Fairmont Spa, multiple restaurants and bars, as well as modern conference and banqueting spaces. all.accor.com FAIRMONT LA MARINA RABAT SALÉ OPENS IN MOROCCO Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé has opened its doors at a prime location, nestled at the meeting point of the Bouregreg and the Atlantic Ocean in Morocco's capital,

Positioned near the Rabat-Salé international airport, the property features 186 rooms, including 27 suites and 88 elegant residences. Combining authentic Moroccan craftsmanship with modern design elements, each room pays homage to the various influences that have marked the kingdom over the centuries.

For dining, guests can choose from a selection of three restaurants, while a bar overlooking a green orangerie, reinterpreting the outdoor gardens of antique Moroccan dwellings, offers another option. fairmont.com

QATAR

DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT DEBUTS IN DOHA Delta Hotels by Marriott has announced its launch in Qatar with the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott City Center Doha.

The 32-story Delta Hotels City Center Doha features 320 rooms. Its culinary offerings boast curated menus and a diverse set of F&B outlets.

The project brings more than 850 square meters of event space, including nine multifunctional meeting rooms.

Recreational facilities include an outdoor pool, a 24/7 fitness center and a spa. delta-hotels.marriott.com

QATAR

STEIGENBERGER RESIDENCE DOHA OPENS ITS DOORS IN QATAR IN Q3 Steigenberger Residence, Doha’s expansive new residential property, is conveniently located in Doha’s commercial district. The residence boasts 278 furnished, serviced residences, with refined, contemporary designs that range from one to three bedrooms.

Steigenberger Residence Doha guests will gain access to an array of F&B outlets, featuring an extensive range of cuisines and cultures from around the globe.

Steigenberger Residence Doha’s facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, an expansive indoor gym and the renowned GOCO Spa, where guests can enjoy authentic treatments and spa rituals. Steigenberger.com

KSA

BANYAN TREE ALULA DEBUTS IN SAUDI ARABIA Banyan Tree Al Ula opened its doors to guests in October 2022, marking the brand's debut in Saudi Arabia.

Inspired by the nomadic nature of Nabataean architecture, the all-villa, tented resort epitomises Banyan Tree’s commitment to local influence. banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula RADISSON HOTEL GROUP OPENS ITS FIRST RESORT IN DUBAI Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah, the group’s first beach resort, opened its doors in October its doors in Dubai’s trendy West Beach. Featuring 315 king rooms, 74 twin rooms, multiple swimming pools, a spa and three hybrid meeting rooms, the property has been designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, granting guests ocean views over the Arabian Gulf, the Dubai Marina skyline and harbor, as well as the Ain Dubai. radissonhotels.com

UAE

MOROCCO

MOROCCO'S FIRST WALDORF ASTORIA SET TO DEBUT IN TANGIER Waldorf Astoria Tanger will feature 115 contemporarystyle guest rooms and suites, including 21 villas with private pools and a 1,250-squaremeter Royal Villa. In addition, the resort’s 3,000-squaremeter luxury spa is anticipated to be the largest holistic wellness destination in the country. Opening: Expected to open in 2025 hilton.com

KSA

IHG TO OPEN SECOND HOTEL INDIGO JEDDAH IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Saudi Investment Group and Marketing Co (SIGMAC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ghazzawi Group, for its second Hotel Indigo in Jeddah.

Hotel Indigo Jeddah will comprise 267 hotel rooms and 173 serviced apartments.

It will feature a café, a lobby lounge, a health club and a swimming pool. Additionally, guests traveling for business will have access to meeting rooms and numerous facilities. Opening: Set to open in Q1 2028 ihg.com

UAE

MINOR HOTELS ANNOUNCES NH COLLECTION PROPERTY ON DUBAI’S SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD NH Collection La Suite Hotel Dubai will be part of the 46-story mixed-use Sidra Tower development on the city’s Sheikh Zayed Road. The 265-key hotel is set to offer a wide range of accommodation options. Opening: Scheduled to open later in 2023 minor.com MARRIOTT TO ADD OVER 20 PROPERTIES TO GULF COUNTRIES' INVENTORY BY THE END OF 2023 Marriott International announced plans to expand its Middle East footprint, with the expected addition of over 20 properties and more than 5,000 rooms across the Gulf countries over the next 15 months.

With significant demand for luxury offerings in Saudi Arabia, Marriott International expects to enhance its portfolio with six additional luxury properties in the kingdom by the end of 2023.

The anticipated openings include St. Regis and EDITION hotel brands, as well as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, with the opening of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Red Sea Project. Additionally, the company is responding to strong demand in the country for select service accommodation, with a new Four Points by Sheraton in Riyadh and Courtyard by Marriott in Jubail expected to open in 2023.

Marriott International plans to nearly double its presence in Qatar, with 10 new hotels planned over the next 15 months, the company also expects to open its second St. Regis hotel in Qatar later this year, The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl.

Marriott International continues to find opportunities in the UAE to further expand its portfolio of more than 70 properties. Other notable additions include the debut of the St. Regis and Marriott Executive Apartments brands in Kuwait and the introduction of Aloft Hotels in Oman. marriott.com

IHG SIGNS INTERCONTINENTAL AL KHOBAR DANA BAY IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Dana Bay Tourism Company to open InterContinental Al Khobar Dana Bay and expand its luxury footprint in the kingdom.

InterContinental Al Khobar Dana Bay features 133 luxuriously designed rooms, 90 intercontinental residences, 36 villas, four dining options, an indoor and outdoor pool, a health club and a spa. The hotel will also offer a business center and four meeting rooms, catering to the needs of both business and leisure guests. Opening: Scheduled to open in December 2024 ihg.com

UAE

DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY FOR I8 HOTELS MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST HYBRID CO-LIVING HOTEL IN DUBAI Arbah Capital and Strategic Housing Group (SHG) have announced the launch of the development phase of the innovative i8 Hotels at DIC The property will be the first in a USD 500 million portfolio between the two parties.

Strategically located in the heart of Dubai Internet City (DIC), the 256-room property is set to feature eateries, common kitchen lounges and laundry facilities. Guests and residents will also benefit from versatile co-working, social and entertainment spaces, as well as interactive fitness amenities, a mini-mart and much more. Opening: Scheduled to be delivered in 2024 arbahcapital.com

RADISSON HOTEL GROUP SOLIDIFIES ITS PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST Radisson Hotel Group is expanding in the region, with a growing portfolio of 77 hotels in operation and under development across the Middle East.

In Jordan, Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall earlier this year, the hotel is slated to open by the summer of 2023.

In Kuwait, the group has signed the 250-key Park Inn by Radisson Kuwait Hotel & Apartments. Opening: Scheduled to open in 2023 radissonhotelgroup.com

MAHER ABOU NASR ON KSA'S NEW ERA OF TRAVEL

LAURE MORVAN, CDO OF ACCOR, DIVES INTO THE LATEST DESTINATION TRENDS

In an interview for Hospitality News ME, Hodema consulting services sat down with Maher Abou Nasr, vice president of operations, IHG Hotels & Resorts in KSA, for the latest lowdown on Saudi Arabia’s hotel industry and IHG’s position in the KSA market.

How would you describe the hotel industry in KSA?

The outlook for the hospitality industry is promising. The country is witnessing a new era of travel as it undergoes a historic period of growth and transformation. Investment in tourism has had a positive impact on the growth of the hospitality sector, with new accommodation options and destination experiences. Moreover, in the mid to long-term, we believe that the hospitality industry will be an extremely important sector in the kingdom, fuelled by increasing demand from both business and leisure travelers, and the return of religious tourism such as Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages now that the pandemic has subsided.

How are the new projects/initiatives in KSA affecting the hotel industry?

Numerous government initiatives are having a significant positive impact by supporting the hotel industry’s growth in Saudi Arabia. Vision 2030 and subsequent projects have boosted the hotel industry’s confidence. The kingdom boasts myriad tourist attractions and diverse natural assets, which have rare

in opportunities being brought to Accor, which we are discussing and looking forward to signing in the coming months. Saudi Arabia, with its giga projects and new destinations, such as AlUla, is also proving to be an active market for us. We are seeing an increase in demand for luxury resorts in projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea, as well as city properties which offer extended-stay options in all brand segments, such as the recently signed Novotel Living Riyadh. Dubai is a ripe market as we know. However, it is still very much an open market for new brands entering the region. 25Hours and SLS are two properties we recently opened there. Moreover, we are seeing a greater number of conversion projects, where existing properties wish to change the management brand and independent hotels seek to join an international brand and distribution network. and historic heritage value. Additionally, the leadership has initiated a number of entertainment events such as seasonal festivals and competitive sports leagues. They have also invested in giga projects. In addition, the government is facilitating arrivals in the country with airport and infrastructure upgrades, new airline routes and the introduction of a new tourism visa.

Are you able to tell us about any future projects for IHG in KSA?

As KSA is a priority market for IHG in the Middle East, we aim to grow the footprint of our existing brands, as well as to introduce new brands from our global portfolio in the country. We are exploring opportunities within these developments for multiple projects across our luxury brands such as Regent, Six Senses, InterContinental and Kimpton, as well as our brands in the mainstream category to cater to a wider group of travelers. ihg.com

Laure Morvan, chief development officer for Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, has always been fascinated by the tourism industry. Here, she shares her market insights and expands on Accor’s role in the evolution of hospitality.

How would you describe the hospitality industry in the MENA region and which markets do you regard as most lucrative?

Egypt is currently seeing positive demand for projects, whether business properties based in Cairo New Administrative Capital — where we recently signed a Sofitel Cairo New Capital Hotel & Residences — or resorts located on coastal destinations. There is definitely an increase What are the latest hotel trends and how is Accor keeping its brand relevant?

Lifestyle is definitely one of the shining stars among the latest hotel trends. Branded residences are also trending. Furthermore, all-inclusive accommodations are growing in the region. Experiential stays that focus on nature and wellness, yet can be personalized, which we offer through Mantis and Banyan Tree, are becoming more popular. What are Accor’s latest projects?

We just opened Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, which is our second Rixos property in the Emirates’ capital. In Saudi Arabia, we recently signed a management agreement to open the first Novotel Living in Riyadh, and we are soon to open the Swissotel Living in Jeddah. Banyan Tree AlUla, which opened in October, is the first outpost for the brand in Saudi Arabia.

The project is an all-villa resort, offering 79 luxurious tented villas in one of the world’s most mysterious and exciting new destinations.

Our third and fourth Fairmont properties in Morocco have also just opened: Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier and Fairmont Rabat Sale Marina.

Finally, Fairmont Doha and Raffles Doha in the iconic Katara Towers are now also open, currently hosting FIFA delegates and VIP guests. all.accor.com

TOBIAS AMMON APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF RADISSON HOTEL & APARTMENTS DAMMAM INDUSTRIAL CITY Radisson Hotel & Apartments Dammam Industrial City has appointed Tobias Ammon as its new general manager. The hotel, located in the heart of the business district, is the only international four-star hotel in Dammam Second Industrial City, KSA.

A graduate of Cornell University, Ammon completed the Radisson Hotel Group Mentee program —designed to identify and develop high-potential talents into general managers.

Prior to his new post, Ammon was the general manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bosporus. He also spent two years in the Middle East as cluster general manager for Radisson Blu Muscat & Sohar, Oman. DOMINIC AREL MADE GM FOR SWISSÔTEL’S FIRST DUBAI PROPERTY Joining from Al Wadi MGallery Doha, within the Accor portfolio, Dominic Arel will lead the strategic direction and operations of the Swissôtel Al Ghurair complex. An experienced hotelier, he has a proven track record of leading international luxury hotels in the GCC, Europe and the Americas. Arel started his career with Accor in 1996, working in the front office operation and revenue department at Novotel Montréal. Swissôtel Al Ghurair and Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair opened its doors in February 2018 to become the first-ever Swissôtel in UAE. It features 620 luxurious rooms, suites and apartments, three food and beverage outlets and a spa. KATERINA GIANNOUKA IS NAMED JUMEIRAH GROUP’S NEW CEO Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company that’s present in over 13 countries, has appointed Katerina Giannouka as the new CEO of Jumeirah Group. She will take up her role from December 2022.

A seasoned hospitality professional, Giannouka joins Jumeirah Group with 20 years of experience in business leadership, operations, hotel development, asset management and strategic advisory.

She previously held the position of president of Asia-Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group, where she led the execution of a comprehensive five-year strategic and operating plan, delivering unprecedented growth by nearly doubling the size of the hotel portfolio. Prior to this, she led the Asia-Pacific and China development teams of ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, where she played an influential role in supporting new brand development, corporate decision-making and strategic planning.

JAN HANÁK IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RADISSON HOTEL GROUP IN UAE, BAHRAIN OMAN AND QATAR Radisson Hotel Group has appointed Jan Hanák as managing director for UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. He will be based at the group’s area support office in Dubai.

Hanák, a Czech national, has been with Radisson Hotel Group for more than 24 years. He began his career in hospitality in 1988 at the Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel Prague, where he was employed as a porter. He then held various positions in front office and revenue management in Prague and London, before joining the Radisson SAS Belfast as general manager. His most recent role was general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, the oldest five-star hotel in Dubai. SAURAV PURI RETURNS TO THE RITZCARLTON, DUBAI AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS In what marks a return to The RitzCarlton, Dubai, Saurav Puri has been appointed the new director of operations at the luxury propert.

Prior to his appointment, Puri was entrusted with the role of director of revenue strategy at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, enabling him to gain in-depth knowledge of operations there. In addition, he has also worked with other Ritz-Carlton brands in various locations during his career.

With core skills in driving results, leadership and relationship management, Puri takes pride in coaching and inspiring team members, and as director of operations, he aims to continue to attract future talent to develop careers with the legendary, first Ritz-Carlton in the Middle East. NAIF ZUREIKAT APPOINTED REGIONAL GM FOR JORDAN AND LEBANON AT IHG HOTELS & RESORTS Naif Zureikat will be leading operations across eight IHG hotels in Jordan and Lebanon.

Recognized for his business acumen, peopleoriented management style and attention to detail, Zureikat began his hospitality journey in 1980 as a GM and eventually moved into executive and area positions.

As a hospitality veteran, Zureikat brings with him over 30 years of experience. In his new role, he will oversee operations at: Crowne Plaza Resort Jordan Dead Sea; Crowne Plaza Amman; Holiday Inn Resort Jordan Dead Sea; Crowne Plaza Petra (reopening); InterContinental Resort Aqaba; InterContinental Mzaar Mountain Resort and Spa; Crowne Plaza Beirut; and Staybridge Suites Beirut.