Category: Industry News

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details.

• Six Senses Southern Dunes opens in Saudi Arabia
• ATM 2024 – Exploring a $1 trillion Tourism horizon
• Motel 6 predicts U.S. Travelers’ increased holiday plans
• Abu Dhabi welcomes 2023-2024 cruise season
• Gangtok savours the introduction of ginger

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today.

Enjoy the read!

Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea officially opens in Saudi Arabia

The resort, designed by British architectural firm Foster + Partners, features 36 guest rooms and 40 pool villas with dunes and wadi views. The design intricacies, made using locally sourced materials, echo the vivid colours and patterns of traditional Bedouin attire to give guests a true sense of place.

https://shorturl.at/bnrwJ

ATM 2024 to explore travel and tourism with a $1 trillion market projection

Arabian Travel Market 2024 will continue to go beyond leisure, highlighting how business, luxury and MICE travel are impacting destinations, hotels and airlines. Revenue in the global travel and tourism market is projected to reach $854.7 billion this year, according to research conducted by Statista. The sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.42 per cent during 2023-27, passing the trillion-dollar mark within the next four years.

https://shorturl.at/krzD1

Motel 6 anticipates increased travel as U.S. Travelers plan holidays

Motel 6 found that U.S. travelers celebrating a winter holiday are planning to participate in an average of 10 or more gatherings this year. In its sixth annual holiday travel survey, Motel 6 heard from over 2,000 respondents who celebrate a winter holiday and found that their festivities are expected to lead to an increase in travel. This holiday season, 85 percent say the joy of spending time with friends and family outweighs travel challenges.

https://shorturl.at/jwIK3

The first cruise liner of the 2023-2024 season receives a warm welcome in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal encounters slate to have 126 calls. Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach will have 63 calls -the cruise season promises significant growth. AD Ports Group announces the official start of the 2023-2024 cruise season with the arrival of Crystal Symphony. It will dock at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port. Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal is poised to receive over 7,000 visitors during Formula 1 Abu Dhabi, providing them world-class hospitality. It aligns with the group’s commitment to bolster Abu Dhabi’s event calendar.

https://shorturl.at/JRW06

Gangtok experiences the flavor of ginger

The 89-room hotel is strategically situated on Indra Bypass, just a short drive from the traditional business district and with easy access to major tourist attractions. The well-appointed rooms offer panoramic valley views. Ginger Gangtok features Qmin, the signature all-day diner offering global and local favourites, an inviting bar, a flexible meeting room and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. It serves as the perfect place for both business and leisure travelers.

https://www.hotelierindia.com/operations/gangtok-welcomes-ginger

That’s all folks!       

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Saudi Arabia investing $800bn in tourism by 2030 
• Sofitel Dubai The Palm enhances luxury with a signature collection 
• Dubai Hospitality success, NEOM news, and Ajman tourism initiatives 
• Sri Lanka welcomes Indian tourists with visa-free travel 
• UAE hotel revenue surges 24% to $7 billion in 7 months 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Saudi Arabia investing $800bn in tourism, targets 100m tourists by 2030 

Saudi Arabia is investing $800bn in tourism and looking to attract 100m local and international tourists by 2030, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb. He stressed that the Kingdom is the fastest growing among the Group of Twenty (G20) countries in the tourism sector, as the number of tourists has reached more than 30m. 

https://shorturl.at/dnW16

Sofitel Dubai The Palm introduces a signature collection for elevated luxury 

Sofitel Dubai The Palm, the epitome of contemporary French elegance on Dubai’s renowned Palm Jumeirah, proudly unveils its luxury Signature Collection of bespoke suites and villas. This boutique hotel experience promises exceptional stays, seamlessly merging the French Riviera charm with the allure of Dubai. Sofitel Dubai The Palm’s pivotal expansion marks a significant milestone in the resort’s unwavering commitment to world-class sophistication, propelling it into unparalleled luxury hospitality. 

https://shorturl.at/BKMRS

Dubai Hospitality soars, NEOM project unveiled, Ajman tourism innovates 

The first expert panellists for our next Hospitality 3.0 conference can now be revealed. During the event, expert panellists will discuss topics such as tackling food and water waste, maintaining profits and quality while costs rise, the appetite for fine dining and making Abu Dhabi a year-round tourism success story.  

https://shorturl.at/tBDO5

Sri Lanka welcomes Indian tourists with visa-free travel 

Sri Lanka has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists under a pilot project that has begun with immediate effect until March 21, 2024. The Sri Lankan cabinet proposed an e-ticketing system for most of the tourist sites in the country soon. Apart from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand are also added to the list of countries in the pilot project, according to the announcement made by Sri Lanka’s foreign affairs minister.  

https://shorturl.at/brE58

UAE hotel revenue surges 24% to $7 billion in 7 months 

Hotels in the United Arab Emirates have seen a substantial 24 percent increase in revenues, totalling US$$7.08 billion, in the first seven months of 2023. This surge was revealed by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Head of the Emirates Tourism Council, during a council meeting. During this seven-month period, the country hosted 16 million guests, marking a growth of more than 15 percent compared to the previous year. 

https://shorturl.at/jmvM2

That’s all folks!       

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Minor Hotels upgrades to Oracle Cloud to boost guest service 
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel to host football camp in October 
• Hotelbeds launches new group brand, HBX Group 
• Exploring Leyja: NEOM’s sustainable tourism oasis 
• Novotel Pune unveils its ‘Novolution’ rooms 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Minor Hotels boosts guest service with Oracle OPERA 

Minor Hotels upgraded 100 of its properties to Oracle OPERA Hospitality Cloud. By moving to the cloud, the hotel owner, manager, and operator will be able to unify guest profiles across its global properties. This will help Minor Hotels understand its guests’ preferences so it can engage and serve. The roll-out of OPERA Cloud Property Management (PMS) is starting with Minor Hotels’ flagship, the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Thailand. 

https://shorturl.at/djmJT

Jumeirah Beach Hotel to host football camp with Premier League legends 

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the ultimate relaxed luxury family beach resort, has announced the return of the popular children’s camp, Football Escapes. The camp will run for two weeks this October and can be combined with a family staycation package which welcomes children to stay for free, promising savings this half-term break. A team of UEFA-licensed coaches from renowned English Premier League clubs supports the camp. 

https://shorturl.at/aDIKQ

HBX Group: Hotelbeds’ new group brand 

Hotelbeds has recently introduced HBX Group, its new group brand, to administer the B2B TravelTech company to its next growth and progress phase. HBX Group will go to market with an assemblage of first-rate B2B solutions, each with a clear proposal and target market that meets rising needs and DS and a varied client base in over 190 global markets. CEO Nicolas Huss said that as they carry on their alteration as a leading TravelTech company in the world, HBX Group streamlines their structure into four different brands under their new umbrella. 

https://shorturl.at/juwD1

Leyja: A new era of sustainable tourism in Saudi Arabia 

Saudi gigaproject NEOM has unveiled its latest development, Leyja, a sustainable tourism destination. Stretching from the Gulf of Aqaba to the west, the Leyja Valley will nestle between 400m-high mountains. In line with NEOM’s mission to designate the majority of its land as nature reserves, Leyja will preserve 95 percent of its land, integrating ecological design and construction techniques with the natural landscape. 

https://shorturl.at/oBWY1

Novotel Pune unveils its ‘Novolution’ rooms 

Novotel Pune celebrates its 10th anniversary with an exciting addition to its offering: the ‘Novolution’ Premier Rooms. Breaking the mould of conventional design thinking in the hospitality industry, Novotel Pune, under Accor India, has embarked on a journey to redefine the guest experience. The deluxe rooms, starting at approximately 290 sq. ft., are ideal for young bleisure travellers, exuding a youthful and trendy ambience that makes them a timeless choice for repeated stays. 

https://shorturl.at/FP056

That’s all folks!       

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details.

• NEOM’s Trojena to host Saudi Arabia’s first W hotel
• Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou, opens its doors
• Atlantis The Royal: Dubai #44 in World’s Best 50 Hotels 2023
• $1B private investment in Reno’s Grand Sierra Resort
• Nagaland’s First Five-Star Hotel Coming Soon

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today.

Enjoy the read!

Gigaproject Neom to welcome Saudi Arabia’s first W Hotel

Trojena will have the first W hotel in Saudi Arabia and a JW Marriott property.  Marriott International has signed an agreement with NEOM to open two luxury properties in Trojena, NEOM’s mountain destination located in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia. The agreement includes Saudi Arabia’s first W Hotel and a JW Marriott property.

https://shorturl.at/imuRY

Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou, makes its debut

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, has continued its expansion in China with the opening of the highly anticipated Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou – the 11th luxury Dusit-branded property in China. The high-speed railway station (Deqing) is conveniently accessible within 30 minutes.

https://shorturl.at/koIX9

Atlantis The Royal achieves #44 in World’s Best Hotels 2023, a Dubai first.

The highly-anticipated list celebrates hotels from 35 destinations across six continents worldwide. The list was announced at a captivating awards ceremony in London and includes industry-defining hotels from 35 locations across six continents worldwide. This long-awaited list is 50 Best’s first foray into the travel space and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2009.

https://shorturl.at/uzKS1

$1B private capital investment for Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nev

Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) in Reno, Nev., announced what will be the largest private capital investment in the city’s history. Over the next decade, plans are underway to infuse approximately $1 billion into the existing 140-acre property. The arena will span approximately 300,000 square feet and offer contemporary amenities, including suites and premium hospitality clubs.

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article128375.html

Nagaland to get its first five-star hotels 

In a historic turn of events, Hotel Polo Towers Group partnered with the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, to announce a milestone agreement of bringing in the first five-star properties in the state. The agreement encompasses the development of a five-star hotel with a mall in Dimapur and a five-star in Kohima.

https://www.hotelierindia.com/operations/nagaland-to-get-its-first-five-star-hotels

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Global tourism sustainability standard in the works by UNWTO 
• Soul Beach Dubai reopens with unmissable festivals 
• Marriott announces Autograph Collection hotel for AlUla 
• Maldives long weekend getaway: Centara Hotels & Resorts 
• India welcomes Indonesia’s travel roadshow 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

UNWTO sets global standards to promote sustainable tourism practices 

In line with its pledge to encourage tourism as a catalytic agent for commercial growth and success, sustainability of the environment and inclusive development, UNWTO is collecting consensus around the Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainability of Tourism. UNWTO has followed a UN process that will conclude in presenting the Statistical Framework for MST to the United Nations Statistical Commission. 

https://shorturl.at/gjB69

Soul Beach Dubai unveils lineup of unmissable festivals for season reopening 

Soul Beach Dubai, a curated environment that awakens and nurtures the soul, is renowned for seamlessly transitioning the guest experience from day to night. Sun-seekers are invited daily to gather their friends and feel in tune with themselves as they vibe to the cool house music sounds of the resident DJ. Entry to the adults-only beach club is AED 200 with 150 redeemable on F&B on weekdays and AED 200 with 100 redeemable on F&B on weekends. Those who choose to lounge at one of the VIP cabanas will receive a special welcome bag filled with poolside must-haves. 

https://shorturl.at/iINV7

Marriott to debut Autograph Collection Hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia 

Marriott’s growth in Saudi Arabia continues with a new deal for an Autograph Collection property in AlUla. The hospitality giant has signed a deal with AlUla Development Company (UDC) to open the hotel in downtown AlUla by 2025. Spanning 22,635 sq m, the Autograph Collection hotel will be situated in central AlUla, positioned next to the AlUla Museum and opposite the Farmer’s Market. Autograph Collection’s portfolio currently features over 290 hotels globally.  

https://shorturl.at/hkxS0

Experience the Maldives on a long weekend with Centara Hotels & Resorts 

Discover a captivating marine paradise at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, nestled within the enchanting South Ari Atoll. Your journey to this tropical haven begins with a mesmerizing seaplane ride from Male, revealing pristine turquoise waters that invite exploration. Here, a healthy marine life thrives, and the resort boasts the acclaimed 2nd Best House Reef in Maldives, as honoured by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards for Asia Pacific 2023, located right on the resort’s doorstep. 

https://shorturl.at/rPVW7

Wonderful Indonesia hosts multi-city roadshow in India 

Wonderful Indonesia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, is set to engage the Indian traveller market through its recently concluded dynamic multi-city roadshow in India. The Wonderful Indonesia Roadshow was hosted at Hyderabad on September 11, 2023, in Mumbai on September 13, 2023, and in Ahmedabad on September 15, 2023. The event sought to promote Indonesia as the ultimate destination for Indian tourists seeking immersive experiences. 

https://shorturl.at/avM36

That’s all folks! 

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Booking.com and Affirm collaborate for flexible travel payments 
• Europe’s tourist surge defies cost of living crisis 
• Abu Dhabi’s unconventional path to boosting tourism 
• Hilton to install Tesla chargers at 2,000 hotels 
• Lemon Tree Hotels expands its presence in Dehradun 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Booking.com joins Affirm’s network to offer installment payments 

With the Thursday announcement that Booking.com customers would see Affirm’s buy now, pay later options at checkout when they are purchasing trips, Affirm now counts several Booking Holdings brands as partners, including Agoda, Priceline and Kayak. Booking.com customers would view options to pay for a trip biweekly or monthly.

https://shorturl.at/douPZ

Europe’s tourist surge defies cost of living crisis 

Despite a spike in prices, flight bookings to northern Europe from June to August were up 25 per cent against a year earlier, according to a data aggregator and up 13 per cent to southern Europe. The region’s tourism industry has enjoyed its best summer season since before the pandemic as an increase in American visitors helped offset the impact of extreme heat and stubborn inflation. 

https://shorturl.at/dmyFO

Abu Dhabi’s unique strategy for tourism growth 

UAE residents often say that Abu Dhabi offers a quieter style of living than its neighbour Dubai. The emirate’s capital city, home to world-class museums, Abu Dhabi has established itself as one of the region’s leading cultural hubs. According to Knight Frank, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a magnet for the super-rich. 

https://shorturl.at/hkDY3

Hilton to install Tesla chargers at 2,000 hotels 

Through an expanded agreement with Tesla, Hilton announced that, beginning in early 2024, up to 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors will be installed at 2,000 hotels in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making Hilton’s planned EV charging network the largest of any hospitality company. 

https://shorturl.at/dRUW5

Lemon Tree Hotels expands its presence with a new property in Dehradun 

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced its latest signing, Lemon Tree Premier, Dehradun. The property is expected to be operational by Q3 of FY 2025 and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. This latest signing with Manohar Lal Juyal Huf in Dehradun is an addition to Uttarakhand’s eight operational hotels and five upcoming properties. 

https://shorturl.at/loXZ1

That’s all folks! 

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Explore the top travel destinations in Saudi Arabia 
• Israel adding hotel rooms to improve tourism 
• Daxton Hotel joins the WorldHotels Luxury collection 
• Discover wellness retreats at Maldives resorts 
• Hyatt Place Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh’s first Hyatt Place Hotel 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Saudi Arabia’s top travel destinations 

IHG Hotels & Resorts reveals a line-up of must-visit spots throughout the Kingdom, with strategically located properties available to travelers at each destination. In a remarkable fusion of luxury and leisure, Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as one of the most captivating regional travel destinations. With its diverse landscapes and rich culture, the Kingdom boasts enchanting experiences catering to immersive weekend getaways, adventurous escapes, and relaxing retreats. 

https://shorturl.at/ejCJX

Israel expanding hotel accommodations to boost tourism 

The tourism minister of Israel, Haim Katz, presented the main targets of his ministry to the government. Precisely, Katz hopes that in the country 2024, around 3,941 hotel rooms will be added, and his ministry has a target in 2030 to attract seven million tourists to Israel. In 2030, the number of people associated directly with tourism will reach 220,000. Besides, Indian tourists will succeed in applying for visas online from the end of 2023. 

https://shorturl.at/hrIL8

Daxton Hotel joins the WorldHotels Luxury collection 

WorldHotels announced the addition of Daxton Hotel to the WorldHotels Luxury collection as the brand continues its expansion throughout North America. Located in Birmingham, Michigan, Daxton Hotel creates experiences through an intentional focus on art and design throughout the property. 

https://shorturl.at/clEU4

Discover wellness retreats at Maldives resorts 

Wellness enthusiasts can take off on a restorative journey of body and mind at Heritance Aarah Maldives, one of the most holistic spa resorts. The resort invites guests to immerse in a world of tranquillity at the Medi Spa, set above tranquil lagoon waters at the overwater spa. With a curated menu inclusive of state-of-the-art dermatological treatments that combine the latest medical prevention, aesthetics, fitness, nutrition and wellbeing, the resort ensures a perfect rejuvenating package. 

https://shorturl.at/cjsOS

Hyatt Place Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh’s First Hyatt Place Hotel 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Hyatt Place Vijayawada, a modern haven offering 81 rooms and suites. The hotel marks the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in the state of Andhra Pradesh – a significant landmark in Hyatt’s brand growth in the market. RVS Conventions Private Limited develops the property and features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. 

https://shorturl.at/cmoPX

That’s all folks!