Taking the lead: 12 inspirational hoteliers
Hospitality is one of the most rewarding industries out there, which is why so many professionals dedicate their lives to the business. We checked in with 12 hoteliers to hear how their careers began, the lessons they’ve learned and shared since joining the profession and what the next chapter of the industry’s growth story looks like.
Radisson Hotel Group expands its Moroccan portfolio
Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled its fifth hotel in Morocco and its second Radisson Blu Resort in Saidia. Radisson Blu Resort, Saidia Garden is located on one of the longest beaches in Morocco, stretching across 14 km. The resort brings together the tranquility of coastal living with the luxury of a golf getaway. Travelers can enjoy the local natural bird preserve that surrounds the town, private beaches, shopping malls and a multitude of attractions and sporting activities.
Rotana unveils its brand entry in Algeria with Azure Rotana Resort & Spa
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with over 100 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye, has announced its entry into the Algerian market with Azure Rotana Resort & Spa. The resort in Algeria’s port city of Oran is set to open in March 2023.
Ascott’s expansion spree in the MEAT region
Building on its global footprint, Ascott Limited (Ascott), one of the leading international lodging owner-operators, has launched six properties in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey (MEAT) region this year under its iconic Citadines and Somerset brands.
GCC hotels can achieve net zero emissions by 2050
Hotels throughout the region can create a bespoke roadmap to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. While many independent hotels, three- and four-star properties lack the necessary support of consultants to design, plan and execute a carbon-neutral roadmap, major international hotel brands already have the necessary resources to achieve their sustainability goals. The main challenges are: carbon footprint assessments across the hotel and its value chain; a lack of financial resources, with little or no budget allocated for climate-related activities; higher costs associated with sustainable products; and insufficient regulatory incentives to support a hotel’s net zero transition.
Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay appoints Hadi Medawar as its new director of sales and marketing
Hadi Medawar has been appointed the new director of sales and marketing at Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay, an IHG hotel.
Rotana appoints Carole Gemayel as its new corporate director of environment, health and safety
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region, with over 100 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, has appointed Carole Gemayel as corporate director of environment, health and safety.
Ecolodges in the Middle East: The new big thing
While global interest in ecotourism has been growing at a rapid pace, inflation has also started to shape travel choices. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema consulting services, guides us around the ecolodges in the region which are increasingly attracting environmentally conscious travelers from around the world.
Five minutes with Avlok Singh, GM and commercial head at IntercityHotel Jaddaf Waterfront
With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Avlok Singh, GM and commercial head at IntercityHotel Jaddaf Waterfront, is known for driving brand growth, maximizing operation efforts, strategically launching properties in emerging markets and championing excellent financial performance. In this candid interview, he shares insights and plans for IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront.
Let’s talk art: Lebanon’s guesthouses and boutique hotels
Considered the art hub of the Middle East, Beirut — a city that has witnessed immense challenges over the past few years — has been upping its game in the boutique hotel world to offer guests something a little different. Yara Moukarzel, director of operations of L’Hôte Libanais, takes a closer look at how hotels in the capital and around Lebanon are using this powerful medium to their advantage.