Hotel, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

We are delighted to announce the launch of Nammos Hotels & Resorts. Adding another layer to Nammos World, the new hospitality brand is a result of ADMO – a joint venture between Alpha Dhabi and Monterock International. Encapsulating the effortless exclusivity and service Nammos and its iconic beachside restaurants have become synonymous with over the past 20 years, the hotels and resorts will provide a holistic hospitality experience befitting of the international jet-set. Opening its doors on the golden sands of Psarou beach this summer, Nammos Hotel Mykonos will mark the brand’s first property, with resorts in the Maldives and Abu Dhabi on the horizon.
Catering to the most sophisticated of travellers and stylish sybarites, Nammos Hotels & Resorts will provide an unrivalled and genuine hospitality experience that mirrors elements of the existing Nammos offerings, whilst evoking a true sense of laid-back luxury. An establishment that never ceases to evolve, Nammos began as a traditional tavern the beach of Psarou in Mykonos 20 years ago and has since transformed into a world class destination that redefines beach life. The pivot into hotels and resorts marks an ambitious and scalable plan from Alpha Dhabi and Monterock International to extend Nammos World’s reach and global footprint, whilst diversifying its offering, further establishing its reputation as a luxury hospitality brand that provides an unrivalled culinary experience.
Commenting on the announcement, Zannis Fratzeskos, founding partner of Nammos World, said: “Over the last decade we’ve mastered the art of creating a daytime experience like no other, and are delighted that Alpha Dhabi and Monterock International have set a vision to further fortify the Nammos World brand with the launch of Nammos Hotels & Resorts. The properties are set to embody the lifestyle we’ve created within an unrivalled hospitality experience, and we’re excited for Nammos’ global customers to experience the brand within a hotel setting.”
“All of us at Monterock International are thrilled to be partnering with Alpha Dhabi via our recent joint venture ADMO and honoured to be building upon Nammos World’s existing lifestyle offerings. We hope to capture the exclusive ambience Nammos World has created over the last 20 years within a hotel setting and are excited for guests to experience this first hand.” comments Alfredo Longo, CEO of Monterock International.
ADVERTISEMENTAt Nammos Hotels & Resorts the guest experience will take centre stage through world-class entertainment, signature gastronomy and unfaltering attention to detail. Providing a chic and sophisticated haven, international travellers are invited to escape fast paced city life by reconnecting with the ones who mean the most and forming new connections with an eclectic and hedonistic set. Each property will be designed to the very highest standard, provide the finest service and offer otherworldly experiences that reflect the destination they’re set within. Guests will have exclusive access to Nammos World’s unparalleled gastronomic, retail and wellness offerings.
For more information on Nammos Hotels & Resorts please visit nammoshotels.com and follow @nammoshotels

Older
Choice Hotels Welcomes Zooey Deschanel As Its “Fairy Hotel Mother” More

Zooey Deschanel stars at Choice Hotels’ Fairy Hotel Mother
Today, Choice Hotels International, Inc. unveiled a multichannel national marketing campaign to help travelers avoid analysis paralysis and book their next trip with confidence. Starring multi-hyphenate entertainer Zooey Deschanel, the campaign promotes ChoiceHotels.com as an easy-to-use website, offering the best price guaranteed. By booking direct, travelers can find the right hotel with the right amenities at the right value for every type of stay.
“Over the past few years, people have realized the importance of travel in their lives, yet they look through an average of 15 travel sites* before booking, which can be stressful and ultimately lead to information overload,” says Noha Abdalla, chief marketing officer for Choice Hotels. “By working with our lovable wing woman, Zooey Deschanel, we are providing consumers with the confidence that they are making the right decision to book on ChoiceHotels.com because of both the range of hotels we offer as well as the best price guarantee.”
Research shows that consumers are faced with too many options for booking their hotel stay and that ninety-two percent of millennials (Hotelmize) say finding the best hotel deal is important. However, with an overabundance of websites promising the lowest price, consumers are confused about their hotel booking options. With the help of Choice’s whimsical Fairy Hotel Mother — played by multi-hyphenate entertainer Zooey Deschanel — travelers watch their worries disappear and are transported directly to the hotel that meets their needs. Starting today and running through the fall, the :30 and :15 spots developed in partnership with McKinney – Choice’s creative agency-of-record – will air on TV and appear across Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and other digital channels, including Deschanel’s own social channels.
“Traveling has always been a meaningful part of my life, so I’m always looking forward to that next getaway,” says Deschanel. “Yet I too can get overwhelmed with all the hotel options out there, which is why I’m excited to be Choice’s ‘Fairy Hotel Mother’ and to help travelers feel confident that they are booking the right hotel.”
The two Choice Hotels brands highlighted in the campaign are the rapidly expanding, upscale Cambria Hotels and the newly transformed Comfort. At Cambria Hotels, travelers enjoy design-forward experiences and signature features, including spa-like bathrooms with Bluetooth mirrors, rooftop bars and stylish spaces with hyperlocal craft beer and specialty cocktails, as well as attractive downtown locations with destination-inspired designs. Comfort – the longstanding hotel brand that has recently undergone a $2.5 billion reinvigoration – provides a warm, welcoming and modern experience, featuring spacious rooms and suites, free hot breakfast with fresh waffles, and a pool to ensure relaxation for the whole family.ADVERTISEMENTWith nearly 7,500 hotels across Choice’s portfolio of 22 brands – including Cambria Hotels, Radisson, Radisson Blu, the Ascend Hotel Collection, Country Inn & Suites, Comfort, Sleep Inn, WoodSpring Suites, Quality Inn, and others – travelers can find the right hotel with the right amenities in the right location that meets their price point. These brands are connected by Choice Hotels’ award-winning loyalty program, Choice Privileges, offering members a fast way to earn valuable rewards, including rewards nights, airline miles, gift cards at top retailers and restaurants, and more. Additionally, with the recent acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas, members can now exchange points across the expanded portfolio of brands through the point exchange benefit with Radisson Rewards Americas. Launching this spring, Choice’s recently announced new cobrand credit card will enable members to earn points even faster, including on everyday purchases.
For more information on the campaign or to book your next Choice stay, visit choicehotels.com.

Older
Cancún welcomes Luchatitlán, “The official house of lucha libre”

Newer
Nammos to Expand into Hospitality Sphere with Launch of Nammos Hotels & Resorts More

AE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands including founding member Kempinski Hotels, has launched its Green Collection, bringing under one umbrella nearly 200 hotels, resorts and palaces operated by GHA hotel brands that are demonstrating their commitment to protecting people and the planet.14 Kempinski Hotels are featured within this new collection including iconic hotels such as Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin or The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore.
Every Green Collection property has attained at least one certification from a globally recognised environmental organisation, with EarthCheck, Green Growth 2050, Green Key and Green Globe among the 15 leading certification bodies represented, and each requiring hotels to meet the highest international standards for sustainability initiatives and performance, with regular third-party audits conducted to retain certification.
Achieving certification demonstrates a hotel’s long-term pledge to upholding these standards, with each Green Collection property being a pioneer of practices that preserve the natural environment and benefit local communities in the destinations where they operate.
Kempinski Hotels aims to measure 100% of energy emissions across all properties by the end of this year and has set out to fully implement science-based targets for emissions reductions aligned with the Paris Agreement by the end of next year. The luxury hospitality firm is rolling out the EarthCheck Certified programme across its portfolio, with participating hotels actively monitoring and reporting the environmental and social impacts from their operations, including energy and water consumption, carbon footprint, waste generation, community engagement and more. Economic concerns addressed by EarthCheck include employment conditions, support for the local economy, use of fair-trade goods and services, and recognition of the seasonality of revenue streams.
With 69% of travellers actively seeking sustainable travel options in 2023, according to a recent World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report, Green Collection meets this accelerating demand, empowering the 24 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme to make conscious and responsible travel choices. In 2022, members demonstrated their preference for Green Collection hotels, which contributed to 32% in stays, 39% in nights, 47% in room revenue and 49% in total revenue.ADVERTISEMENTTo celebrate the launch of the Green Collection, GHA DISCOVERY is giving back to the causes important to members and its hotel brands. For every Green Collection hotel booking made on www.ghadiscovery.com or the GHA DISCOVERY mobile app before the end of April 2023 and completed by 31st July 2023, GHA will donate US$5 to the charities it supports as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, which includes Environmental Protection, Healthcare & Wellbeing, Children & Youth Programmes, and Animal Welfare.
For more information on Green Collection, including the full list of globally recognised certifying bodies, and examples of how GHA hotel brands are making a difference, visit www.ghadiscovery.com/explore-green-collection.

Older
EASYJET 2070: THE FUTURE TRAVEL REPORT

Newer
INNSIDE BY MELIÁ KUALA LUMPUR CHERAS ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING THIS MONTH More

Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, today announces it will open Mondrian Abu Dhabi, the brand’s first project in the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Al Hazoom Group.Opening in 2024 and located in the city’s bustling downtown area alongside the Abu Dhabi canal, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be a spectacular hotel providing waterfront views overlooking both Reem Island and Maryah Island and direct views of the city skyline. The project has already broken ground and will join the Mondrian portfolio of seven operating hotels.
The new Mondrian Abu Dhabi will feature 221 rooms and 80 serviced apartments, as well as six unique food and beverage venues, a ballroom, four meeting rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, a kid’s club, a retail area, and world-class fitness area, making it a welcomed addition to Abu Dhabi’s buzzing city-center. Mondrian Abu Dhabi will offer a chic crystal-clear lagoon where guests can enjoy a beverage while soaking in the sun. The lagoon will boast vast ocean views and feature an infinity pool design, lounges, and daybeds surrounding the water’s edge. 
Designed by award-winning interior architect Tristan Du Plessis, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be as fantastical as it is timelessly imaginative and inviting. It will expertly capture the clean and contemporary aesthetic of the Middle East while seamlessly integrating the warmth and comfort embedded in the DNA of all Mondrian properties. A short distance from the city’s most popular destinations, including The Corniche, Abu Dhabi Mall, The Galleria, and the Sorbonne University, the property will be surrounded by many leisure and cultural attractions, making it an idyllic destination for discerning business travelers and tourists.
The Chairman of Al Hazoom Group said, “It is with immense pride and excitement that we align our vision with Ennismore to introduce the first Mondrian hotel in the United Arab Emirates. We are honored to have the opportunity to contribute our unique establishment to Abu Dhabi’s thriving cultural scene while keeping to Mondrian’s iconic aesthetics. Mondrian Abu Dhabi embodies bold, contemporary design and will be host to some of the most discerning culinary and culture-seekers from all over the world.”
Chadi Farhat, Brand Chief Operating Officer of Mondrian at Ennismore, said, “We are very proud to collaborate with Al Hazoom Group to bring the iconic Mondrian brand to Abu Dhabi in this breathtaking waterfront location. Mondrian Abu Dhabi will undoubtedly become one of the most sought-after destinations for lifestyle, hospitality, culinary, and mixology experiences for locals and travelers alike. With an imaginative design by Tristan Du Pleiss, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will certainly be a feast for the senses.”ADVERTISEMENTWith the success of SLS Dubai, Hyde Dubai, and 25hours Hotel One Central – and the upcoming opening of SO/ Uptown Dubai – Ennismore further solidifies its reputation as a leader in lifestyle hospitality across the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, Ennismore is set to open 30 hotels globally, including Maison Delano Paris, France; Mama Shelter, Rennes, France; SO/ Uptown Dubai, UAE; 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, USA; TRIBE Bangkok, Thailand; Mondrian Singapore, Singapore; The Hoxton, Charlottenburg, Germany and Mondrian and Hyde Ibiza, Spain.

Older
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and FTI GROUP strike landmark agreement More

TUI’s global leisure hotel brand, TUI BLUE, has added five hotels in some of the UK’s favourite short, mid and long-haul destinations this summer.  As well as the new TUI BLUE Victoria in Menorca, TUI BLUE hotels will be joining the brand portfolio in Hurghada, Egypt; Ayia Napa, Cyprus; Cala Bona, Majorca; and Thailand.
The adults only 4+star TUI BLUE Victoria Menorca will be opening its doors on 1st May. With a peaceful plot just a few steps away from the seafront in Santo Tomas, a small, laid-back town on Menorca’s south coast, this hotel allows holidaymakers to swap between pool and beach with ease. It has all the hallmarks of a TUI BLUE hotel, from a luxurious BLUE® Spa to world-class fitness classes and yoga in the BLUEf!t® offering, to the personal advice and insights of TUI BLUE Guides with insider local knowledge, design touches inspired by the region and authentic, fresh locally sourced food and drink. There are two outdoor pools to choose from, and restaurant-wise, guests will have the choice of a buffet and an à la carte option. Plus, there’s a handy snack bar and a trio of bars for drinks. There are plenty of room types to choose from too, including suites with private pools.
North Africa destinations have gone from strength to strength for TUI’s UK customers, with 80,000 additional seats and the new destination of Marsa Alam in Egypt added for winter. Capitalising on the huge demand across the year, TUI BLUE has added the 5T TUI BLUE Crystal Bay to the line-up in Hurghada.  Also opening on 1st May, its modern architecture is chic with natural beauty and the sumptuous gardens are stunning. Sitting in a prime location on a private beach next to the Red Sea, making it a perfect location for scuba diving, all the usual top notch TUI BLUE facilities are available. It’s also a short hop away from both the historic old town and Sakalla, the frenetic and fast-paced town centre.
Two more additional Mediterranean hotels – the 4T TUI BLUE Levante, Majorca and the 4T TUI BLUE Atlantica Sungarden Park, Cyprus will be open even earlier, ready for Easter guests. The adults only TUI BLUE Levante, is steps away from Cala Bona’s bars and restaurants and is well positioned for seafront strolls to Cala Millor. The sleek TUI BLUE Atlantica Sungarden Park is near the seafront, just 15 minutes walk from the famous Nissi Beach, and near the centre of buzzy Aiya Napa. The resort’s pool is the centre of attention as it comes with a string of sun loungers, a separate children’s section and widescreen sea views. Kids and adults alike will love the new waterpark which is kitted out with a lazy river and a couple of slides.
Further afield, TUI BLUE The Passage, becomes the third TUI BLUE hotel in Thailand. Due to open this summer it’s in an attractive beach location in the northwest of Koh Samui. The resort is designed in a boutique hotel style with 50 villas in total. A perfect natural hideaway for both honeymooners and families alike, and just 30 minutes from Samui International Airport, the resort overlooks a national marine park with nearby snorkeling, kayaking, beach biking and hiking on offer.ADVERTISEMENTWith nearly 100 TUI BLUE hotels internationally, the addition of these five resorts for Summer 2023 is part of an ambitious growth plan for TUI’s global hotel brand, with plans for new openings across four continents in exciting destinations including Asia, the Caribbean and West Africa planned over the next two years.

Older
ANA Holdings and IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan sign comprehensive commercial agreement

Newer
Niyama Announces Surf Residency with Brad Gerlach More

Marriott International, Inc., announced plans to introduce The Ritz-Carlton, its iconic luxury brand, to Phuket, Thailand following the signing of an agreement with Asset World Corporation (AWC). The agreement stipulates plans for the strategic renovation and rebranding of the existing Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket. Expected to open in 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Phuket anticipates setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality on the island.
With its serene and secluded location on the unspoiled east coast of the island overlooking the Andaman Sea, The Ritz-Carlton, Phuket expects to offer guests a spectacular scenery and uninterrupted ocean views. The hotel is a short distance from Phuket’s old town, with its vibrant markets, shophouse restaurants and elegant Sino-Portuguese architecture.
“We are pleased to strengthen our long-term collaboration with Asset World Corporation to rebrand and reposition our existing property with today’s signing,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (Excluding China), Marriott International. “We are confident that The Ritz-Carlton, Phuket, once opened, will be well-positioned to meet the increased demand of luxury travel, in line with the Thailand Government’s goal of attracting more discerning travelers to the Thai Kingdom.”
The resort is expected to undergo an extensive rebranding, ensuring that it reflects the contemporary design and thoughtful amenities that The Ritz-Carlton is known for is known for. Upon opening, The Ritz-Carlton, Phuket anticipates offering 182 stylish guestrooms, suites, and private villas, ranging from a spacious 50 square meters to an expansive 196 square meters. Guests will be able to dine and socialize at a choice of eight restaurants, bars, and lounges, work out at the well-equipped fitness center, or cool off in three swimming pools. Plans also call for a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa with eight treatment rooms, whirlpools, plunge pools, steam rooms, a sauna, and a salon.
Meeting planners will be able to take advantage of four function rooms with 544 square meters of indoor space, plus a 168-square meter pre-function area and elegant alfresco spaces – ideal for out-of-town events and one-of-a-kind weddings.ADVERTISEMENT“AWC has great confidence in Thailand’s tourism industry, and by partnering with Marriott International to bring the world-renowned Ritz-Carlton brand to the country will not only strengthen Phuket as a world-class tourism destination but also continue the development of Thailand as a global sustainable tourism leader. AWC is firmly committed to positioning the destination as a leader in sustainability, ensuring that we create true value for the environment, surrounding communities, and long-term stable growth. We aim to develop The Ritz-Carlton, Phuket in line with LEED and WELL green building standards, prioritizing energy saving and circular economy on waste management, helping to move Thailand toward becoming a global sustainability destination. The Ritz-Carlton, Phuket will be located close to island’s old town, immersing guests in the area’s rich culture, while it will also be a short distance to the harbor from where they can travel to Thailand’s most popular seaside destination.
“The debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Phuket will add to AWC’s diverse portfolio of hotels in Phuket, and The Ritz-Carlton, Phuket, will help attract luxury travels and generate MICE demand globally,” said Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited.
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is a tropical paradise with a wealth of attractions, from white sandy beaches and crystal-clear seas to world-class leisure facilities, rich cultural heritage and much more. In Phuket, Marriott International currently operates nine hotels across seven brands, including Marriott Hotels, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton, Courtyard by Marriott, and The Luxury Collection.

Older
Deutsche Hospitality Enhances H Rewards Loyalty Program with More Flexibility and Personalization

Newer
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs management agreement for new Hotel Indigo in Riyadh More

Together, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unveiled their joint Hotel Sustainability Basics label at ITB Berlin 2023. The aim is that by fulfilling 12 criteria in three categories, every hotel owner can actively set course for a sustainable future, regardless of size, location or corporate structure.On condition the criteria are met within three years, companies will receive a seal of approval showing guests they are taking the sustainability concept seriously.
WTTC President Julia Simpson was impressed. “The tourism industry wants self-imposed sustainability criteria to encourage the entire hospitality industry to engage with this concept.” With this seal of approval every type of accommodation could show it was willing and could implement it as a bare minimum. Requirements include measuring and reducing energy and water consumption, programmes for re-using clothing, use of green cleaning agents, choice of vegetarian dishes, plastic avoidance as well as evidence of benefiting the community and reducing inequality.
The travel and tourism industry had for some time already been making a clear move in the direction of greater sustainability, Simpson said. At the same time many hotel companies still faced big challenges in this area, in particular due to financial hardship and staff shortages. For that reason, the world’s hotel industry was coming together to determine decisive first steps which every hotel, regardless of size, resources and progress to date could and should undertake in order to establish a basic level of sustainability across the entire sector.
The criteria were intended as a first step on the path to gradually embracing sustainability which could then branch out in more ambitious directions such as the Pathway to Positive Hospitality of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, added: “Collectively, hospitality is a force not be underestimated. Our vision is that of a thriving and responsible hospitality sector that gives destinations back more than it takes.“
By pursuing the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality with a holistic approach the aim was to bring people, planets, places and wealth together to create a better and more sustainable future for everyone“, Mandziuk said. “Now is the time to act!“ agreed Inge Huijbrechts, global senior vice president, Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications, Radisson Hotel Group: “A lot of guests would like to see corporate management be more sustainable, but many hotel owners have no idea where to start. That is where the seal of approval comes in.”ADVERTISEMENT

Older
Amadeus partners with Microsoft to explore the future of travel

Newer
EUROPEAN LONG-HAUL TOURISM IS RECOVERING More

Vivrelle, the first-of-its-kind membership club that offers access to a shared closet of designer handbags and accessories, today announces a partnership with Four Seasons Hotel Houston and Four Seasons Private Residences Los Angeles. The partnership provides hotel guests with complimentary access to Vivrelle’s closet of accessories from brands including Prada, Gucci, Dior and more, regardless of their membership status. 
Vivrelle’s innovative partnership with Four Seasons Private Residences is the first of its kind available at a luxury residence. Homeowners of the property will have exclusive access to Vivrelle’s closet, and can swap luxury items on site, at their own convenience.
Furthermore, guests of Four Seasons Hotel Houston have the option to borrow Vivrelle’s luxury accessories during their stay, free of charge. Similar to a courtesy car, Four Seasons hotel guests can borrow items on property throughout their stay, regardless of membership status. Guests can swap out styles throughout the duration of their stay or sign up on-site and borrow from the larger Vivrelle closet, providing the ultimate flexibility for luxury vacationers. Additionally, as an extension of the partnership, Vivrelle members will receive exclusive rates at Four Seasons Hotel Houston.
“Four Seasons is a like-minded partner that we have always admired and loved,” says Blake Geffen, co-founder of Vivrelle. “We are thrilled to be partnering with select properties and are eager to grow the relationship with The Four Seasons. Our brands have a shared affinity for providing a luxury experience rooted in convenience, care, and customers first. This partnership will expand our reach across the country, and we’re excited for this new era of accessory accessibility in today’s travel and luxury landscape.”
“Offering exclusive access to Vivrelle’s shared closet of luxury accessories is an exciting and innovative way to enhance our guest experience,” says Tom Segesta, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “We see this partnership a perfect fit, further defining Four Seasons Hotel Houston as the place where urban elegance and southern charm collide.” ADVERTISEMENTThe partnership comes on the heels of Vivrelle’s closure of its Series B round of funding in late 2022, raising $35MM with participation from celebrities Nina Dobrev, Lily Collins and Morgan Stewart McGraw.
Vivrelle continues to build on the changing landscape of the shared closet and luxury resale experience and drives forward its status as a vanguard in advancing accessibility and circularity. Vivrelle’s inventory and membership options can be found on Vivrelle.com.

Older
Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Partner to Deliver Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2023

Newer
Sustainability and net zero pathways top the agenda at 10th Arab Aviation Summit in RAK More