News

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, unveiled the group’s expansion plans for the region at the Global General Managers’ Conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia, last week.

Laurent stated, “We have chalked out a very aggressive expansion strategy for the Middle East and Africa with 17% of our global portfolio of hotels comprising 3500 rooms centered in the region. Our goal is to have 20 hotels in operation and 10 under construction by 2021. Out of these five projects would be in Africa while the remaining will be in gateway cities across the Middle East with a significant presence in the GCC. Built on a heritage of passion and professionalism, our ultimate aim is to position Swiss-Belhotel International as the best alternative to blue chip companies offering superior returns, unbeatable value and unforgettable experiences.”

Commenting on the industry’s long-term economic outlook in the region, Laurent said: “Tourism performance in the main cities across the Middle East is expected to remain strong with the fruition of major infrastructure projects such as airport expansions, increased global connectivity and growth of low-cost carriers, new leisure attractions, enhanced business facilities and a year-long calendar of regional and international events.”

Swiss-Belhotel International was recently named by TOPHOTELPROJECTS among the top ten most active brands in Saudi Arabia. “KSA is a very significant market for us with 35% of our development pipeline concentrated in the Kingdom. In 2018 we have six new hotels opening in quick succession and out of these three are located in Saudi Arabia. Our success is testament to the relationships we have built with owners and investors in the region. With 14 well-established brands, we are well equipped to meet the needs of every segment of the market. This diversity of brands allows owners the flexibility to pick the right fit for their property.”

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of global developer Emaar Properties, today announced that it has marked a historic milestone of 50 hotel projects in its portfolio, including 35 upcoming projects in the UAE and international markets, as well as 15 hotels and serviced residences that are operational in Dubai.

Announcing the breakthrough evolution of Dubai’s home-grown hospitality company, Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said that several new management agreements are being finalised to be potentially announced during the Arabian Travel Market 2018.

“Since 2007, we have been shaping a new identity and presence in the hospitality scene, and with three distinctive brands, we have now achieved a remarkable milestone in our growth journey of having a robust portfolio of 50 hospitality projects – both operational and upcoming – together offering more than 25,000 rooms and residences. While our primary footprint is the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa region, we are delighted by the response from owners and developers to our hotel concepts, and are expanding to new geographies,” said Harnisch.

Emaar Hospitality Group’s upcoming international projects are in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey and The Maldives, with new destinations to be added shortly. In the UAE, the Group has expanded its presence from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. “Our ambition is to be one of the world’s most admired and trusted hospitality companies, and with Dubai evolving as a global tourism and business hub, we have earned remarkable brand recognition in global markets that power our onward journey,” said Harnisch.

Three brands, three experiences

With a focus on brand differentiation to drive deep customer personalisation, Emaar Hospitality Group has launched three hotel brands – the premium luxury Address Hotels + Resorts, the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts, and the contemporary midscale Rove Hotels, the latter developed as a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Meraas Holding.

Addressing the media at a press conference held during Arabian Travel Market, Harnisch said that each of the three brands has gained significant traction – and are fast-expanding their footprint to meet the fast needs and aspirations of a fast-changing tourist demographic, especially with a focus on the millennial travellers and new generation of entrepreneurs.

“Across the MENA region, there is a strong focus on economic diversification with tourism and hospitality serving as central pillars of the strategic vision outlined by governments. The UAE Vision 2021 and Saudi Vision 2030, for example, outline the important role that the hospitality sector plays in job creation and in diversifying non-oil revenues. Our strategy is to leverage the growth of the Middle East’s tourism sector, which grew 5 per cent in 2017, by strengthening the hospitality infrastructure and assuring visitors distinctive guest experiences through our hotel projects,” said Harnisch.

A focus on digitisation

The expansion of Emaar Hospitality Group is complemented through higher operational efficiency and a customer-first approach highlighted through an organisation-wide digital transformation strategy. In addition to working with tech-leaders such as Microsoft and Accenture, the Group has launched three digital initiatives that will set industry-firsts.

The first project focuses on bringing seamless service to the guest, ensuring they can check-in/check-out anytime, anywhere. The second leads to the transformation of hotel rooms as intelligent rooms that tunes itself to the preferences of the guest through machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. The third project draws on digital collaterals to free up space in guest rooms and public spaces whereby the Group will introduce digital storage and connected processes to create social spaces for better guest interaction and fun activities.

Exclusive showcase at ATM 2018

As of April 2018, Emaar Hospitality Group has 12 operational hotels in Dubai – five each under the Address and Rove brands and two by Vida. The development pipeline in the UAE includes 12 Address, nine Vida and four Rove hotels. Internationally, seven Address hotels are being developed in addition to three Vida properties and one Rove hotel.

Having won several international accolades and recognitions, the operational and upcoming properties of Emaar Hospitality Group are being showcased at its dedicated pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market to be held from April 22 to 25, 2018, at the Dubai International Convention Centre. Visit Emaar’s pavilion in Sheikh Saeed Hall, Stand HC0220.

Emaar Hospitality Group LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, the Dubai-based global property developer, and manages Emaar’s hospitality and leisure projects globally.

Defining its competency in managing mixed-use property developments, Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of assets including hotels, serviced residences, golf clubs, polo club, marina and lifestyle dining restaurants.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018 today, marking the start of the 25th edition of the show.

He was joined by Nick Pilbream, Divisional Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, and other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the exhibition as the four-day industry showcase got underway.
This year’s show, which is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 22-25 April 2018, has more than 400 main stand holders with representation from over 150 countries. With more than 40,000 visitors expected to attend, ATM 2018 will showcase over 2,500 exhibiting companies – of these, 100 will be making their show debut – and 65 national pavilions.

Celebrating its 25th year, ATM 2018 has adopted Responsible Tourism – including sustainable travel trends – as its main theme and this will be integrated across all show verticals and activities.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2017 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, agreeing deals worth US$2.5bn over the four days. The 24th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the largest ATM in its 24-year history. www.arabiantravelmarket.com Next event 22-25 April 2018 – Dubai.

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face to face through data and digital tools at over 500 events a year, in more than 30 countries, attracting more than seven million participants. Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether it is global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf, spa and ski travel. We have over 35 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions.

Bolstering its portfolio, Central Hotels is all set to double its inventory of keys in Dubai next month with the opening of two spectacular hotels namely Royal Central The Palm (207 keys) and Canal Central in Business Bay (280 keys). Both properties have been designed in contemporary style to serve the needs of modern business and leisure travellers. Featuring world-class facilities and inspiring spaces with signature personalised service, each property is unique in its own way.

Central Hotels’ impressive growth in Dubai is fuelled by the city’s extensive expansion of tourism infrastructure in preparation of Expo 2020. Mr. Ahmad Al Abdulla, Chairman of Central Hotels, said, “Our expansion strategy demonstrates our commitment to support the growth of the destination and its envisioned potential. We look forward to being part of this incredible success by contributing positively to the hospitality sector in the UAE.”

Mr. Abdulla Al Abdulla, Vice President of Central Hotels, further added, “The emirates will continue to attract tourists from across the world with its diverse offerings. Our brand is ideally positioned to cater to the needs of local and international travellers seeking world-class service and facilities.”

Mr Ammar Kanaan, General Manager of Central Hotels, stated, “We are very pleased with these new hotels that have a distinct style and personality reflective of the neighbourhoods’ vibe and energy. While Royal Central The Palm offers travellers laid-back luxury in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere, Canal Central in Business Bay is ideal for corporate guests and business travellers while offering unobstructed views of the Dubai Canal and Burj Khalifa.. In addition, both hotels will be made smarter and more environment friendly with our paperless approach and initiative.”

Strategically located in Business Bay on Sheikh Zayed Road, Canal Central is only minutes away from Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Design District, Dubai International Convention Centre and Exhibition Halls, The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains. Each of the hotel’s 280 spacious rooms and suites offer spectacular Canal or Burj Khalifa views and are equipped with the finest amenities. Completing the experience are a hand-picked selection of dining outlets, flexible meeting spaces, state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa, a stunning infinity swimming pool and male and female salon. A huge attraction will be Lilly’s Social House, that is coming to town for the first time and will offer exceptional food, innovative beverages and live nightly jazz.

Located on the East Crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, Royal Central The Palm is a beachside Hotel Resort featuring 207 rooms. From its exceptional location on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, guests can access one of the best private beaches in the city as well as enjoy unhindered views of the iconic destination. An array of recreational facilities ranging from water sports to outdoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym and health spa, along with exciting dining options, allow guests to unwind and relax in a beautiful setting. Opening for the first time in Dubai, Hush Beach Bar will offer guests an immersive experience with its unique location and exciting concept of food and beverages.

Visit Central Hotels stand #HC0810 at Arabian Travel Market in Sheikh Saeed Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre from 22 – 25 April 2018.

About Central Hotels

Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Featuring 524 apartments equipped with top-notch facilities, it offers travellers the best of Arabian hospitality in the heart of Dubai. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint in the GCC targeting Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the primary markets for growth.