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Expocenter best western plus - A 4Star hotel in bucharest

Expocenter Best Western Plus is located only 5 km from the downtown area of the city and 12 km from the International Airport Henri Coanda and offers 90 rooms, including 10 suites. Addressing both business and leisure segments, Expocenter Best Western Plus three conference rooms and two function rooms with premium services for any kind of event. Traditional Romanian cuisine is served at Hora Restaurant, and international cuisine is offered by Cosmopolitan Restaurant, all accompanied by live music. There are both smoking and non smoking rooms, as well as accommodations designed for disabled persons.

Create: Dec 1, 2019 Edit: Dec 1, 2019 International News

Sharm El-Sheikh’s tourism industry can recover with the right marketing

GlobalData has reported that Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh’s tourism industry can thrive with the right marketing. Following the lifting of the four-year flight ban on the resort location, companies pounced to operate in Sharm El-Sheikh said GlobalData. Particularly with some good marketing to UK visitors, the tourism economy in the area could soar. According to a GlobalData survey, 63% of UK respondents are unlikely to change their plans because of a terrorist attack or political event. This compares to a global average of 54%, showing that UK residents tend to be relatively relaxed about travel threats. GlobalData’s travel and tourism analyst, Laura Beaton, commented: “Just hours after the ban was lifted, companies were jumping at the chance to resume operations. TUI has already begun selling holidays for 2020 and easyJet will launch flights to Egypt for the first time. In addition, Olympic Hotels will offer hotels previously exclusive to Thomas Cook, which will boost business for the area and mitigate some of the issues that may have occurred after the collapse of Thomas Cook.” However, officials from the company do believe that the area must work on marketing its attractive diving opportunities. Diving company Regaldive for example is offering two days free if a dive package is booked within a certain timeframe. Beaton added: “This should be leveraged by Egypt and will prove helpful in restoring perceptions among tourists. Scubatravel.co.uk, which compiles a list of popular dive spots according to review from divers, puts Thistlegorm in the Egyptian Red Sea as the fourth most popular location in the world. The Shark and Yolanda Reef in the Egyptian Red Sea comes in at fifth place for divers looking for a more natural adventure.” Beaton continued: “Sharm El-Sheikh will quickly bounce back because it is such an iconic destination for UK travellers. Holiday-makers have been circumventing the ban by flying indirectly or traveling across land from other parts of Egypt. Now that connectivity is restored, UK travelers will return much faster.”

Create: Dec 1, 2019 Edit: Dec 1, 2019 International News

Hilton achieves 100-hotel milestone in Africa

The recent signing of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston also marks the African debut for Hampton by Hilton. Hilton recently announced the signing of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston, which marks the first for the brand in Africa. That’s not all it marks, however, with the agreement also meaning that the company now has reached the 100-hotel-milestone as far as properties trading or under development on the African continent. It is truly a year of many 100s for Hilton, which is celebrating its 100th birthday. “With this being our 100th year, reaching the milestone of 100 hotels allows us to reflect on our rich legacy of pioneering tourism on the African continent but also to look to the future,” Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton said. “We continue to step up the pace of our growth, especially in the mid-market segment which presents a tremendous opportunity as evidenced by the rapid expansion of Hilton Garden Inn on the continent since its debut in 2016.” Hilton’s agreements in Africa Recently, Hilton signed a franchise agreement with Afrirent Pty through its Indalo Hotels & Leisure subsidiary, a level one Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) third party operating company. Indalo will be the operator of the 158-room Hampton by Hilton hotel in Sandton, which is the financial capital of South Africa. This mid-market property will join Hilton’s flagship upscale Hilton Sandton, offering additional choice for travellers to the district commonly known as ‘Africa’s richest Square Mile’. Construction is scheduled to begin at the site on Grayston Drive in early 2020 with first guests set to be welcomed by mid-2021. Hilton Garden Inn is crucial to the company’s footprint in Africa, with the brand having operational hotels in six African markets and a further ten under development. Hampton by Hilton is expected to compliment this growth and provide owners and customers with greater choice. Other noteworthy Hilton properties in Africa There is, of course, more to Hilton’s growth story in the African market. 2019 has seen Hilton open four properties in Africa, entering three new markets whilst also further strengthening its multi-brand pipeline. Highlights include: Bringing its lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brand to Africa, through the signing of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof Confirming the signing of two landmark flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Uganda and DR Congo, the Hilton Kampala and Hilton Kinshasa. Accelerating its growth in the focused service segment, opening Hilton Garden Inn hotels in three new countries: Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, Botswana Hilton Garden Inn Kampala, Uganda Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, Eswatini Continuing to establish its footprint in Morocco with the opening of Hilton Tanger Al Houara Golf Resort & Spa with the Hilton Taghazout Bay due to open in 2020

Create: Oct 26, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International News

Accor’s milestone partnership with Global Premium Hotels

After inking a deal with Global Premium Hotels, Accor is pleased to unveil 13 new ibis budget hotels rebranded from existing Fragrance hotels. The conclusion of this partnership cements Accor’s position as the largest hotel operator in Singapore, bringing its total inventory to 7,625 rooms across 30 hotels (3,357 rooms in the luxury and premium space, 1,840 in midscale and 2,428 in economy). The two Parc Sovereign hotels will commence renovation plans towards the end of 2019 and will be rebranded to become one Mercure and one ibis Styles hotel by mid-2020. “With its nifty and modern design, these new ibis budget hotels spread across central and suburban locations in Singapore are perfect for savvy business or leisure travellers. Featuring cosy rooms for one, two or three people and conveniently located to leisure attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Clarke Quay, Mount Faber and Sentosa Island, these new additions to our network in the city offer wider choices to guests looking for a short break or weekend getaway,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore & South Asia. GPHL CEO Ko Lee Meng, said, “We are excited to launch a new Accor brand in the market and deepen our relationship with Accor. Having provided quality accommodation and great value to visitors to Singapore these past 20 years, the rebranding and enhancement of our existing properties marks not just another milestone for our group, but an evolution in our business and a boost to our expansion strategy.” Ranging in size from 32 rooms to 168 rooms, selected hotels also feature a pool and/or gym. ibis budget Singapore Clarke Quay, located five minutes’ walk from Clarke Quay MRT Station and the Singapore River, features a fitness centre and a rooftop swimming pool. The ibis budget Singapore Selegie boasts a rooftop pool with great views of Singapore’s city skyline. Additionally, ibis budget Singapore Clarke Quay, ibis budget Singapore Imperial and ibis budget Singapore Selegie offer a casual dining café. The ibis budget Singapore Mount Faber and ibis budget Singapore West Coast are a short drive from VivoCity, Singapore’s largest mall and gateway to Sentosa Island and its many leisure attractions – Universal Studios, various theme parks, sandy beaches and lush rainforests. The cluster of hotels in the eastern suburbs of Joo Chiat and Geylang are a foodie’s haven, with famous local eateries and dining houses recommended by food bloggers and influencers within walking distance. Selected hotels offer assistance with sightseeing and guided tours to these hidden gems that are not commonly found on a tourist map.

Create: Oct 21, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International News

Airbnb introduces animal experiences Tuesday, 8th October 2019

Airbnb is unveiling Animal Experiences – a brand new category of Airbnb Experiences that allow people to better understand animals through caring, expert hosts and set a new standard for animal tourism. With 1,000 Experiences co-hosted by over 300 species and their human advocates, guests can now paddleboard with corgis, kayak with conservationists, learn alongside urban beekeepers or skateboard with a world record-winning bulldog! Airbnb Animal Experiences offers a fresh new way to connect with animals near and far, so that even busy urbanites can reconnect with the natural world through hiking with rescue dogs, chilling out with alpacas or cuddling cows. Guests will meet animals in places that allow for gentle observation and bring a sense of connection far beyond animal selfies or performances. For those seeking more adventure, guests can discover arctic foxes or even help rescue puppies lost within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. At Airbnb, we envision a world where everyone can belong anywhere. Today, we extend our passion for belonging beyond humankind, committing to protect the welfare of animals across any Experience that features them. Joining more than 40,000 Airbnb Experiences available across 1,000 cities worldwide, Airbnb Animal Experiences are underpinned by a new, industry-leading animal welfare policy, created in collaboration with World Animal Protection. Animals should be appreciated for their intrinsic value and this new animal welfare policy has been designed to ensure their wellbeing at all times. Ranging from afternoon tea with naughty sheep to multi-day safaris, Airbnb Animal Experiences are hosted by caring experts as an antidote to typical tourist attractions that are notorious for ethical concerns. You will never find an Airbnb Experience where you can kiss a dolphin or ride an elephant. Beyond helping people get to better understand animals and meet them in a new way, over 100 Airbnb Animal Experiences are Social Impact Experiences, cementing our commitment to animals in the long-term by directing all proceeds from bookings to nonprofits. Supporting causes such as conservation, animal rescue, and veterinary care, these Experiences help scale impact, foster empathy and include caring for rescued horses, seeing released macaws and spending a day with donkeys. Other notable Airbnb Animal Experiences will come to life both on and offline through an exclusive partnership with The Dodo, the leading brand for mobile animal content in the U.S. and one of the world’s most-engaged media brands on social. Airbnb Animal Policy Highlights We are the first major booking platform to offer a dedicated category of animal experiences underpinned by a progressive new animal welfare policy, created in conjunction with World Animal Protection. New highlights include: Wild animals: there should be no direct contact including, but not limited to, petting, feeding, or riding animals Working animals: maximum one rider and never more than 20% of the animal’s weight, never to be overworked Marine mammals: should never be in captivity for entertainment Broader host business: should not feature elephant rides, big cat interactions, illegal wildlife trade, sporting events such as canned and trophy hunting, animals performing for entertainment Responsible travel: no wild animals as selfie props or any negative training techniques World Animal Protection will continue working with Airbnb on its approach to animal welfare based on the latest evidence and research. ANIMAL EXPERIENCES HIGHLIGHTS: Tea with Naughty Sheep (Loch Lomond, United Kingdom) Meet the Dogs of Chernobyl (Slavutych, Ukraine) Discover Arctic Foxes (Sudavik, Iceland) New Zealand Getaway and Horseplay (Auckland, New Zealand) Gibbon Research Assistant Experience (Phuket, Thailand) Urban Rooftop Beekeeping (Hamilton, Canada) Butterflies and Caterpillars Oh My! (Columbus, Ohio) Meet Life-Saving Animals (Siem Reap, Cambodia) See Released Macaws (Nosara, Costa Rica) Ultimate Cape Town Birding (Cape Town, South Africa) Wild Brooklyn Parrot Safari (Brooklyn, New York) Go on a Safari with a Maasai Guide (Nakuru, Kenya) Hike Runyon Canyon with a Rescue Dog (Los Angeles, CA) A Day in a Gaucho’s Life in the Andes (Mendoza, Argentina)

Create: Oct 12, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International News

Doubletree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah completes renovation

Rooms, restaurants and other amenities were renovated DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah has completed a major refurbishment of its rooms, restaurants, pools and other amenities. The property’s 154 rooms are now designed with new furnishings, including carpets, mirrors, upholstery, door handles, energy-saving LED lights and more. The hotel has also added new touches to the Podium restaurant and the Tree Top bar pool with sun lounges, chairs and floor refurbishments. John Riad, hotel manager at the property, said: “Our guests are our priority, which is why we are constantly re-inventing ourselves to stay relevant for them. Our refreshed facilities will give guests even more reason to visit the hotel and enjoy our wonderful hospitality.” To mark the renovations, the hotel is running an offer for AED 250, including stay and breakfast for two adults, with two kids under 12 years going free, this offer is valid until 31st October 2019.

Create: Oct 2, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International News

Intercontinental Hotels Group to develop fourth Holiday Inn in Al Khobar, Saudi

The hospitality group has signed an agreement with real estate company RIKAZ Properties Intercontinental Hotels Group will be developing its fourth Holiday Inn hotel in Al Khobar — Holiday Inn Al Khobar King Fahd Road — after signing a management agreement with real estate company RIKAZ Properties. Expected to open in January 2021, the 140-key property will feature an outdoor pool, a lobby lounge, food & beverage outlets and a gymnasium. Speaking about the new property Pascal Gauvin, MD, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said, “We are delighted to sign an agreement with RIKAZ Properties for Holiday Inn Al Khobar King Fahd Road and strengthen our mainstream offering in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We have a strong legacy in the Kingdom and are committed to leveraging the growth opportunities that Vision 2030 presents by expanding our presence across the country through our portfolio of global brands. With a number of recent signings in Saudi Arabia, across our brands such as Holiday Inn, voco and Crowne Plaza, we are growing our presence in key cities and gearing up to cater to the needs of diverse guest profiles expected to visit the country in the coming years.”Earlier this year the hospitality group signed two Holiday Inn properties in Madinah and Jeddah. “We are delighted to be partnering with IHG for our new venture. We have witnessed strong tourism figures and hotel occupancy rates in Saudi Arabia. Tourism is a focal point under the government’s vision 2030 - according to MAS (Tourism Research & Information Centre), the number of international trips made to Saudi Arabia is estimated to increase from 18 million in 2015 to 25.8 million in 2020. The Holiday Inn brand has an international appeal and we are confident that this latest hotel will perform successfully and cater to the increasing demand for midscale accommodation in the country,” said Khalid Al Gahtani, Chairman, RIKAZ Properties. IHG currently operates 92 hotels across 7 brands in the Middle East, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, voco and Six Senses Hotels Resorts with a further 41 in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.

Create: Sep 8, 2019 Edit: Sep 14, 2019 International News

Nearly 200 hotels at design stage in the GCC

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the field in the development of new hotels There are close to 200 hotels at the design stage in the GCC, according to statistics revealed by intelligence platform ProTenders. Data up to 1 July, 2019, shows there are 196 hotels at the design stage across the Gulf, insight from construction intelligence business ProTenders revealed. The total value of the GCC hotel market, which includes projects at the planning, design, tender and construction stage, is $501.8bn (AED1.8tn), sister publication Commercial Interior Design revealed. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the field in the development of new hotels, as both countries continue to prioritise tourism as a means of supporting economic diversification. It was revealed in August that five hotel chains are due to be selected by the Qiddiya Investment Company as part of the hospitality offering of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment gigaproject Qiddiya. The announcement came when the company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, unveiled details of the Six Flags theme park that will be built in 2023. In the UAE, a significant number of hotels are being developed in the run-up to Expo 2020 Dubai, which opens its doors in approximately 13 months.

Create: Sep 7, 2019 Edit: Sep 14, 2019 International News

Shaza Hotels recently announced the opening of the Al Badayer Oasis– a Sharjah collection lodge by Mysk.

Owned by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Al Badayer Oasis is a desert retreat set against the dunes of central Sharjah. Shaza Hotels’ president and CEO, Simon Coombs stated: “We are delighted to expand our presence in the UAE with Al Badayer Oasis and Shurooq. This latest opening, joining two other properties- namely the Kingfisher Lodge and Al Faya Lodge in the Sharjah Collection- creates a three-in-one travel circuit for visitors to discover the culture, traditional Arabian hospitality and natural beauty of Sharjah.” Featuring 21 rooms and 10 tents and showcasing by Arabian decor, Al Badayer Oasis is designed for luxury camping experiences. Included in the facilities are a restaurant offering authentic Emirati cuisine, an all-day-dining eatery, two meeting rooms, an indoor pool and a gym. The property also comprises an amphitheatre in the heart of the Caravanserai to host live events. Al Badayer Oasis will also offer recreational activities such as quad biking, horse riding, desert safaris and camel tours.

Create: Sep 1, 2019 Edit: Sep 1, 2019 International News

Welcome experience

Hoteliers can use the power of welcome throughout every facet of the guest experience, both within and beyond property borders. Welcoming strategies can be developed for different arrival times and in consideration of guest profiles. For travelers who arrive late, something comforting waiting in their rooms, may be just the welcoming feeling needed after the stress and fatigue of travel. Housekeeping teams can be trained to deliver something appropriate for any late arrival such as chamomile tea, warm cookies, and especially a welcome note acknowledging their late arrival with an offer to help make them comfortable, even at that late hour.

Create: Aug 29, 2019 Edit: Aug 29, 2019 Etiquettes

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Hotel Opens in Durban

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge officially opened this month, making it the first Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotel in KwaZulu-Natal and the fourth in South Africa. A highly anticipated addition to the brand’s fast-growing portfolio, it joins Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels in Melrose Arch (Johannesburg), Cape Town and Menlyn (Pretoria). A short drive from King Shaka International Airport, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge is nestled along the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal coastline in the sought-after seaside town of uMhlanga, just north of Durban. In close proximity to the breathtakingly beautiful uMhlanga Rocks Beach, the Gateway Theatre Mall and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, it provides easy access to the region’s resplendent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage as well as its burgeoning energy and vibe. Featuring the hallmarks of the Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand such as comedy and DJ nights, bold décor, and associates who go the extra mile, it is set to transform the hotel scene in uMhlanga and emerge as the new coolest hotspot. A Durban-inspired menu, a retro VW combi, DJ booth, and design elements linked to a beach and surf theme, lend the hotel its own unique flavour and twist. “Durban is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city with a need for a hotel brand that matches its spirit. We are thrilled to introduce Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand with its trend-setting aesthetic fused with local influence to the thriving town of uMhlanga. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge will provide the quirky, modern vibe that guests and locals in this area are looking for. The property reflects our agility and adaptability to identify and transform a property to suit an evolving destination,” said Volker Heiden, Area Vice-President for Marriott International. Previously a Protea Hotel by Marriott, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge has been rebranded after a complete transformation “This entailed heavy-duty renovations, an aesthetic metamorphosis, and a complete change in operations. Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels dare to be different − they are progressive and fun, and while each hotel is individual in its personality, it is this edge that unites them under the brand.We had to balance that in creating this beautifully sassy hotel,” said the designer of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge, Peter de Klerk. Guests are welcomed into a refreshed lobby that brings to life the vibe of the Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand, with mixed seating, a DJ booth and a TV wall. The new reception area features three pods and a dedicated guest relations desk. The outdoor deck features a retractable awning, three exterior pods for relaxing and dining, and a swimming pool. The VW combi completes the Fire & Ice! by Marriott atmosphere. 205 completely renovated chic and stylish guest rooms offer both comfort and thoughtful amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the Breakfast Room on the first floor and choose indoor seating, one of the two private dining rooms or the outdoor deck. Whether you’re swinging by for a crafted cocktail or looking for an indulgent delicious meal, the stylish restaurant, which features sophisticated neutral décor and delicious global cuisine prepared in an open kitchen offers the ideal venue with both indoor and a scenic outdoor patio seating option. The new menu reflects a strong African focus rooted in KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary specialties. Guests can expect a fresh take on the likes of bunny chow and curry, with a Fire & Ice! twist and elegance as well the brand’s signature (egg-ceptional) Fire & Ice! By Marriott breakfast options. No Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotel would be complete without a strong link to music. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge will host Friday DJ nights, featuring top local and national DJs. The hotel will also share the brand’s renowned sense of humour, with regular co medy nights playing host to South Africa’s top comedians.

Create: Jul 27, 2019 Edit: Aug 2, 2019 International News

Radisson Blu to open hotel within Stuttgart’s Porsche Design Tower

Radisson Hotel Group has announced plans for a Stuggart property under its Radisson Blu brand. The 168-room hotel will be housed within the forthcoming Porsche Design Tower, which will also feature an adjacent building housing a new Porsche Centre with showroom, gallery and workshop. The Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart will occupy floors nine to 23 of the tower, and will offer 550sqm of meeting and events space across ten rooms, as well as a 10th floor restaurant and bar with views overlooking the city, two rooftop terraces, and a fitness centre and sauna. According to a press release from Porsche (released in December 2018), the group said it “could move into its new home at the end of 2021”, although the tower is not expected to be completed until a year later. Stuttgart-based Porsche opened its first Design Tower in Miami in 2017, and a residential tower is also under development in Frankfurt. Commenting on the news Elie Younes, executive vice president and chief development officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “This project represents everything Radisson Blu associates with and further cements our position as the largest upper upscale brand in Europe. The timeless architecture of the 90-metre Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart is the ideal locale for our guests to stay. “We are excited about the cooperation between Radisson Hotel Group and the projects developer and investor, Bülow AG and Porsche Design, and thank them for their trust.”

Create: Jul 20, 2019 Edit: Jul 20, 2019 International News