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HILTON SIGNS NEW CONRAD, DOUBLETREE HOTELS IN RAK

Hotel News - As it continues to grow its presence in the UAE, Hilton revealed its 50th hotel in the country, with the signing of the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Conrniche Residences and the Conrad Marjan Island Resort. Both properties will help meet the increased demand for travel to the emirate, along with need for quality, internationally branded residences. Ras Al Khaimah boasts pristine beaches, historical sites and adventure attractions such as the world’s longest zipline. “Ras Al Khaimah is a fastgrowing and highly soughtafter leisure destination. The number of international visitors arrival rose by 11.2% in the first nine months of 2018 and are expected to reach 1 million this year for the first time in the emirate’s history,” said Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East, North Africa & Turkey, Hilton. “Hilton has had a presence in Ras Al Khaimah for more than 15 years. We are delighted to introduce the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand to the emirate and to open the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Corniche Residences.” Conrad Marjan Island Resort will offer 120-guest rooms, including beach villas and water villas. and world-class facilities including a fitness centre, salon, spa, an outdoor pool and a Kids Club. The hotel will also feature an extensive range of dining options including two signature restaurants, a pool bar and beach bar. Conrad Marjan Island Resort will join Conrad’s more than 33 properties across more than 21 countries.

Create: Dec 23, 2018 Edit: Dec 24, 2018 International News

Yotel announces second hotel in New York

YOTEL announced it will open in late 2020 its second city hotel in Long Island City, New York. Inspired by the sleek design and comfort of First-Class airline travel, YOTEL first launched its city hotel concept in Midtown Manhattan, just minutes away from Times Square. YOTEL Long Island City marks the group’s eighth hotel under development or operation in the US with city hotels in Boston, San Francisco and Miami alongside three YOTELPAD properties in Miami, Park City and Mammoth. Renowned as a multi-modal transport hub, Long Island City caters to leisure and business travelers alike due to its incredibly convenient location. From the new property, guests will be able to easily access Manhattan in under 20 minutes and New York’s main airports, LaGuardia and JFK, within 45 minutes. The 178-cabin hotel will be a new build property where guests can seamlessly switch from work to play – guests have access to co-working and meeting spaces, multi-functional public areas and an ‘always-open’ fully equipped gym. The indoor and outdoor rooftop terrace and bar will be the perfect space for guests to socialise and unwind, taking in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Each cabin will be equipped with YOTEL’s signature features, including the space saving adjustable SmartBed™, luxury amenities from Urban Skincare, multiple power and USB points, free super-fast WiFi and SMART TVs for guests to stream their own content when away from home. Long Island City has seen significant transformation over the past few years and boasts a wealth of cultural, educational and business offerings. It’s particularly appealing to young professionals and is quickly becoming a technology hub, which will only increase following Amazon’s announcement to open headquarters in Long Island City. Institutions including the MoMA PS1, several film studios, and educational establishments such as the Cornell Tech Campus and prominent businesses such as Citibank, Uber and Met Life are all within walking distance of the new hotel.

Create: Dec 18, 2018 Edit: Dec 19, 2018 International News

Wyndham to open three hotels in Deira, Dubai

Hotel News - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is set to increase its footprint in Dubai with three new managed hotels as part of the Deira Waterfront Development by Ithra Dubai, a wholly owned subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai. The hotels will operate under the Wyndham, Days Inn by Wyndham, and Super 8 by Wyndham brands. Also known as the Deira Enrichment Project, Ithra Dubai’s development is a mixed-use area situated along the Dubai creek in the southern part of Deira. Communal facilities, public amenities and open spaces will create a dynamic urban community along the shores of the Dubai Creek and will deliver key commercial growth opportunities for the city. The addition of three new hotels to the first phase of the development will also draw domestic and international business and leisure visitors looking for accommodation suited to a range of budgets. “We are very excited to welcome Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as a partner of our flagship development in Deira,” said Issam Galadari, director of Ithra Dubai. “Ithra Dubai’s development in Deira will enhance this busy and bustling part of Dubai, and will add to its rich tapestry woven by communities past and present. “The collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will bring a new dimension to the area’s hospitality services, and will elevate and facilitate new pathways for trade and business in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district.” The 282 rooms and suites at Wyndham Deira Waterfront will appeal to upscale travellers looking for tailored services and amenities to match, with its extensive meeting, fitness and leisure facilities, including a rooftop pool with views over the Gulf. Days Hotel Deira Waterfront will give midscale travellers a fresh burst of energy with its 131 quality rooms and suites, as well as an all-day dining restaurant and meeting facilities. Lastly, travellers on a budget will find 90 reasonably priced rooms at Super 8 Deira Waterfront, alongside a restaurant and café. “The addition of three of our most iconic global brands to this important area demonstrates Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to Dubai and the Middle East region as a whole,” said Ignace Bauwens, regional vice president for Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Together with Ithra Dubai, we know we can preserve the heritage of the area whilst still meeting the needs of the modern traveller and contributing to growing the district’s commercial opportunity. “Offering three very distinct hotel brands ranging from upscale to economy will also ensure the area holds great appeal for visitors to Dubai from many different source markets.”

Create: Dec 18, 2018 Edit: Dec 18, 2018 International News

Hotelchamp introduces AI Autopilot, aims to focus on personalized experience to take on Booking.com and Expedia

Hotelchamp, an Amsterdam-based startup has introduced a new technology called Autopilot. This new technology is set to revolutionize the way hotels think about their online guest experience. It is an AI (Artificial Intelligence) engine, which is trained to recognize and personalize the experience of visitors to a hotel’s website. Kristian Valk, the founder, and CEO of the Dutch startup Hotelchamp states that hotel websites provide a static experience for the visitors. This is bizarre given the different guests who visit these sites and their varied preferences. This is what the startup intends to change with the introduction of Autopilot. Without further ado, let’s see how Hotelchap aims to take over Booking.com and Expedia with its new AI feature. Hotelchamp intends to help hoteliers by providing a better experience to the guests. It is aimed at scaling up quickly and growing at a hyper-fast pace. Enhancing the experience of the guests comes with personalization. In fact, personalization is something that guests expect from hotels and it is a challenge to deliver that on a website in a meaningful way, claimed Valk. This is where AI comes to the picture. Artificial Intelligence can deliver a truly adaptive website experience, which is customized to every single visitor. It brings the right information or interaction to the right person at the right time, he added. The newly launched Autopilot is more than a chatbot. It customizes the static hotel websites by deploying a range of marketing techniques and tools. As it is seamlessly integrated, it offers a more lively, responsive and personalized experience. Furthermore, it guides guests throughout the direct booking process based on their requirements. Hotelchamp’s data science team has used their years of data and millions of A/B test impressions on developing Autopilot. They have used all these data to know what convinces guests to book directly. The new technology applies this knowledge against factors such as real-time data from the hotel’s website, best practices from thousands of hotels and GDPR-compliant visitor insights as well as behavior. Hoteliers just have to activate Autopilot with a single switch and the rest is assured.

Create: Dec 11, 2018 Edit: Dec 12, 2018 International News

AccorHotels signs two new Vietnam properties for Mövenpick brand

AccorHotels has continued to expand its portfolio in Vietnam with the signing of two new stunning sea-facing properties. Slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2021, the opening of Mövenpick Resort Van Phong and Mövenpick Resort & Spa Halong Bay will add 525 rooms to the growing portfolio in the region. “The addition of Mövenpick Resort Van Phong and Mövenpick Resort & Spa Halong Bay will bring our total pipeline of Mövenpick properties to nine in Vietnam. “AccorHotels currently has 28 properties ranging from economy to luxury brands across Vietnam. “We look forward to bringing the brand’s signature Swiss hospitality to a variety of alluring destinations across the region,” said Patrick Basset, chief operating officer for AccorHotels in upper north-east and south-east Asia and the Maldives. Vietnam was named among the destinations with the biggest year-over-year increase in international tourist arrivals at 29.1 per cent, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s report. This year, the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Vietnam in the first six months of 2018 surged 27.2 per cent year-on-year to 7.9 million. On July 1st this year, the Vietnamese government granted visa exemptions for tourists travelling from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy for the next three years until June 2021. AccorHotels is the biggest international hotel operator in Vietnam with 6,101 rooms across a wide spectrum of brands. The group will be opening another 13 hotels across the country in the next two years, bringing the total portfolio to 41. Nestled on a pristine stretch of coast just 130 kilometres from Cam Ranh International Airport, Mövenpick Resort Van Phong features 200 rooms and suites plus 100 villas. Overlooking the turquoise sea, the brand beachfront resort features two restaurants, an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay in Northern Vietnam, the 325 room Mövenpick Resort & Spa Halong Bay offers convenient access to the area’s main tourist attractions and activities on Halong Road and Halong Bay Cruise Port. The resort features two restaurants, a rooftop pool and lounge that overlooks the spectacular views across the iconic, islet-studded bay, a spa and a fitness centre. MICE facility includes a 300-seater ballroom and a selection of meeting rooms

Create: Dec 6, 2018 Edit: Dec 16, 2018 International News

Waldorf Astoria signs four-year partnership with Aston Martin

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has signed a four-year global partnership with Aston Martin Lagonda, bringing together two enduring icons of global luxury. From exclusive guest access to Aston Martin’s most recent cars, to bespoke drive and stay packages in some of the most sought-after destinations in the Waldorf Astoria portfolio, the collaboration combines the exceptional standards of sophistication and service that are at the heart of both brands. “Aston Martin Lagonda was a natural choice for a partnership of this magnitude,” said Dino Michael, global head, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton. “At Waldorf Astoria, experience and service are at the core of everything we do, and this partnership offers a rare opportunity for our guests to live unforgettable at our properties around the globe.” Beginning in 2019, Waldorf Astoria Driving Experience weekends will present hotel guests with a variety of Aston Martin’s latest models to sample along carefully tailored routes. These bookable sessions will be led by Aston Martin’s team of professional drivers, giving Waldorf Astoria guests an expertly curated opportunity to explore the unmatched performance, refined craftsmanship and exhilarating driving sensation delivery by Aston Martin. Simon Sproule, president, Aston Martin Partnerships, said: “This partnership opens both brands up to new and exciting opportunities. “Aston Martin Lagonda and Waldorf Astoria share a passion for creating beautiful experiences for our customers, rooted in the joy of travel and discovery. “Together, we can create memorable journeys that combine the best in global hospitality and driving pleasure.”

Create: Dec 6, 2018 Edit: Dec 8, 2018 International News

Centara Hotels signs for three new properties in Laos

Centara Hotels & Resorts has signed management agreements for three new properties with Asia Investment, Development & Construction Sole. The latter is a well-established enterprise in Laos. In the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, Centara plans to open an upper upscale Centara Grand Luang Prabang and a midscale Centra by Centara property, both near the town centre. The third property will be under Centara’s new lifestyle brand, Cosi, catering to the growing segment of connected, freedom-loving travellers. It will represent a unique offering in Vientiane, the Laotian capital. The management agreement comes as Laos launches ambitious new plans to promote tourism. In recent years, the government of the Lao PDR has come to regard tourism as a priority sector for driving socio-economic development. It hopes to attract five million visitors in 2018 and increasing numbers in the years ahead with a Visit Laos campaign under the slogan Simply Beautiful. The country’s picturesque mountains, atmospheric towns, and humble friendliness are being discovered by Thai, Chinese and Western visitors. And it has one factor particularly in its favour: superb value. According to a new report from the Swiss-based World Economic Forum, Laos ranks 14th among 136 countries in price competitiveness. “This partnership with AIDC is a great opportunity to expand our footprint into a distinctive country,” said Centara chief executive Thirayuth Chirathivat. “Laos is on the list of more and more travellers to this region, and we want to serve them with the distinct and varied accommodation options to match the travel experience they are seeking.” Luang Prabang is the well-preserved, old spiritual city at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers. Although well-served by direct flights to its airport and modern amenities, it lives up to its World Heritage status with beautiful temples and traditional riverside life. Bicycles outnumber cars. Delicious baguettes, croissants, cafés and French restaurants hint at the French colonial history in both Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Pheutsapha Phoummasak, president of AIDC Laos said: “We are excited to partner with Centara to bring their trusted brands to these great cities and further promote the tourism potential of Laos. “Luang Prabang and Vientiane are very popular destinations for both Thai and international travellers thanks to their perfect blend of history, beautiful scenery and charming character.”

Create: Dec 3, 2018 Edit: Dec 3, 2018 International News

Djubo Hotel Management Software

DJUBO is the world's only fully integrated hotel technology suite which offers OPERATIONS, DISTRIBUTION, MARKETING, REVENUE MANAGEMENT and INTELLIGENCE solutions in a single , easy to use and intuitive software. Djubo's Product Universe includes the following products seamlessly integrated with each other: DJUBO PMS - Property Management System DJUBO POS - Point of Sale DJUBO INSTACONNEKT - Channel Manager DJUBO DIRECT - Booking Engine DJUBO CEREBRUM - Revenue Manager DJUBO FORESIGHT - Rate Shopper DJUBO STARSIGHT - Reputation Manager Djubo comes powered with new age cutting edge technology which not only helps a hotel increase revenues but also reduce workload and cost significantly. Djubo requires no hardware installation or costs. It is a plug and play software which comes in extremely attractive quarterly and yearly pricing plans. Djubo Hotel Management Software Djubo Hotel Management Software

Create: Nov 17, 2018 Edit: Mar 17, 2019 International Hotel Management Software

Emirates Palace Luxury Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE; the most expensive hotel in the world with gold plated

A lavishly imagined dream, Emirates Palace offers you a magical location to enjoy the quintessence of award-winning 5-star luxury hospitality and authentic local experiences. From 394 luxurious rooms and suites, to our award-winning culinary cuisine, Emirates Palace is the definition of an unrivaled and Arabian fantasy. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the Capital of the United Arab Emirates and only 40 minutes from the airport, Emirates Palace is grand in both its design and myriad of offerings. From a 1.3 km pristine beach, landscaped pools and a private marina overlooking a natural bay, Emirates Palace is perfect for a once-in-a lifetime holiday or for events and meetings that make a statement, with some of the city’s largest hotel conference centers and the latest technology.

Create: Nov 17, 2018 Edit: Nov 18, 2018 International News

Qatar considers Iran offer to host World Cup teams

Qatar is considering offers from Iran to host teams during the 2022 World Cup, as an alternative to the boycotting GCC countries which it had originally planned on working with. According to the chief organiser of the event, Hassan Al Thawadi, Iran has recently offered to host teams who will play in tiny Qatar in the World Cup which starts in four years time. When asked whether teams could be based in Iran, Mr Al Thawadi said Qatar had received "numerous proposals from countries with regard to hosting teams" around the time of the tournament. Mr Al Thawadi said he hoped Qatar's neighbours would lift a ban on their citizens visiting Qatar in time for the World Cup, which kicks off on November 21, 2022. The country's original pitch in its bid to host the tournament included plans to use facilities elsewhere in the Gulf. "I hope the blockading nations can see the value of this major tournament and can allow for their people to benefit from this tournament," he said.

Create: Nov 17, 2018 Edit: Nov 17, 2018 Regional News

criticisms of the Executive Director of the Iranian Hoteliers Community on how the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran works against hoteliers

The manager of the Iranian Hoteliers Community, in a report on Hotel Directors' emphasis on “two rates for hotels”, said: despite many adversaries even in the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran, hotel management has become an enduring and challenging job due to increased and abnormal costs. On the other hand, the hotel's pricing is not free in Iran, and it is totally within the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran’ discretion. Referring to the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran’ instructions on the issue of room rates for foreigners which can be in foreign currencies, Abbas Bidgoli said: "Visitors should pay attention to the Nima system for foreign currencies, which is a significantly different in exchange rate with the free market in Iran. They should be aware of all people who offer them hotel discounts instead of exchanging currencies for them! He argued that the only offer by the Iranian hoteliers’ community to the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran is to make a rule for hotels to receive room rates at foreign currencies. If this offer is not applicable, at least they should let hotels be free to change the currencies themselves based on free market and out of NIMA system. He continued: "The costs of goods and energy carriers, including water, electricity and gas have been multiplied in hotels, but hoteliers do not want to compensate this increase by increasing rates.

Create: Nov 10, 2018 Edit: Nov 10, 2018 Regional News

Social Media Marketing in Tourism and Hospitality

This book describes ongoing developments in social media within the tourism and hospitality sector, highlighting impacts on both the demand and the supply side. It offers a combination of theory and practice, with discussion of real-life business experiences. The book is divided into three parts, the first of which provides an overview of recent trends in social media and user-generated content, clarifies concepts that are often used in an overlapping way and examines the “digitization of word of mouth” via online networks. The second part analyzes the impacts that social media can have on traveler behavior for each step in the travel process and also on suppliers, highlighting opportunities, threats and strategies. In the third part of the book, future potential trends deriving from the mobile marketing technologies are explored and possible methods for social monitoring by means of key performance indicators are examined. It is considered how engaging customers and prospects by means of social media might increase customer loyalty, foster electronic word-of-mouth communication, and consequently have important effects on corporate sales and revenues. The discussion encompasses methods to measure company performance on each of the social media in order to understand the optimal mix that will support and improve business strategies. Social Media Marketing in Tourism and Hospitality Code: iranhotelnews.com

Create: Nov 1, 2018 Edit: Jul 14, 2019 International Books