Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City Gets Second Award In One Month

It has been a bumper month for accolades at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City as the hotel scooped its second award in the four-star hotel award category, this time at the MENA Travel Awards.

The 246-roomed hotel was named as the best four-star hotel in the region by a panel comprising of leading hospitality consultants, known as CHA International (Consultants of Hospitality Administrators).

This platinum category award comes fast on the heels of the hotel taking the crown in same category at the Business Traveller Awards 2009.

Pasquale Baiguera, the hotel’s General Manager said: “The award is very significant for us as this is a direct endorsement of our service from a cross-section of the audience including the hospitality industry, in-house guests and restaurant customers.”

The MENA Travel Awards 2009 ‘Hospitality Best of the Best’ award winners are selected through an independent system where voters were requested to submit their recommendations for each category.

According to CHA International, the votes are vetted by award auditors making it truly transparent judging process.

“Our team is honoured and delighted to receive this award especially as our guests have recommended us to win. The end-users were asked for their feedback and to pay particular attention to the standards of the service and products on offer, and in a gesture of support to the efforts of our team, we came out on top,” said Pasquale.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is located in the heart of the emirate’s regional technology and communications hub and offers 246 rooms, including five suites, designed in a contemporary style. The hotel offers several food & beverage outlets – including the award-winning Italian restaurant, Certo, and Chef’s House, 12 meeting rooms. The hotel also offers a full-service spa, Senso Wellness Centre with five themed massage rooms and two outdoor pools.

Najem: A Star On The Rise

Gulf Housing Solutions has announced the launch of Najem, which will provide the hospitality industry with innovative, premier quality employee housing solutions. Translated as „a star on the rise‟, Najem was introduced by GHS, the leading specialist and independent provider of housing concepts to meet the demand for quality employee accommodation across the GCC and UAE.

Set to raise the standard of employee accommodation for the hospitality sector and beyond, Najem will use a number of distinct construction methods, including a dynamic new construction method of uniquely designed, modular units that not only include the latest technology but are an extremely fast, flexible and innovative method of creating premium and customised employee housing complexes.

“Through the introduction of Najem, Gulf Housing Solutions will raise the benchmark for staff accommodation throughout the GCC and UAE,” said Juan Fernando Valdivieso, President and CEO of Gulf Housing Solutions. “Through its international standing within the industry, Gulf Housing Solutions will meet the demands of premium, cost effective and innovative employee housing throughout the Gulf region, whilst exceeding owners and governments requirements for international accommodation standards

Valdivieso added that Najem is more than a unique housing concept but also a much-needed innovative and practical way forward of providing and managing quality employee accommodation: “Where hotel management is concerned, we offer a comprehensive turn-key solution. Najem will facilitate the process of setting up and managing employee accommodation on behalf of hotel management, enabling them to focus on their core business, namely average daily and occupancy rates as well as guest satisfaction”

Najem’s modular offering, includes units which are maintained and operated according to international best practices and standards of quality, safety and health, are easily transported, cost effective and extremely durable.

They can be customised to meet individual client requirements and modular units, available in single or double occupancy, come fully fitted with amenities that include private bathrooms and kitchenettes.

In conjunction with the launch of Najem and to reinforce Global Housing Solutions‟ dedication and support of the hotel industry, the company has recognised the region‟s best hotels by sponsoring the Best Hotel Staff Accommodation Award, part of the 2009 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) Development Awards. The prestigious Best Hotel Staff Accommodation Award was presented by GHS to the Hyatt Hotel, Dubai in recognition of their excellent staff housing complex, Sahari Village.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City Hailed As Best Four-Star Hotel In Middle East By Business Travellers Awards 2009

As industry leaders at the recent Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and Arabian Travel Market pegged the four-star segment as one to watch, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City scooped the Business Traveller Awards 2009 for the best four-star hotel in the Middle East. The annual award ceremony was held during the region’s annual travel week (in Dubai, May 4 2009).

Pasquale Baiguera, the hotel’s General Manager said that the award is voted by independent readers of Business Traveller magazine and signals a genuine appreciate for the property which is located within Dubai’s first commercial, city-based free zone within the catchment of Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Village. He said that more than 55,000 professionals are estimated to be working within the three-prong business area, which is a stones-throw from the emirate’s new residential areas of Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah.

“This award signals a strong commitment by the public to Radisson Blu, DMC, and points to their acknowledgement that we provide one of the best business lifestyle experiences among the region’s hospitality sector. We feel very proud.

“We accept this recognition on behalf of the team, the star performers and many of them working with passion behind the scenes,” he added.

Baiguera said that the Business Traveller Middle East Awards continue to be the benchmark for excellence in the region’s travel and hospitality industry, including best airlines, airports, hotels, golf courses and car rental companies.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is located in the heart of the emirate’s regional technology and communications hub and offers 246 rooms, including five suites, designed in a contemporary style. The hotel offers several food & beverage outlets – including the award-winning Italian restaurant, Certo, and Chef’s House, 12 meeting rooms and Senso Wellness Centre with five themed massage rooms and two outdoor pools.

Master Class: The Emirates Academy Of Hospitality Management To Offer Masters Program

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, one of the world’s leading hospitality management schools and part of Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel group; is pleased to offer a new Master of Science degree in International Hospitality Management – the first of its kind in the GCC region.

Commencing in October 2009, the programme is aimed at the hospitality leaders of the future, building on the foundations laid by undergraduate studies with an emphasis on managerial competence. It will be open to students continuing their education with the Academy as well as external applicants looking to advance their careers into executive, corporate and senior management levels.

The post-graduate curriculum is based on extensive industry and educational research and has been benchmarked against 15 other internationally renowned Masters programs. With senior and executive managers from the hospitality trade contributing to the course design and content, graduates will emerge with highly developed skills and knowledge relevant to the industry.

“The introduction of the Masters programme is demonstrative of the Academy’s commitment to improve and enhance hospitality standards worldwide” affirmed Ron Hilvert, Managing Director of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management. “The programme will deliver an important competitive advantage to graduates; something that is increasingly demanded by the hospitality industry.”

The programme can be completed in one year based on a full time study load; the option of a part time program is also available to allow students to combine their studies with employment opportunities.

For further information and enrolment requirements, please visit the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management online: www.emiratesacademy.edu

The Address Hotels + Resorts Makes Global Imprint With Prestigious Industry Awards

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the five star premium hotel brand owned and operated by Emaar Hospitality Group, has marked its global imprint in less than one year of the brand’s launch by winning prestigious international industry awards.

The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town, the two properties in The Address portfolio currently, have won industry-leading honours at the World Travel Awards and the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference Development Awards, both held in Dubai this week.

Billed as the ‘Oscars of the Tourism Industry’ and the sector’s highest accolade, the World Travel Awards celebrate the best practices in travel and hospitality. Established 16 years ago, the awards encourage tourism organisations to set new boundaries for customer service, value and innovation. The winners are selected by votes from agents and travel professionals globally.

This year, with a record of over 170,000 professionals voting for the awards, The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai emerged triumphant with two awards – ‘Dubai’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading New Hotel.’ The Palace – The Old Town received the honour of ‘Dubai’s Leading City Resort.’

Another impressive laurel for The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai was at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) Development Awards, which acknowledge innovative hotel design, development and best practice in the Middle East. Launched last year, nominees are judged by key professionals within the hospitality industry who evaluate them for innovation taking into consideration the scale of the project, design, use of materials and practices that redefine the hotel industry.

The Awards complement the AHIC, which showcases hospitality investment opportunities to a global high-profile audience. The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai was adjudged as ‘Best New Hotel’ at the AHIC Development Awards.

Another crowning glory for the hotel came from Condé Nast Traveler, the world’s authoritative travel and hospitality magazine, which included The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai in their Annual Hot List 2009. The ultimate insider’s guide to the newest and hottest hotels opened all over the world features only those establishments whose design, service and amenities transcend industry standards. The magazine’s editorial team pursues a stringent policy in creating the list taking into consideration location, service and amenities provided, and the listing comes as an impressive achievement for a hotel that opened only in October 2008.

Mr Amit Arora, Corporate Director, Sales and Marketing, Emaar Hospitality Group, received the awards on behalf of The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai at the World Travel Awards. Mr Olivier Heuchenne, General Manager, The Palace – The Old Town accepted the award for ‘Dubai’s Leading City Resort.’

Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group said: “We launched The Address Hotels + Resorts brand six months ago and have consolidated the strength of differentials of our brand, with the opening of our flagship property The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, and assuming the management of The Palace – The Old Town. For The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai to be awarded with these prestigious accolades, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our associates who have helped establish the brand and uphold its individuality.”

Mr Heuchenne said: “The Palace – The Old Town has a captivating Middle Eastern theme, which makes it appealing to the global traveller. Its design excellence, central location within the heart of the city and the various lifestyle amenities make it an unparalleled resort experience. We are greatly honoured to be awarded this prestigious accolade by the World Travel Awards.”

The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town are centrally located in Downtown Burj Dubai, the flagship mega-development by Emaar Properties. Described as the new soul of the city, Downtown Burj Dubai features Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building; The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and leisure destinations and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.

Seven Tides Unwavering About Hotel Developments In Dubai

Independent United Arab Emirates holding company Seven Tides and associated companies is to showcase four new luxury hospitality developments all due to open between the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 in Dubai – two of which are on the iconic Palm Jumeirah – at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which takes place on 5-8 May 2009 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.Michael Scully, Managing Director Hospitality for Seven Tides said: “These five-star developments are multi-use and have been designed for sophisticated lifestyles, whether it‘s business or leisure. However we will create a fun environment and it is that combination that underpins our unique proposition. They also mark the arrival of a new name in the hospitality sector – Seven Tides which remains committed to its development plans despite the global economic climate.”Scully said that Seven Tides and associated companie was confident in the long-term future of the hospitality industry not only in the UAE, but throughout the region and beyond. “As well as the four developments we are showcasing at ATM – Royal Amwaj and Oceana on Palm Jumeirah, Ibn Battuta Gate and Movenpick Deira – we are planning future hotel developments in Dubai as well as continuing with our drive to acquire hotels worldwide.”Established in 2004, Seven Tides, which also ownsDukes Hotel in London, has partnered with prestigious international hospitality brands including Anantara, Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts and Campbell Gray Hotels as its growth continues.Two of the four new developments Seven Tides is opening in late 2009 – early 2010 are on the Palm Jumeirah. The Mövenpick-managed Royal Amwaj (amwaj means wave in Arabic) luxury resort and spa on the Palm crescent is Seven Tides’ flagship property and will feature 293 hotel rooms and more than 400 condominium apartments.The Royal Amwaj will offer a variety of culinary delights including South American, Thai, seafood and Asian cuisine. The resort will also feature two natural lagoons, a large swimming pool, tennis courts, Asian spa, water sports club as well as business and banquet facilities.Oceana, meanwhile, will be a beachfront hotel centrally located on Palm Jumeirah’s trunk. This private residential community will offer beach access and panoramic views to its in-house guests. “For those who want to escape from it all, Oceana will provide an ideal retreat for its residents, with an impressive array of amenities and services,” Scully said.In terms of a corporate flagship property, Ibn Battuta Gate features an iconic entrance arch which is larger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Located next to Ibn Battuta Mall, the property will be managed by Mövenpick, offering a combination of offices, apartments and a five-star hotel and spa.“Ibn Battuta Gate aims to capture the best of living and working in New Dubai with a unique combination of modern offices, serviced apartments and five-star hotel offering a lifestyle that balances city and retreat, business and pleasure,” Scully said.”All four developments, in addition to the stylish Dukes Hotels in St James, London, managed by Campbell Gray Hotels and recently awarded five-star classification, will be showcased at the ATM.“ATM is the perfect platform to relaunch these properties. With so many international and regional tour operators and travel specialists in attendance we can ensure that Seven Tides developments are put on their radar screens now,” added Scully.
 

Marriott International To Open New Regional Headquarters In Dubai On January 1, 2010

In recognition of its rapidly expanding presence in the Middle East and its anticipated expansion in Africa, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced today that it will open a new regional headquarters in Dubai on January 1, 2010. The office will greatly expand its current area operations in the region and its opening coincides with the 30th anniversary of Marriott’s participation in the region’s hospitality industry.The new regional office will be responsible for the operations, finance, sales, marketing, human resources for five of Marriott International’s hotel and resort brands in the Middle East and Africa, including its JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. Today, the company has an area team in Dubai which reports into its London-based regional office.“We are positioning ourselves to take full advantage of the unprecedented growth in tourism that the region is predicted to attract over the next decade,” said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging for Marriott International.He said that some 68 million arrivals are expected in the Middle East by 2020. “Couple that with the global spotlight the FIFA World Cup will focus on the southern part of Africa in 2010 and you have the foundation for amazing growth despite the current economic difficulties,” he added.Mr. Fuller said that Marriott’s portfolio of hotels in the Middle East and Africa has increased substantially since the company opened its first hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1980.“Today, we operate 22 properties spanning five lodging brands and totaling more than 6,500 rooms. We expect to more than double our presence in the region over the next 36 months as we add approximately 30 hotels,” he said.In addition to the new regional office, Marriott International will continue to have a development team and a global sales office based in Dubai.
 

Al Bustan Centre & Residence To Participate In Kazakhstan International Travel & Tourism Fair

Al Bustan Centre & Residence, the deluxe hotel apartments which offer world-class services and facilities in the heart of Dubai, is participating in Kazakhstan International Travel & Tourism Fair (KITF) running from April 23 -25 in the picturesque City of Almaty.

The fair is an annual event and serves as an excellent tool to promote tourism products. The event provides the right platform to buyers, exhibitors, national and international representatives from hospitality industry, and travel planners to establish new contacts and tap potential markets.

Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer of Al Bustan Centre & Residence, said: “The tourism potential of Kazakhstan is rich and versatile, and offers unique opportunities for development of almost all kinds of tourism. Thus we are very glad to participate in this exhibition along with a great number of international companies and tourism boards. We have prepared a very innovative itinerary for the exhibition to attract potential customers and make their travel to Dubai very special.”

Moussa added that during the fair, Al Bustan Centre & Residence will give all the details and facilities of the property and offer custom made tours to tourists wishing to visit Dubai. It will also offer them the opportunity to experience traditional Arabian culture. The property will also focus on introducing travel products targeting young tourists to Dubai by cooperating with various associations across Kazakhstan. The property will cooperate with travel agencies and airline companies to offer many different travel products themed on the luxurious shopping experience.

The event will give an opportunity for Al Bustan Centre & Residence to develop strategic relationships with different markets in the region and beyond and pave the way for a host of new opportunities such as international joint ventures.

Middle East Expected To Outgrow Other Global Tourist Destinations On Course To Achieving 68.5 Million Arrivals By 2020

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the 5 star premium hotel brand owned by Emaar Hospitality Group, has recently partnered with Al Basel Consultancy to promote The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace, The Old Town hotels across the region through Al Basel’s extensive regional network of hotel clients, including members of royal families and VIPs.

Aiming to leverage the long-term potential of the Middle East hospitality industry, which is expected to record robust growth rates and reach an estimated 68.5 million arrivals by 2020, Al Basel has revealed that it has devised an up-selling strategy for its joint sales campaign in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar targeting VIPs and royalties.

Al Basel Consultancy, a leading business consultancy firm and a member of the Al Basel Group, is highlighting its growth in line with World Tourism Organisation’s (WTO) “Tourism 2020 Vision” which estimates international travel to the Middle East to grow at a significantly faster rate than other competing global destinations, opening a host of possibilities and opportunities for the region’s hospitality and tourism operators. From around 46.4 million in 2007, WTO estimates arrivals in different Middle Eastern destinations to reach 68.5 million by 2020, representing a growth rate of 7.1 per cent over the period 1995-2019.

Marc Dardenne, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts said: “Emaar Hospitality Group is setting new trends in the hospitality sector and our partnership with Al Basel Consultancy will drive our growth-goals of expanding our reach to high-profile guests from around the world, by offering them an unparalleled hospitality experience. Al Basel Consultancy’s large network of contacts, particularly in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, will help us reach out to both new and emerging markets in the region. Al Basel has a distinguished track record and extensive knowledge of the region’s booming hospitality sector, which are critical factors in achieving the goals of our joint marketing initiative.”

Basel Al Kasem, CEO, Al Basel Consultancy said: “The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town are two premium hotels that have strong potential to become favourite destinations of the region’s high-end customers. Al Basel Consultancy has devised a marketing strategy that will help The Address Hotels + Resorts strengthen its client base in the region and boost market exposure of these premium hotels through our wide network of contacts, particularly among VIPs and members of royal families in the GCC.”

Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality and leisure projects and assets worth USD 1 billion (AED 3.67 billion). The Group’s portfolio includes several hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, a polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas.

Al Basel Consultancy has a number of business interests in various sectors in the UAE and in the greater GCC region. The company boasts a highly competent team of professionals led by the company’s CEO Basel Al Kasem, recognised as one of the region’s leading figures in real estate consultancy, who has comprehensive knowledge of the regional market and hands-on experience with elite projects such as the iconic Burj Al Arab.