German hospitality industry still far below pre-crisis revenues

The German hotel and restaurant industry in July further recovered from its slump caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but sales were still down more than a quarter when compared to pre-crisis levels, the statistics office said on Tuesday.

Revenues were up 21.9% month-on-month in real terms when adjusted for seasonal effects and declined by 26.8% versus July 2019, the office said in a statement.

Catering companies were hardest hit with a decline of 41.9% on the year.

The sector was essentially shut down in March as Germany’s 16 states introduced wide-ranging distancing measures to slow the spread of the pandemic.

Some restaurants temporarily closed while others switched to take-away services to stay afloat. Hotels were hit by a slump in leisure travel and cancelled trade fairs and congresses.

Reporting by Thomas Seythal; Editing by Andrew Heavens

The Portfolio Club locks in £76.5m deal to develop new lifestyle brand hotel concept in London

The Portfolio Club is to develop a new lifestyle hotel concept in central London after acquiring an expansive block in Covent Garden for £76.5m.

The Portfolio Club is a joint venture between pension fund APG and real estate investment advisory London Central Portfolio, which was launched last year to create the new hospitality brand in prime central London locations.

The deal to acquire the freehold island site Wellington block on the south east corner of Covent Garden from Capital & Counties Properties PLC, is the second step towards this ambition for The Portfolio Club.

Lebanese American chef launches Dubai cloud kitchen | Dayma by Bethany Kehdy features dishes from her best-selling cookbooks

The vegetarian-friendly menu will focus on seasonal and sustainable ingredients and is available on all major food delivery apps across the emirate.

Lebanese American chef Bethany Kehdy has launched a new Levantine cookhouse for delivery-only in Dubai.

The cloud-based kitchen service, Dayma, will be offering up a range of Kehdy’s signature dishes from the bestselling cookbooks including Kalbid’s rice kibbeh, aubergine, sfiha stars, prawn sambusek, carrot mutabal, and more.

Kehdy is known as the author of The Jewelled Table and The Jewelled Kitchen cookbooks, and was the founder of Taste Lebanon.

Minor Hotels signs for new Thai wellness retreat

Minor Hotels has signed a partnership with M.K. Real Estate Development to launch RAKxa Fully Integrative Wellness and Medical Retreat.

It is hoped the ground-breaking development that will cement Thailand’s position as a world-class medical wellness destination.

VitalLife Scientific Wellness Centre, a subsidiary of Bumrungrad International Hospital, is a third partner on the deal.

Launching in December, RAKxa was conceived as a fully sustainable medical wellness retreat within Bang Krachao on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok.

The concept, at the crossroads of science and tradition, aims to deliver bespoke healthcare in a relaxing environment.

Dubai Tourism closes four establishments over health and safety violations

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has closed four establishments, suspended the permits of 14 others and issued warnings to 19 more companies for failing to enact proper COVID-19 precautionary measures.

DTCM said the establishments and companies did not put measures in place across all tourism touchpoints, though left out the names of those penalised.

The department stressed that its list of precautionary measures are needed as part of the emirate’s strategy to restart various sectors in a phased manner and eventually bring back normalcy. It added that its recent Safe Travels stamp given by the World Travel & Tourism Council reinforces the importance of these efforts.

The news comes days after DTCM announced that 90 percent of the emirate’s hotels have been awarded the Dubai Assured hygiene stamp. Launched in collaboration with Dubai Tourism, the Department of Economic Development (DED) and Dubai Municipality, the stamp was rolled out in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The stamp is based on the preventive protocols issued by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

CDC Study Suggests Dining at Restaurants Poses Greater COVID-19 Risk

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the results of a study of COVID-19 patients and the activities they participated in and the interactions they had in the two weeks before they tested positive for the respiratory illness.

Eating at a restaurant also seemed to be a bigger determining factor for a positive test than a number of other activities, including going to an office, visiting a hair salon, going to a gym, riding on public transportation, or attending a religious service.

www.foodandwine.com/news/cdc-covid-study-restaurants-dining-out

Fairmont Sanya Haitang Bay Resort to Open December 2020 in China

Accor announces its first Fairmont Resort in Greater China, in partnership with Hainan Keenwin Holdings. The newly refurbished Fairmont Sanya Haitang Bay is set to open in December 2020 following extensive renovations to the property.

Fairmont Sanya Haitang Bay is situated along the beautiful golden coastline of Haitang Bay. With views towards the diver's paradise of Wuzhizhou Island and Yajia Daling Mountains, the resort has the best Feng Shui to bring harmony between travellers and nature.

Fairmont Sanya Haitang Bay features a team of star designers and architects, which includes world-renowned interior designer Nick Winai Suansalee from Leo Design Group as well as landscape architecture by Francis Leung, the former Design Director of Belt Collins. The resort has the formal symmetry often found in imperial palaces, and offers a number of exquisite architectural gems that are destinations in their own right. In accordance with ancient Chinese architectural principles, a pair of Watchtowers forms the portal to the resort. Covered Lounge Bridges made from stone arches act as pathways to the lobby pavilion, providing rest, shelter and vistas of intricate cornices against the green surrounds. Within the lobby, precious detailed wood carvings on walls and ceiling friezes took more than two years to complete and demonstrate a sense of grandeur and profoundness. Its unique 1,200-meter long river is the world's first sea water canal running within a hotel. Guests can take a dragon boat ride to reach guestrooms and all other hotel facilities whilst enjoying the ever-changing scenery and amazing landscapes. For those who wish to learn more about the resort's relics, the Wood Art Gallery is a courtyard house boasting fine furnishings and artefacts from both the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty.

Soneva Fushi unveils world’s largest one- and two-bedroom overwater villas

Soneva Fushi’s new Water Retreats are soon to be ready to welcome guests, adding yet another facet to the original barefoot luxury resort.

Guests can expect innovative designs and some new changes to the iconic Water Retreat designs that can be found at Soneva Jani.

Soneva’s floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, is a luxury two-cabin yacht that sets sail from Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

There is a multi-purpose facility that encompasses the Maldives’ only hot glass studio, the glass gallery, and boutique where guests can learn the art of glassblowing.

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Dubai crowned best medical tourism destination in the region

The emirate of Dubai has maintained its position as the Arab region’s top medical tourism destination for the second year in a row.

That is according to the Global Medical Tourism Index released by International Healthcare Research Centre (IHRC) Worldwide, which ranks international cities on their healthcare services to foreign travellers.

The emirate was scored against three criteria, where it ranked fifth in quality and services facilities; seventh for its environmental offerings and 13th for its medical tourism industry. Altogether Dubai was ranked sixth for its medical tourism offerings out of a cohort of 46 international destinations.

The achievement is thanks to the efforts of the Dubai Government, represented by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), to strengthen the medical tourism sector in the emirate and boost overall economic diversification.

Rose Rayhaan by Rotana appoints general manager

Rotana has appointed Mamdouh Ali as general manager for Rose Rayhaan by Rotana in Dubai.

Ali has been associated with Rotana for over seveb years. With more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ali progressively occupied more responsible positions at major hotels in Egypt including resort destinations at Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, before moving to the UAE in 2012 and taking on the role of Deputy General Manager of Pegas Touristic.

In 2013, Ali joined Rotana Hotel Management Corporation as Head of Sales – Travel Trade and in 2017 was promoted as General Manager, Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh.

Fairmont Port Douglas Hotel to Open in Far North Queensland in 2023

Accor will bring the Fairmont brand to Australia for the first time, with the announcement that the Fairmont Port Douglas is set to open in Far North Queensland in 2023.  Set on the edge of two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest - the hotel has been sustainably designed to give back to the environment.
 
“We are excited to bring the extraordinary Fairmont brand to Australia and are confident that Fairmont Port Douglas will deliver a new level of luxury and sophistication to one of the country’s most glamourous resort towns,” said Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Pacific. “Accor continues to expand its luxury offerings in Australia and, as our first Fairmont, this is going to be a truly special resort, whose architecture mimics the rich biosphere of the Daintree Rainforest and, which is centred on well-being, nature and cultural immersion.”
 
Fairmont Port Douglas will boast 253 glamorous rooms, several restaurants and bars, a decadent day spa, a treetop walk and panoramic conference and wedding facilities, all designed around resort-style pools and built to blend seamlessly with nature. From the organic architecture to copious green spaces and natural light, the resort brings nature close, with butterfly nets above the children’s swimming pool, an intimate lobby inspired by birds’ nests and verdant tropical gardens.

Courtyard by Marriott Penang takes brand into Malaysia

Marriott has announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Penang – the first Courtyard property to debut in Malaysia.

Located along the bustling Jalan Macalister in the heart of Penang’s UNESCO-listed George Town, the new 199-room Courtyard by Marriott Penang is set to provide the best hotel experience for guests to pursue their personal and professional passions while on the road.

“We are thrilled to continue to grow our presence in Malaysia with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Penang,” said Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific, Marriott International.

“Designed for today’s ambitious and enterprising traveller, the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Penang marks Marriott International’s 17th brand in Malaysia and further compliments our growing footprint in the country.”

Radisson adds dual-brand property at Heathrow

Radisson Hotel Group has welcomed two new brands at London Heathrow, joining forces under one roof.

The new Radisson Red hotel features 258 bedrooms showcasing the bold and playful design of the brand.

The other bedrooms, of which there are more than 600 in the neighbouring Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow, follow the Scandinavian-inspired Radisson style, nodding to the heritage of the group.

Family rooms with bunk beds able to accommodate up to four people are featured at both properties.

Hyatt Announces Plans for Thompson Monterrey

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced plans for Thompson Monterrey, the first Thompson hotel in Mexico’s state of Nuevo León. The 150-room lifestyle hotel is expected to open in 2022 and will mark the fourth Thompson-branded property in Mexico.

“Thompson Monterrey comes at a time of significant growth for the Thompson Hotels brand and will represent the brand’s entry into a key new market,” said Alfredo Reynoso, director of  development, Mexico, Hyatt. “The Thompson brand aligns very well with Monterrey’s position as a business and entertainment destination, and we look forward to introducing a new lifestyle offering that will provide experiences that celebrate its destination in a sophisticated way for guests and locals alike.”

Developed by Visa Desarrollos and Grow2, Thompson Monterrey will be located in the San Pedro Garza García, a contemporary financial and commercial area of Monterrey in the state of Nuevo León. Located near headquarters for many national and multinational companies and university campuses, the hotel will be part of Torre IKON, a new-build mixed-use complex with aproximately 215,000 square feet (20,000 square meters) of office space. Thompson Monterrey will occupy a portion of the 31-floor tower designed by Duda Paine Architects, which is set to be one of the most iconic high-rise buildings in the San Pedro Garza García.    

Thompson Monterrey will provide a truly superior experience with just the right amount of edge to the San Pedro Garza García through its thoughtfully curated design, culinary sophistication, and effortless yet intuitive service. From the moment guests arrive, they will experience elements of Monterrey’s culture in the hotel’s sought-after hub – its rooftop bar – which will reflect the guests’ authentically stylish and dynamic lifestyles with a buzzing social scene and thought-provoking arts and entertainment.

IHG Signs Two New Hotels in Bangladesh

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement with Evalona Limited for two new build hotels in Bangladesh. The 200-room Holiday Inn Resort Kuakata is due to open in early 2026 and the 150-rooms Crowne Plaza Kuakata will open its doors to guests in Q1 2028. Located on the second largest beach in Bangladesh, both hotels will be best in class products in the country.

Affirming an optimistic mid-long-term outlook despite on the ongoing global pandemic, this marks the third signing across four hotels for IHG in the SWA region since Q2 2020.

Located approximately 280 kms from Dhaka, Kuakata is a beach town on the banks of the Bay of Bengal in Southern Bangladesh. A beautiful destination on its own, the beach is 18 kms long and 3 kms wide and offers a full view of sunrise and sunset. The location can also be accessed by speed boat from the Sundarbans (mangrove forests) and is in close proximity to Payra Seaport development, which is set to become an important seaport in the country.

A perfect destination for MICE events, Crowne Plaza Kuakata will offer a ballroom accommodating 800-900 guests, two function rooms, two meeting rooms, a business centre and a boardroom (2,475 sqm in total). Offering a wide range of F&B options, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants and a lobby lounge & bar. For guests to rejuvenate, Crowne Plaza Kuakata will feature a spa, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and a recreation area, as well.

Positioned as a great destination for leisure travelers, on opening, Holiday Inn Resort Kuakata will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness centre, a retail area along with an indoor and outdoor recreation area. The hotel will also offer a meeting room and a boardroom for guests with business requirements.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG commented: "We are pleased to announce the signing of two new hotels in Bangladesh in partnership with Evalona Limited. Being built at an excellent location, Crowne Plaza Kuakata and Holiday Inn Resort Kuakata will be amongst the first international hotels in Kuakata and will benefit from the latent demand for international, branded holiday and MICE destination within Bangladesh.

He added: The signing is testament to our long-term commitment to grow in the SWA region and introduce right brands to key markets with the right partners. Despite current challenging circumstances, we are confident in the mid-long-term outlook of the industry – it is great to see that our owners share the same sentiment and are investing in our trusted brands."

Sadiq Rahman, Managing Director, Evalona Limited said: "We are excited to partner with IHG for our first hospitality project and bring Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands to the beautiful beach of Kuakata. IHG has a strong reputation in the country with their existing portfolio and a robust pipeline. We are confident that we will benefit from their experience, expertise and operational excellence, and that both hotels will be successful on opening in the future."

IHG has 39 hotels in SWA across mainstream, upscale and luxury segments and 54 in the pipeline. *

*numbers as of June 30th 

Gregory Viaud Appointed Resort Manager At Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort - FL, USA

Gregory Viaud has recently been appointed as the new Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Viaud joins the Orlando property from Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, where he served as Hotel Manager. A 16-year veteran of Four Seasons, Viaud has traveled the globe with the company, working at properties in London, Bora Bora, Maui, Bali and Los Angeles, in addition to Philadelphia.

Viaud graduated from the Vatel Nimes Hotel and Tourism Business School in the south of France and carries hospitality, tourism and adventure in his heart. His trajectory with Four Seasons began at the Park Lane London hotel in 2004. Later, he traded in city life for island living, relocating to Bora Bora, Bali, and then Hawaii. During this tenure, Viaud advanced to Food and Beverage Director and learned to love the natural beauty of a remote location. After eight years in the South Pacific Islands, Viaud and his family embarked on a journey to explore the US mainland, establishing a home in Los Angeles at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel followed by his move to Philadelphia and now, Orlando.

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Middle East's hotel performance increases in July 2020

The hospitality industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) continues to see marginal improvements each month as properties adapt to COVID-19. According to the latest data from STR, July was a stronger month than June, though performance as a whole is still low compared to the pre-pandemic.

For the Middle East, occupancy was down 41.8 percent to 35.3 percent compared to July 2019. The average daily rate (ADR) meanwhile fell 9.6 percent to US$106.93, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) dropped 47.4 percent to $37.70.

Compared to June 2020, this is a step towards the right direction for the Middle East, where occupancy was just 33.6 percent the month previous. ADR and RevPAR also improved from $97.31 and $32.72 respectively.

Looking at the UAE individually, occupancy in July 2020 was down 40.7 percent to 37.8 percent. ADR only fell by 3.6 percent to AED326.98, though RevPAR slipped by 42.9 percent to AED123.44.

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Marriott International Appoints Felitia Lee Controller and Chief Accounting Office

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced the appointment of Felitia Lee as Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, effective August 28, 2020. Ms. Lee will be the Company’s principal accounting officer and report to Leeny Oberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Lee succeeds Bao Giang Val Bauduin, who is taking on the role of Chief Financial Officer for Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses for the company. Ms. Lee joined Marriott in May 2020 supporting management of the company’s accounting operations.

“Felitia brings a strong track record of leading large organizations through change and delivering results,” said Leeny Oberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Marriott International. “Felitia has significant financial experience in controllership, audit, shared services and acquisitions and integrations. I look forward to her and Val playing pivotal roles in leading Marriott into the future.”

Prior to Marriott, Ms. Lee served as Senior Vice President and Controller for Kohl’s Corporation where she led financial reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley processes, capital management, tax planning and compliance.

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Zomato report says 10% restaurants have closed down, 30% more could shut due to Covid impact

New Delhi: Nearly 10 percent dine-out restaurants across the country have shut down while 30 percent more restaurants currently not operating due to COVID are not likely to reopen even after the pandemic ends, a new report by leading food delivery company Zomato said.

According to the report released Wednesday, these restaurants are among the 83 percent dine-outs that are currently non-operational. The remaining 43 percent of restaurants that are shut are likely to open as the situation improves.

“Out of the 83 percent restaurants that are not open for business, 10 percent of restaurants have already shut down permanently… an additional 30 percent restaurants might not reopen at all. The remaining 43 percent, which are closed right now, is likely to open as the situation becomes better,” said the report.

The rest of the dining industry is operating at just 8 to 10 percent of the gross merchandise value (GMV) from earlier levels pre-pandemic levels, it said.

“Nearly 60 percent restaurateurs said they estimate to retain less than half of their original business volumes for a few months even post-COVID,” the report said.

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Spinneys reveals 24 winners of F&B incubator programme

ocally-owned supermarket Spinneys announced the winners of its incubator programme for micro food and beverage suppliers in the UAE, which launched in May 2020.

Participation in the programme surpassed Spinneys’ expectations with more than 160 local businesses entering submissions. In response, the grocer has increased the number of winners, with 22 brands to be fast-tracked onto Spinneys’ shelves, and another two companies accepted into its product development programme.

The initiative has also been recognised by the UAE government’s Food and Water Security Office for its contribution to the country’s National Food Security Strategy.

Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, Minister of State for Food and Water Security, says: “A leading objective for the UAE Food and Water Security Office is to support local food production, which includes helping innovative start-ups to enhance domestic agriculture and re-imagine the UAE’s food sustainability landscape. This aligns with the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy and the directives of our wise leadership, which recognises the importance of local tech-enabled production to strengthen the UAE’s food security.”

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