HT-NEXT Debuts a Simulated Hotel Environment to Bring Tech Solutions to Life in a Virtual Format

The producers of HT-NEXT announce that the industry-leading conference for the hospitality technology industry will debut a unique format among virtual events: HT-NEXT will unfold inside a simulated hotel environment that brings to life technology solutions for the "new normal" of hotel operations.

Originally planned as a virtual hybrid event with a physical meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., HT-NEXT is moving to a fully virtual experience for the safety of all stakeholders, now taking place Dec. 1-3, 2020.

"We've been developing HT-NEXT with a unique virtual program since early this year. In moving entirely online, we're excited to bring the industry together in real-time with a purpose-built experience, as safely as possible," said Abigail A. Lorden, publisher of Hospitality Technology magazine, which produces HT-NEXT.

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Middle East opens just seven hotels in Q2 2020, reveals report

The Middle East’s pipeline of hotels has shown signs of slowing down as COVID-19 forces workers to stay at home and funds dry up amid difficult economic situations. In Q2 2020, just seven hotels opened in the region.

According to Lodging Econometrics’ latest Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the Middle East, the region’s hotel construction pipeline stood at 591 projects/169,538 rooms in Q2 2020. This is a seven percent drop in terms of projects and a six percent drop in rooms YoY, as well as being the fourth consecutive quarter of deceleration since peaking in Q2 2019.

Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months are down by 31 percent by projects and 34 percent by rooms YoY to end the second quarter at 109 projects/25,658 rooms. Projects in the early planning stage are at 119 projects/26,422 rooms. Altogether, only 1,469 hotel keys entered the region in the quarter.

Hospitality projects under construction, however, are at an all-time high of 363 projects/117,458 rooms.

Countries with the most projects in the construction pipeline are Saudi Arabia with 210 projects/69,610 rooms and the United Arab Emirates with 186 projects/55,797 rooms, followed by Egypt with 60 projects/14,641 rooms, then Oman with 36 projects/6,967 rooms. Dubai continues to lead the construction pipeline in the UAE with 144 projects/44,895 rooms, revealed the report.

With its strong push into leisure tourism and hospitality, Saudi Arabian cities top the list in terms of pipeline size. Riyadh has a record-high 62 projects/12,414 rooms planned, while Jeddah has 50 projects/10,705 rooms and Makkah has 31 projects/32,387 rooms.

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IHG Loses 103 Hotels to Sonesta

Service Properties Trust (Nasdaq: SVC) today announced that it will transfer the branding and management of 103 hotels to Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, or Sonesta, from InterContinental Hotels Group plc (NYSE: IHG), or IHG. As previously announced, SVC sent notices of termination to IHG for failure to pay SVC’s minimum returns and rents due for July and August 2020 totaling $26.4 million, plus accrued interest, and IHG had until August 24, 2020 to avoid termination by making payment to SVC. SVC did not receive any payment from IHG by August 24, 2020, nor does SVC expect to receive any payments from IHG in the future, and the management agreements with IHG will be terminated. The effective date of the termination is November 30, 2020, which is the same date that SVC currently plans to transfer the branding and management of these hotels to Sonesta.

SVC’s management agreements with IHG cover 103 hotels (three InterContinental®, five Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, 11 Crowne Plaza®, three Holiday Inn®, 20 Staybridge Suites® and 61 Candlewood Suites®) in 30 states in the U.S., the District of Columbia, Ontario, Canada and Puerto Rico. Upon transfer to Sonesta, SVC expects that these hotels will be operated under the Royal Sonesta, Sonesta and Sonesta ES Suites brands. There are currently 80 Sonesta branded hotels worldwide.

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Radisson Hotel Miami Beach Announced

Radisson Hotel Group today announced the signing of Radisson Hotel Miami Beach. The hotel will offer 216 guest rooms and suites. With its exceptional oceanfront location, guests will have endless opportunities to relax in the outdoor pool or walk around the beautiful butterfly garden. Those looking for more entertainment can visit the sundeck, which will host special events and poolside barbeques. Prior to opening its doors in Q4 of this year, the property is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation to further enhance the guest experience with state-of-the-art amenities and services.

“This hotel is a phenomenal addition to our Radisson portfolio, serving as a top destination with stunning oceanfront views and fantastic amenities for every type of traveler,” said Phil Hugh, chief development officer, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. “We are excited to see our growth in Miami with this hotel opening just a few months before the opening of the newly constructed Radisson RED Miami Airport. Our development team is working diligently to expand our footprint in more key gateway markets, with beautiful hotels like Radisson Hotel Miami Beach.”

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Thai hospitality firm Dusit International announces re-entry into India

Thailand-based hospitality firm Dusit International has announced its return to India with a plan to open at least two Dusit-branded hotels per year 2021 onward in tier I and tier II cities.

The company will focus on markets such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru – as well as key leisure destinations such as Goa.

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Ginger Announces The Signing Of Three New Hotels

MUMBAI, AUGUST 25, 2020: Ginger Hotels announces the signing of three new hotels –two in Chennai and one in Patna –designed around the brand’s lean luxe philosophy of offering a vibrant, contemporary and seamless hospitality experience to its guests. The two Chennai properties will take the total number of Ginger hotels in the city to five, while the Patna property will be the brand’s second hotel in the city.

Commenting on the signings, Ms. Deepika Rao, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Ginger Hotels said, “Ginger Hotels recorded unprecedented growth in FY 2019-2020 with the addition of 1,250 rooms to its portfolio across India – the highest any single brand in the country has signed in the year. These three new signings carry this momentum further.”

The 99-room Ginger located in Sirusari, Chennai is a management contract with M/s KVSN Properties Pvt. Ltd. Ginger Pallavaram, Chennai, which will feature 108 rooms, is a management contract with Ravin Hotels Pvt. Ltd.

Ginger Bailey Road, Patna with 95 rooms, is strategically located, connecting Danapur and Patna city. This hotel will be a fully fitted lease agreement with PSVS Enterprises LLP.

As state capitals, Chennai and Patna are both high demand markets. With the addition of these hotels in different micro-markets, the Ginger brand deepens its market penetration in cities that are important commercial hubs of India.

U.S. Hotel P&L Turned Positive In July

BROOMFIELD, Colorado - U.S. hotel gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) reached positive territory for the first time since February, according to STR's latest monthly P&L data release.

In a year-over-year comparison with July 2019, the industry reported the following:

GOPPAR: -93.3% to US$5.74

TRevPAR: -74.1% to US$60.04

EBITDA PAR: -115.1% to US$-9.24

LPAR (Labor Costs): -64.8% to US$28.46

The industry had registered negative GOPPAR values for four consecutive months: March (US$-2.10), April (US-$17.98), May (US$-10.26) and June (US$-5.89).

The industry had registered negative GOPPAR values for four consecutive months: March (US$-2.10), April (US-$17.98), May (US$-10.26) and June (US$-5.89).

"As the industry inched closer to 50% occupancy, we saw continued incremental improvement in the subsequent profitability metrics," said Raquel Ortiz, STR's assistant director of financial performance. "We are of course nowhere near pre-pandemic levels, but there were additional encouraging signs in positive GOPPAR for full-service hotels and six major markets."

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Atlantis, The Palm to showcase the world's largest canvas

Five-star Dubai resort Atlantis, The Palm will showcase the world’s largest art canvas in November this year. Created by famous artist Sacha Jafri, the canvas is hoped to raise in excess of AED110 million (US$30 million) for charity.

Dubbed as the ‘Modern-day Sistine Chapel’, the canvas covers the Atlantis ballroom floor, coming in at just under 2,000 sqm or around the size of two football pitches. Jafri has spent 24 weeks on the painting, with plans to finish the piece on September 10.

With the support of The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), together with The Global Gift Foundation, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai Cares, and the UAE Government, the canvas is the flagship piece in the artist’s ‘Humanity Inspired’ charity drive.

Money raised from the sale of the artwork will go towards installing internet connectivity in some of the world’s poorest regions, enabling those in need to learn about medicine, healthcare, vaccines and sanitation.

Sandpiper Lodging Trust Has Acquired Two Candle wood Suites Hotels Located in South Carolina

Sandpiper Lodging Trust announced the acquisition of two Candlewood Suites Hotels located in North Charleston and Bluffton, South Carolina from DC Hospitality. Both properties are mid-scale extended stay hotels located in two dynamic hospitality markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Carter Rise, CEO of SLT, stated, “We are extremely excited to add these two hotels to the Sandpiper Lodging Trust portfolio. We have targeted the Charleston and coastal South Carolina market as an area with exciting long-term demographic advantages, and we are pleased to be able to acquire two quality assets in these markets.”

“Adding the Candlewoods Suites flag to our portfolio is consistent with our strategy to focus on mid-scale and upper-end economy extended stay assets as we grow SLT. Our core extended-stay portfolio has weathered the pandemic reasonably well, and we are grateful to our lenders and equity partners for their confidence in us as we continue to grow our footprint. We expect to continue to opportunistically grow our portfolio over the balance of the year and into 2021.”

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Rixos Water World Aktau Hotel opens in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has welcomed the opening of a new all-inclusive luxury resort, Rixos Water World Aktau Hotel.

With 500-rooms, the property sits on its own 420-meter-long beach, offering some 500 square metres of promenade pier and a sunbathing area.

For discerning travelers, there are a total of 23 suites and 15 luxury villas.

Now fully operational, the property will employ 750 people, with training taking place at the Mangistau College of Tourism.

In addition, some of the hotel staff will be trained in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

It also becomes the fifth Rixos hotel in Kazakhstan – with the company also offering accommodation in capital Nur-Sultan as well as Almaty, Shymkent and the Burabay resort zone.

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DEBUNKING THE MYTHS ABOUT HOTEL INDUSTRY by Deepanshu Chawla

Deepanshu is a Certified Hospitality Trainer , a Six Sigma-Green Belt and has been associated with top luxury hospitality brands in India and the Maldives. He is instrumental in driving Employee Performance , Strategy , CSR and Talent Development.

Through his Youtube Channel, Deepanshu aspires to assist and coach students & passionate hoteliers by helping them reach peak performance and by creating content that is not only easily accessible but also one that creates a positive difference and adds value to the viewers.

Here’s his first video!

$500m Saudi giga-project still on track for 2024 opening

Hospitality and property management firm Al Khozama Company has announced it’s the District Al Faisaliah development project has now entered its second phase of construction.

Estimated to cost SAR2 billion ($US533 million), District is expected to open in 2024. One of the Kingdom’s many new ‘giga-projects’, the development incorporates Al Faisaliah Tower, Al Khairiah Towers, Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Faisaliah Suites, Hotel Al Khozama and the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall in the Olaya District.

The first of the project was announced three years ago, where the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall was extended by 20 percent for a luxury retail space of 35,000 metres squared. The first phase also saw the introduction of restaurant brands such as Yauatcha, Meraki, Mamo Michelangelo, La Petite Maison and La Brasserie to the area. Now in the second phase, the District will work to integrate all of its retail, commercial, entertainment, hospitality, wellness and residential spaces. The popular Al Faisaliah Hotel is currently being renovated as part of the project’s development. Completion of the facelift is expected next year.

Another plan for the development’s second phase is the replacement of Hotel Al Khozama. One of the Kingdom’s oldest hotels – more than forty years old – the property will be replaced with a new hotel by 2024. The new property will boast 200 keys, two restaurants, MICE facilities, a spa and gym and a pool deck.

HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, chairman Al Khozama said: “The strategy followed by Al Khozama Company is aligned with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision in creating new benchmarks and opportunities for excellence, and contributing to the country’s long-term success. The District is one such example.”

Mr. Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, chief executive officer of Al Khozama Company added: “Under the leadership and direction of our chairman, we are proud to achieve significant success in hospitality, retail centres and F&B to create an unrivalled lifestyle and unique experience for the Saudi community and its guests.”

Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA brings five-star hotel to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA has opened its first Grand Millennium-brand property in the Kingdom, located in the city of Tabuk.

Designed for both business and leisure guests, Grand Millennium Taruk is located close to the Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Airport. Inside, the hotel features 218 keys spread across rooms, suites, and a large royal suite.

“Grand Millennium Tabuk represents the first Grand Millennium in Saudi Arabia and unfolds a story of the bygone era. The hotel is reminiscent of the vintage Hejaz Railway and the intricate design speaks volumes of stories reminding of the nostalgic Hejaz Railway,” said Kevork Deldelian, chief executive officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East and Africa.

Hejaz Railway provided an immensely important route for travel and trade between Damascus and Al Madina. Each room of the hotel has been designed to celebrate the history of this railway station, with photographs and art of the station found throughout the property.

The hotel outlets include Al Maksoura (The cabin) all-day dining restaurant, Juzurna Arabesque restaurant, Al Multaqa (The gathering place) Lobby Café and Al Manzar Pool Lounge in addition to a ballroom for weddings and events with a total space of 1082 sq m and capacity up to 800 people, five meeting rooms with a total meeting space of 283 sq m. The hotel also includes a recreation area with outdoor and indoor swimming pools for adults and kids, gym and spa facilities for ladies and gents, two tennis courts, multipurpose court and kids’ play area.

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Robert Megargle Appointed General Manager At Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero - CA, USA

Robert Megargle was most recently the Hotel Manager at the original Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco on Market Street, and in 2016 was the first hotel professional to be named to San Francisco Business Times' "40 Under 40" in recognition of his leadership. Prior to his arrival in the city in 2014, his tenure includes positions in Maui, New York and his home city of Detroit.

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Annabell Javinez Appointed General Manager At Quest Perth Ascot, Australia

Quest Apartment Hotels has today announced the appointment of Annabell Javinez as General Manager of Quest Perth Ascot, set to open next month.

With more than ten years' experience working for Quest, Annabell hails from Quest South Perth Foreshore where she spent eighteen months as Property Manager. Prior to this, the hospitality professional devoted just short of nine years at Quest Townsville, where she worked her way from front office staff to property manager.

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Revealed: Accor and IHG considered merger

French hospitality company Accor considered a possible merger with the UK’s InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) – which would have created the world’s largest hospitality company.

French newspaper Le Figaro reported the news, which was then reported by Bloomberg.

it said that Accor Chief Executive Officer Sebastien Bazin created a team in June that included Chief Financial Officer Jean-Jacques Morin and bankers from Centerview and Rothschild, to look into a possible deal.

Accor’s board was in favour of the idea, but Bazin put the project on hold as he thought it wasn’t the right time.

According to Reuters, an Accor-IHG merger would create a US$17 billion super-firm of more than 11,000 hotels. A merger would also put the two firms ahead of rival Marriott in terms of rooms, with more than 1.6 million between them.

A merger would bring together IHG brands such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza with Accor’s Raffles, Sofitel and Ibis. It would also save on HQ expenses and loyalty programs, said Le Figaro.

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Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC to reopen next week

Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC will reopen its doors to guests on Monday following a temporary closure due to Covid-19 related restrictions.

To ensure compliance with local regulations the hotel is operating with reduced facilities in dining and spa as well as at the fitness center.

Located along the capital’s revitalized Southwest Waterfront, the property offers five-star luxury with refreshed guest rooms in a picturesque setting and sweeping vistas of the waterfront or courtyard gardens.

It is conveniently located a short walk from the nation’s most prominent monuments and attractions in the District Wharf neighborhood.

For guests seeking a peaceful respite, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC is also available to provide renowned treatments and programs with updated Covid-19 safety and hygiene measures in place

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Gordon Ramsay wants to open a restaurant in India, and location might be Kerala

Before Covid-19 brought the world to a standstill, Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay was in Coorg, shooting for the second season of National Geographic’s “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted". He cooked famous pandi curry for local women in Coorg. He also shot portions of the show in Kerala, which spurred him further to think about opening a restaurant in "God's Own Country".

In an interview with IANS, Ramsay said: “There are very few countries in the world that have such unique diverse flavors from north to south and then east to west. Every state, every region in India has its own specialty in food. I have been coming to India for so many years, and every time I explore something new. It’s the love of local people that compels me to visit the country again and again. I really want to open my restaurant for the Indian people in India."

Speaking about South Indian cuisine, he said, “The south is all about spices and it felt amazing to smell the fragrances of those masalas. It was an incredible experience visiting India this time. I shot with local female cooks. Trust me, they are far, far better than me. In fact, I was surprised to see how they were not sweating while cooking in such hot climate."

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40% restaurants may not reopen at all in India: Zomato

New Delhi: While the online food delivery space is somewhat returning to normal, the dining out industry in India has been hit hard and is operating at only 8-10 percent of the pre-COVID levels, a new Zomato report revealed on Wednesday.

Out of the 83 percent of restaurants that are not open for business, 10 percent have already shut down permanently.

“We anticipate an additional 30 percent of restaurants to not reopen at all. Remaining 43 percent are closed right now but are likely to open as the situation becomes better,” said the ‘Indian Restaurant Industry – Mid COVID-19 Report’ released by the online food delivery platform.

The slump in the dining out industry is largely driven by markets being in lockdown, consumers not stepping out due to fear of transmission and restaurants not opening up, even if the city is not in lockdown

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Emirates offers summer packages in Seychelles

Emirates is offering UAE nationals and residents a chance to plan a quick escape this summer to Seychelles and unwind at some of the world's most pristine, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. The airline was the first international airline to return to the island country, coinciding with its re-opening to tourists on August 1.

Covid-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents, and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.

Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED3,705 ($1,008), Business Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED10,915, and First Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED22,045. The offer is valid for bookings made starting today until 7 September 2020, for travel until 31 May 2021.

Visitors to Seychelles will be captivated by its stunning white-sand beaches and lush, tropical forests. Go on an adventurous hike, relax in five-star hotel resorts, or enjoy exploring the island's diverse marine life. To visit the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination, UAE travelers must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test, conducted within 72 hours of the date of travel. For more information on travel entry requirements to Seychelles

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