IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) recently signed an agreement with Dyafah Al Mutahida LLC to open a 200-key Staybridge Suites in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This will be the first Staybridge Suites property, offering an extended stay experience in the region.  Staybridge Suites Hira Street will form part of Dyafah Al Mutahida LLC's ...

Middle East, May 21, 2013

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has forayed into Saudi Arabia by securing a management contract for its first premier serviced residence in Riyadh.  Ascott Olaya Riyadh is slated to open near the King Abdullah Financial District in 2015. The management contract was awarded by Rafal Real Estate Development (RAFAL). The serviced residence ...

Middle East, May 21, 2013

Shaza Doha is gearing up for its opening in Spring 2016. The hotel will offer 180 rooms and suites, three dining venues, an executive club, the signature Shaza Hammam & Spa, a Kids' Club, and the country's first art gallery to be integrated into the lobby.  Shaza Doha will boast one ...

Middle East, May 20, 2013

The Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Tourism, Orascom Hotels and Developments and Rotana announced that a new five-star Rotana Resort will soon join the list of hospitality destinations in Salalah.  The development of the 444-key Salalah Rotana Resort is in line with the Ministry's strategy to strengthen Oman's reputation as a ...

Middle East, May 20, 2013

Rotana guests in key markets will be able to access information in five languages (in addition to English) on their website.  This move is expected to further boost Rotana's international reach. With 49% occupancy growth in the wider Middle East region in 2012, the company is investing in building its Arabic ...

Middle East, May 20, 2013

IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) announced its quarter one results with a profit of US$21.3 million and total income reaching US$44m, an increase of 283% compared to the same period last year. Earnings per share increased 783%, from a loss of one cent in Q1 2012 to a profit ...

Middle East, May 20, 2013

Morocco's tourism sector has seen significant recovery during 2013. Statistics from Moroccan ministry of tourism show that revenue from the tourism industry crossed approximately US$506 million in January 2013. This is an increase of 5.9% over the corresponding period last year.  Analysts attribute this growth to the 3.4% increase in number ...

Middle East, May 20, 2013

Wyndham Hotel Group recently announced the opening of first Days Inn hotel in Saudi Arabia.  The 56-room Days Hotel Olaya in Riyadh is the first of 10 Days Inn hotels planned in the country as part of an exclusive development agreement announced late last year with Riyada International Hotels and Resorts. Eric ...

Middle East, May 19, 2013