The Heart of Europe and IHG Hotels & Resorts partner to bring the first InterContinental Resort to Dubai

The new 466-key InterContinental Resort Portofino, The Heart of Europe will open its doors in early 2026 on The World Islands Dubai, strengthening IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and leisure portfolio in the region.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 February 2024: The Heart of Europe, the flagship project of Kleindienst Group, signed an agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, to launch and manage the InterContinental Resort Portofino, The Heart of Europe on The World Islands, Dubai. The signing marks the first resort property in Dubai from the iconic InterContinental brand, reaffirming the company’s commitment to bringing luxury experiences across key leisure destinations in the region.

This latest signing strengthens the partnership between the two companies and marks the third hotel to be added to the joint portfolio of IHG Hotels & Resorts and The Heart of Europe. It also complements The Heart of Europe’s principles, embodying The World Islands’ mission to unite global cultures, bridging diverse backgrounds through its unparalleled global excellence in architecture, development, innovation, and sustainability.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with The Heart of Europe to bring our inaugural 'InterContinental Resort' in Dubai, marking a milestone in IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Being a one-of-a-kind first in the emirate, the new resort is poised to redefine the leisure and luxury space in Dubai, promising an immersive experience for all guests.

He added: “We are confident in our partnership with Kleindienst Group in offering unique guest stays within a dynamic location like The Heart of Europe. We look forward to welcoming travellers worldwide upon the hotel’s opening in early 2026.”

Banyan Tree announces its first signed property in Europe

Banyan Tree Varko Bay targets opening in 2026,
promising one of the best sustainable luxury experiences in Greece

Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading multi-branded hospitality groups, is set to debut in Europe with the upcoming Banyan Tree Varko Bay. The new luxury resort to be developed on the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia, Aitoloakarnania, is the result of the successful collaboration between Banyan Tree and the French hospitality group, Accor. Targeting to open in 2026, the five-star resort will consist of approximately 116 villas and 43 branded residences, seamlessly embedded into the stunning coastal surroundings of the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia.
 
Applying Banyan Tree’s pioneering expertise across the all-pool villa concept, the resort aims to offer a unique sense of place through tranquil, wellbeing-centred accommodations, backdropped by unforgettable views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding islands of Lefkada, Meganisi and Skorpios, as well as luxurious facilities for rejuvenation of both mind and body. This includes the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a water sports center, several state-of-the-art venues for meetings and events, a beach club, several bars and three restaurants including the signature Saffron where guests can dine on delectable Thai fare.

In keeping with Banyan Tree’s core pillar of sustainability, Banyan Tree Varko Bay will be constructed and operated with an uncompromising approach to sustainability and eco-sensitivity, immersing guests in a flourishing natural environment. Built in partnership with the award-winning Greek Elastic Architects, the resort aims to be the first in Europe to achieve LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and to become a model of sustainability for the hospitality sector. Mirroring existing Banyan Tree developments, the resort will prioritise responsible water use—70% of water will be reused for irrigation, the use of renewable energy sources and the encouragement of vegetation growth. By ensuring the majority of all its hotels are covered with vegetation and developing plant-centred tropical spas, Banyan Tree creates beautiful contemporary spaces that are also friendly to the surrounding environment.

Banyan Tree Group operates over 60 hotels worldwide, with a potential pipeline of more than 50 projects  by 2025. The addition of Banyan Tree Varko Bay will build on the brand’s core concepts of sustainability and wellbeing-centred luxury, while reinforcing Banyan Tree’s leadership in this highly demanding sector.

NEWS | Leisure Demand Continues to Drive Hyatt's Brand Growth in Europe

Hyatt’s diverse brand portfolio reflects sustained growth, fueled largely by its independent collection and lifestyle brands

CHICAGO (September 7, 2021) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into six new management and franchise agreements for hotels in Europe across The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, and Hyatt Regency brands, further emphasizing a growing desire from travelers, World of Hyatt members, and owners for hotels that offer unique, differentiated experiences and foster genuine connections with people and cultures.

Today’s announcement builds on Hyatt’s growth strategy to significantly expand its brand portfolio in Europe by the end of 2023 – the six new executed agreements are expected to increase Hyatt’s brand presence in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. This is in addition to the recently announced planned acquisition of Apple Leisure Group (ALG), which is expected to expand Hyatt’s European brand footprint by 60 percent.

“The newly executed agreements highlight the positive strides we are making towards our growth strategy in Europe, and the new projects sit alongside a strong pipeline of Hyatt-branded hotels scheduled to open over the coming years,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, Hyatt’s vice president development, Europe. “Confidence in the hospitality sector remains high among investors, and we are delighted to collaborate with leading owners and operators who recognize the value and profitability of Hyatt’s entire brand portfolio, with an emphasis on Hyatt’s independent collections, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt brands, and lifestyle brands, including Hyatt Centric. With these new deals, we are asserting our expertise in leisure destinations, reinforcing that Hyatt’s brands continue to resonate and cater to leisure travelers.”

Newly executed deals include:

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt hotel in Crans-Montana, Switzerland

The luxurious boutique hotel Rhodania in the Swiss Alps is expected to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in 2023. The 41-room hotel is currently located right on the third tee of the famous Severiano Ballesteros golf course, approximately 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level in one of the most prestigious and well-established year-round mountain destinations in Switzerland. The region is also well known for its wealth of sporting options, including skiing, mountain biking, hiking and golfing; one of the most renowned golf tournaments played on European soil takes place in Crans-Montana each year. The hotel is expected to deliver on the brand’s mission of providing experiences that inspire unforgettable memories for guests seeking elevated yet unscripted service when they travel. Inside the hotel, the rooms and suites will be characterized by their elegant and luxurious décor. The hotel’s food and beverage outlets will offer high-quality local products and regional cuisine at both the main restaurant and the Swiss Chalet, creating unique dining experiences for worldly, independent-minded guests.

Leading Hotels of the World Adds 12 Members

NEW YORK—The Leading Hotels of the World Ltd. (LHW) has added 12 new members to its portfolio. LHW’s fall collection is defined by their independence and their deep cultural connections within their destinations. Property additions include hotels around the globe that are set in restored monasteries, luxurious tented camps, expansive farm estates and even new waterfront masterpieces.

“It is my pleasure to welcome these 12 distinguished new members to our LHW community of more than 425 hotels around the world. Our newest additions embody our community’s commitment to being the leader of independent, luxury hospitality. The hoteliers within these properties demonstrate the creativity and agility that makes the experience of independent hotels so special,” said Shannon Knapp, president/CEO, The Leading Hotels of the World. “For more than nine decades LHW has been at the forefront of creating the highest standards that have set the bar for worldwide luxury hospitality. The passionate hoteliers of LHW have welcomed guests for generations with remarkable care and we are certain these 12 new members will continue this proud tradition of excellence.”

New to The Americas

Nobu Hotel Chicago (Chicago, U.S.)
Nayara Tented Camp (La Fortuna, Costa Rica)

New to Europe
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj (Rovinj, Croatia)
Relais San Maurizio (Santo Stefano Belbo, Italy)
Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel (Sicily, Italy)
São Lourenço do Barrocal (Monsaraz, Portugal)
Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine (Sardon de Duero, Spain)
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace (Marbella, Spain)
La Reserve Eden au Lac Zurich (Zurich)

New to Asia
The Murray Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR, China)
The Kahala Hotel Resort Yokohama (Yokohama, Japan)
Capella Bangkok (Bangkok)

Source

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Announces New Signing - To open InterContinental in Rome

Key Take Away

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) announces the signing of a franchise agreement with Westmont Hospitality Group and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), for a captivating property in the heart of Rome.

The project is held by a newly established real estate investment fund managed by Milan-based Castello SGR, one of Italy’s premier real estate management companies

Region overview: Europe to welcome 300,000 new hotel rooms

Key Take Away

With hotels finally reopening after the COVID-19 crisis and demand picking up again around the world, confidence is rising that the hotel industry could soon return to its pre-crisis growth trajectory.

As of late May, 1,675 hotels are in the pipeline, adding another 292,924 rooms to Europe’s hotel offering.

Hilton is expanding aggressively in Europe, and consequently, four of its brands are represented in the list of Europe’s top 10 fastest growing hotel brands.

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, which has 20 hotels in its pipeline, followed by Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts and Scandic hotels with 18 upcoming openings each.

For more information

tophotel.news/region-overview-europe-to-welcome-300000-new-hotel-rooms-construction-report/

Disney to stop payment of 1 lakh workers to save $500 million a month :Report

Disney to stop payment of 1 lakh workers to save $500 million a month during COVID-19, Financial Times reported. Disney will give healthcare benefit to staff and has asked them to apply for benefit through US’ $2 trillion relief package .

Its theme parks and hotels have been shut across US and Europe for 5 weeks

Radisson Hotel Group Announces New Area Senior Vice President Appointments For Eastern Europe , Russia & Turkey AND UK, Ireland & Western Europe

 One of the most dynamic hotel groups in the world, is pleased to announce the new geographical responsibilities of Area Senior Vice President for Central & Southern Europe (CESE), Yilmaz Yildirimlar, and Area Senior Vice President for Northern Europe, Tom Flanagan Karttunen.

Further to their current roles, Yilmaz and Tom have now been appointed as Area Senior Vice Presidents for Eastern Europe, Russia & Turkey (EERUT) and UK, Ireland & Western Europe (UKIWE) respectively

Yilmaz started his career with the Group in Vienna in 1995 and has held several leadership positions at Radisson Blu Hotels in Amsterdam, Manchester and Bucharest. He has served as District Director for South Eastern Europe and Regional Director in Eastern Europe, based in Moscow, until his appointment in 2017 as Area Senior Vice President, Central & Southern Europe.

Originally from Turkey, Yilmaz Yildirimlar studied hotel management and holds an MBA in Finance. He has also achieved several degrees in the fields of leadership, real estate and asset management.

Tom joined Radisson Hotel Group more than 20 years ago and has grown within the company, holding different leadership positions in numerous business areas at Radisson Blu Hotels in Copenhagen, Beijing, Manama, Hamburg and Galway. He has served as District Director Turkey, Azerbaijan & China, based in Istanbul, before being appointed as Area Vice President Eastern Europe & Russia, based in Moscow in 2009, and then Area Senior Vice President, Northern Europe.He has a track record of success in leading Northern Europe, one of Radisson Hotel Group’s most mature markets, and is sure to have equal success in UKIWE

Born in Ireland, Tom holds a Diploma and B.A. Degree in Hotel Management.has played an integral role in ensuring the progression of business growth.

One&Only opens its first resort in Europe

One&Only’s hotly anticipated One & Only Portonovi in Montenegro will begin to welcome guests from 1 July 2020. The ultra-luxury resort will be One&Only’s first in Europe and is set to become the most fashionable destination on the Adriatic.

“The opening of One&Only Portonovi is a milestone in our history, as we continue to expand our ultra-luxury portfolio into new destinations around the world. We are thrilled to introduce the One&Only experience to Europe, in response to demand from our loyal guests,” commented Brett Armitage, Chief Commercial Officer, Kerzner International.

We are particularly excited about our exclusive partnership with Henri Chenot, which will revolutionise the resort wellbeing experience, offering 360-degree wellness programmes for our guests. And for those looking to be part of the One&Only lifestyle, we are thrilled to introduce Private Homes for guests who wish to make this stylish resort their home.