Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Earns Three Prestigious Nominations at World Travel Awards 2023

Nestled in the pristine northern Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is the epitome of a luxury island sanctuary. This opulent all-suite resort is designed to cater to the discerning traveller who craves authentic luxury and utmost seclusion. 

This year has been an exciting time for the resort as it has received three prestigious nominations from the industry renowned World Travel Awards. Hideaway is proud to be in the running for the titles of Maldives Leading Honeymoon Resort 2023, Maldives Leading Beach Resort 2023, and Maldives Leading Luxury Island Resort 2023. These nominations are a testament to the resort's commitment to providing exceptional experiences for its guests.

These prestigious nominations come at a time when the resort has also just embarked on a thrilling journey, in introducing the ‘The Signature Collection at Hideaway’. A collection of ultra luxury residences built on the northern point of the island, away from the rest of the secluded villas, these epic residences are in a class of their own. Designed in absolute luxury, these spacious, multi-room residences come with special privileges adding to the already sophisticated package – a holiday fit for royalty. 

At Hideaway, sustainability is a core value that shapes everything. Our commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment, but also enhances the guest experience, ensuring that every stay is memorable.

One of the highlights at Hideaway is the exquisite dining options. With a range of cuisines to choose from, including Asian Fusion and Mediterranean, there's something to please every palate. Indulge in a private beachfront dinner for two or savour the flavours of the Maldives at our world-class restaurants. Vastly talented Chefs who use the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and sustainable. 

This idyllic island is the perfect retreat for honeymooners and couples seeking a blend of seclusion and adventure. With a select number of exclusive villas and residences nestled among lush vegetation and expansive beaches in the large private island, every guest is guaranteed privacy and tranquillity. Unwind in your own little piece of paradise, with the sounds of the ocean and the scent of tropical blooms as your backdrop.

In addition, the resort offers enchanting experiences for couples seeking romance. These include renewing vows on immaculate beaches, savouring candlelit beachside dinners, and indulging in exclusive getaways to a private island, reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe's tale. Just envision spending an entire day with your beloved on a serene private island, creating treasured memories and exploring together. At Hideaway, the team will go above and beyond to help create unparalleled once-in-a-lifetime experiences for both of you.

At the resort, every member of the family deserves a memorable vacation. That is where the Tender Hearts Kids Club come in - a place where children can learn, play, and make new friends from around the world.

Educational activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity, and fun-filled games and events will keep the little ones entertained all day long. Whether they're splashing around in the pool or exploring the island's natural wonders, the memories will last a lifetime.

This special sanctuary under the northern Maldivian skies offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa – your little piece of heaven. 

Hyatt Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

Hyatt Hotels Corporation reported fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results. Highlights include:

• Net income was $294 million in the fourth quarter and $455 million for the full year of 2022. Adjusted net income was $278 million in the fourth quarter and $365 million for the full year of 2022. Net income in the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2022 includes a non-cash benefit of $250 million due to the release of a valuation allowance on U.S. federal and state deferred taxes.

• Diluted EPS was $2.69 in the fourth quarter and $4.09 for the full year of 2022. Adjusted Diluted EPS was $2.55 in the fourth quarter and $3.28 for the full year of 2022.

• Adjusted EBITDA was $232 million in the fourth quarter and $908 million for the full year of 2022. Apple Leisure Group ("ALG") contributed $43 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter and $231 million for the full year of 2022.

  • Adjusted EBITDA does not include ALG's Net Deferrals of $28 million and $94 million, and Net Financed Contracts of $15 million and $63 million, in the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2022, respectively.

• Comparable system-wide RevPAR increased 34.8% in the fourth quarter and 60.2% for the full year of 2022, compared to 2021.

• Comparable owned and leased hotels RevPAR increased 41.7% in the fourth quarter and 87.6% for the full year of 2022, compared to 2021. Comparable owned and leased hotels operating margin improved to 27.9% in the fourth quarter and to 27.1% for the full year of 2022.

• All-inclusive Net Package RevPAR was $190.64 in the fourth quarter and $187.28 for the full year of 2022.

• Net Rooms Growth was 6.7% for the full year of 2022.

• Pipeline of executed management or franchise contracts was approximately 117,000 rooms, inclusive of ALG's pipeline contribution of 8,000 rooms.

• Share repurchase activity was approximately 1.15 million shares repurchased for $106 million in the fourth quarter and approximately 4.23 million shares repurchased for $369 million for the full year of 2022.

Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt, said, "Our results in the fourth quarter mark the completion of a truly transformative year. We generated a record level of fees and free cash flow while leading the industry in organic growth for a sixth consecutive year. This outcome is a direct result of successfully executing on our asset-light growth strategy. We continue to experience positive momentum in the markets in which we operate and are optimistic about the year ahead."

Gujarat-based Tea Brand, Seven Spring, Introduced India’s First 100% Compostable Tea Sachets

Aiming to curtail one of the world’s largest environmental problems of global plastic pollution, Seven Spring, the premium tea brand from Gujarat, has introduced India’s first-ever 100% compostable tea bag sachets with zero plastic and aluminium foils. This new packaging is environment-friendly and focuses to cut back on waste, zero plastic consumption, and carbon emissions. To contribute its bit to build a pollution free Nation, in-line with the Government’s G20 initiative, Gujarat based start-up, Seven Spring came up with this packaging.

Talking about the move of introducing 100% compostable packaging, Sejal Purohit, Founder of Seven Spring said, “Going environment friendly or sustainable is no longer an option. We have reached a point where absurdly large amounts of single-use plastic are being used. Every company needs to make effort to reduce the use of single-use plastics. All of Seven Spring’s product range comes with sustainable and eco-friendly packaging and we are going to follow this in the future too.”

ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur promises a scintillating New Year!

Experience all the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown at the Hollywood themed celebration event on 31st December.

Udaipur’s newest lakeside resort, ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur is bringing Hollywood glamour to the city of lakes this New Year. Stay at a luxury boutique resort offering spectacular unfettered views of the mountains framed within a glistening lake, and welcome 2023 in style. It will be one of the most memorable nights of the year, at ZANA.

We are all set to celebrate the very first New Year at our recently opened luxury boutique resort at a stunning lakeside location, ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur. To offer a memorable experience and kick-start a delightful year, we have thoughtfully curated a sparkling Hollywood themed event, clubbed with elaborate food and beverage offerings, music, and a lots of entertainment. - Shilpa Dubey -  Head Of Operations, Espire Hospitality Group

New Year’s Event - ‘New Year Soirée’

The celebration event ‘New Year Soirée’ at the resort’s lakeside lawn will feature a Hollywood themed setup, a decadent festive dinner, live Band and DJ to set the mood, and plenty of fun activities to keep the good times rolling.

The event is priced at INR 4,000 plus taxes per adult and INR 2,500 plus taxes per child

The festive gala dinner planned by us for the ‘New Year Soirée’ will give our guests a scrumptious culinary experience, combining global flavors and local specialties.  The menu has been carefully curated to surprise and delight our guests, the ZANA Way.  - Avinash Handoo - Executive Chef, ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur

New Year Stay Package

Experience a confluence of classic luxury and personalized service while staying at ZANA Lakeside Resort, Udaipur and indulge in an evening of lively celebration ‘New Year Soiree’.

The stay package priced at INR 44,999 plus taxes per couple includes:

- 2 nights stay in a Lakefront Room with Balcony

- Hollywood-themed New Year celebration

- Buffet breakfast and lunch

- Evening hi-tea

- 10% discount on food and beverages

For more information and exclusive packages, please visit zanaresorts.com, write at reservations@zanaresorts.com or call +91 7838 203 203.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre celebrates Diversity and Inclusion Week 2021

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) commemorate the Diversity and Inclusion Week 2021 in order to showcase their solidarity towards the June Pride Month. As compassion, kindness and equality at the core, the celebrations were centred on social justice activities and were directed towards bring people from various walks of life together and cherishing their accomplishments.

Recognizing and appreciating diverse cultures is one of NHCC’s ong-standing traditions. With a promise to assimilate and establish the diversity & inclusion values, the week was kicked off by a cake-cutting ceremony. Photo booth cut outs, representing the essence of the Diversity and Inclusion theme, were put on display for the attendees. A special lunch was organized for the staff who worked tirelessly during the course of the multiple lockdowns. The differently-abled staff family members were honoured with gifts as a token of gratitude for their dedication. All these initiatives were carried out with the social distancing mandates in mind.

According to Mr. Manish Dayya, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, “Celebrating the diversity of our communities has always been at the crux of our events. The Diversity and Inclusion Week is aimed towards nurturing the values of equity and bringing people together. By hosting these activities, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre accepts and welcomes people from various backgrounds with open arms and intends to set an example of inclusivity for all.”

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Anantara Layan and Anantara Mai Khao Launch the “Ultimate Family Vacation” as Phuket Prepares to Reopen

After 18 months of borders closed to international travellers, Thailand’s stunning island of Phuket is ready to re-open on July 1, 2021. Vaccinated travellers can enjoy an idyllic summer holiday at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Anantara Layan Phuket Resort with minimal travel restrictions and no 14-day state quarantine period.

In preparation of the opening, Anantara Mai Khao and Anantara Layan are launching the Ultimate Family Vacation. The package includes luxury accommodation with breakfast, access to Anantara Vacation Club’s water park, a selection of fun kids’ activities, savings on spa treatments and dining, non-motorised water sports and early check-in/late checkout. Each resort also boasts a comprehensive array of onsite leisure options including Muay Thai boxing, yoga and fitness, Spice Spoons cooking classes, and dedicated kids’ clubs.

Both Anantara Phuket resorts are SHA-approved (Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration), with arrivals having the freedom to travel around Phuket, enjoying cultural sites, island-wide dining and entertainment, and unspoiled national parks and beaches, now more pristine than ever.

Carnival Corporation Brands Resume Cruising in US, Caribbean and Europe

Eight of the corporation's world-leading cruise line brands - including US-based brands Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn, as well as UK-based brands Cunard and P&O Cruises - are resuming guest operations with gradual, phased-in voyages and enhanced health protocols
Lineup of currently planned sailings represents 52% of corporation's total capacity and builds on recent restarts of its Germany-based AIDA Cruises and Italy-based Costa Cruises brands

Eight cruise line brands from Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, have announced plans to resume guest cruise operations, with AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Seabourn sailing in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe.

The brands are resuming operations using a gradual, phased-in approach, with sailings announced on 42 ships to date through the end of fiscal year 2021 (Nov. 30), representing 52% of the company's total capacity across its global fleet of 91 cruise ships. The initial cruises will take place with enhanced health protocols developed in conjunction with government and health authorities, and informed by guidance from the company's public health, epidemiological and policy experts.

Carnival Corporation's most recent brand restart announcements are summarized directly below, with a full list of initial restart plans by brand, ship and expected start date available further below. Additional brand updates on the resumption of guest cruise operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2021 will be announced as further restart plans are finalized.

North America Brands:

• Carnival Cruise Line has announced it will resume guest cruise operations with eight ships by the end of August, including sailings out of Galveston, Miami, Port Canaveral, Long Beach and Seattle (to Alaska). Included in that roster is Mardi Gras, the line's newest and most innovative ship, and first cruise ship in North America powered by eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG), with sailings from Port Canaveral starting on July 31.

• Princess Cruises expects to resume guest cruise operations in July with Alaska sailings and a series of cruises around UK coastal waters, as well as cruises out of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and California coast starting in September.

• Holland America Line expects to resume guest cruise operations in July with Alaska sailings, followed by sailings from Greece in August, and from Italy and Spain in September, as well as sailings to Mexico, Hawaii, the California coast and the Caribbean this fall.

• Seabourn expects to resume guest cruise operations in July sailing from Greece and Barbados, along with the beginning of the Antarctica season in November.

Europe & Asia Brands:

• Costa Cruises resumed guest cruise operations in May with sailings in Italy and Greece, and is now offering sailings to France and Spain in July, followed by Portugal and Turkey in September.

• AIDA Cruises resumed guest cruise operations in March sailing in the Canary Islands, in May with sailings in Greece and Germany, and is now offering additional sailings out of Germany as well as sailings in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Malta from July, and the Persian Gulf from November.

• P&O Cruises (UK) will offer a series of cruises this summer sailing around UK coastal waters beginning in June, expanding to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast starting in September.

• Cunard will offer a series of cruises this summer sailing around UK coastal waters in July, followed by voyages to the Iberian coast and Canary Islands. In November, Queen Mary 2 returns to service with a combination of transatlantic crossings and Caribbean cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line to Grow Fleet with Two Additional Ships by 2023

Carnival Cruise Line to Grow Fleet with Two Additional Ships by 2023 https://t.co/yl5fmXMD3J pic.twitter.com/V0Y1iLB4S5

— Carnival Cruise PR (@CarnivalPR) June 23, 2021

Luxury Fairmont hotel to open in Saudi’s Al Khobar

A five-star Fairmont hotel is opening in Saudi Arabia’s city of Al Khobar. The new Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will be part of the Ajdan Waterfront development. Accor’s CEO India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey Mark Willis describes it as the “ultimate destination.”

He said: “We believe the new Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will become the ultimate premier urban waterfront development in the Eastern Province, and maybe even the whole of Saudi Arabia, adding to the strong momentum the Fairmont brand is seeing in the Kingdom after the successful opening of Fairmont Riyadh.”

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Six new hotel openings in Ras Al Khaimah

July 2021: Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island

September 2021: Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

Q4 2021: InterContinental Mina Al Arab

2021: Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah

2022: Ananatara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

2022: Conrad Marjan Island

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Longer Trips Look Set To Boom Post-COVID-19, Says GlobalData

Longer trips of more than ten nights are increasingly in demand post-COVID-19, according to a poll by GlobalData. The leading data and analytics company notes that, with accidental savers on the rise and working from home making longer trips a possibility, lengthier holidays look set to boom post-pandemic.

Opting for an extended trip has become increasingly inviting. A live GlobalData poll* revealed that over one in four (26%) of respondents now prefer to take a leisure trip of ten-plus nights - the second-most popular length of trip behind stays of between four and six nights (28%).

Gus Gardner, Associate Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Many travelers are desperate to escape their lockdown locations and need a change of scenery. A lengthier trip gives the optimal amount of time to switch off and reset, which is likely to be driving the increase in demand. Furthermore, GlobalData analysis showed that in 2019, the average trip length was 4.45 days for domestic and 9.22 days for international trips, revealing demand for longer stays has risen considerably since the pandemic began.”

The Ritz-Carlton Debuts in Turks & Caicos, Bringing the Ultimate in Seaside Luxury to the World-Renowned Grace Bay

The Iconic Hospitality Brand Proudly Welcomes Guests to The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, Inviting Them to Delight in the Destination

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is pleased to announce the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, marking the debut of the iconic luxury hospitality brand in this island paradise. Situated on the world-famous Grace Bay in Providenciales, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos offers an idyllic tropical getaway, seamlessly blending the natural beauty of the destination with the legendary service and elegant accommodations for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is known.

“We are thrilled to expand our global portfolio with the debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, a destination known for its stunning natural environment, which has long served as an alluring retreat for the world’s most discerning travelers,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton. “Whether enjoying a sunset sail or family snorkel from the resort’s private catamaran, Lady Grace, to relaxing poolside, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos offers the perfect opportunity for our guests to recharge and reconnect while making lasting memories.”

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Hilton announces six new hotel openings in France

As travel restrictions ease in France, Hilton is continuing its rapid expansion across the country with the launch of its Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Canopy by Hilton brands in Paris, as well as opening new hotels in Tours and Le Havre.

Tapestry Collection by Hilton will mark its entry in France with the openings of Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs-Élysées and Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon in the coming months. Embracing the distinct culture of their local neighbourhoods, the hotels will join a global portfolio of almost 60 unique Tapestry Collection by Hilton properties, providing the perfect base for travellers looking for the authentic experience of an independent hotel. Having just opened its first hotel in Madrid this month, later this year the brand will continue its expansion across Europe with the opening of Se Catedral Hotel Porto and The Samuel Ryder Hotel St Albans.

Outside Paris, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre will be Hilton’s first hotels in the renowned Loire Valley region, providing an ideal base for leisure guests looking to explore everything the local area has to offer. Later in the year, Hilton Garden Inn Le Havre will also join the portfolio, bringing the total number of Hilton-branded hotels in France to 20.

The openings follow the recent debut of Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero, which opened in May.

As it prepares to welcome back international leisure guests, Hilton has seen searches for leisure stays rise across its existing portfolio, with popular destinations for summer including Hilton Evian Les Bains, Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux and Grand Hotel des Sablettes Plage, Curio Collection by Hilton. Hilton.com data shows that last month, searches for staycation options in France more than doubled, with travellers eager to take a break and reconnect with family and friends. International traffic also increased by more than 75 per cent, suggesting strong demand from international visitors as restrictions continue to ease.

David Kelly, senior vice president, Continental Europe, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming back leisure guests to our hotels across France in time for the summer season. After an incredibly challenging year, these six exciting openings—coupled with wider plans to open around 40 hotels across Europe before the end of the year—demonstrate the strength of the European market and our confidence in the industry’s recovery. We look forward to opening our doors to guests and further diversifying our portfolio, providing a range of options to empower domestic and international travellers alike to explore everything that this fantastic country has to offer.”

Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero

Opened in May

The newly opened 123-room Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero, designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel, features period architecture and touches of modern Parisian elegance, encouraging guests to feel as if they’re staying in a local’s historical apartment. Situated in the cultural hotspot of Paris’ 16th arrondissement, the vibrant, neighbourhood hotel is within two kilometres of the Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero Gardens and the Champs-Elysees and features a rooftop terrace and bar with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower.

Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre and Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre

Expected to open this Summer

Located on the banks of the Loire River and surrounded by the city’s shops, theatres and eateries, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre provide the perfect pitstop for guests looking to explore everything the city has to offer. The stunning new-build hotels form part of a major redevelopment project in the city centre, creating a contemporary, welcoming public space and spectacularly designed, modern facilities.

For those wishing to explore further ahead, Tours—known as the Gateway to the Loire Valley—provides easy access to the famous Loire Valley Chateaux and vineyards, many of which can be reached within an hour from the hotels.

Both hotels feature modern, airy guestrooms, many of which offer stunning views over the Loire River. Guests at Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre can feast on fresh and seasonal produce at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Babette.

Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs-Élysées

Expected to open this Summer

Taking its inspiration from the historical beauty and elegance of the City of Light, the 46-room Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs-Élysées promises a truly authentic Parisian stay. From original artwork exclusively curated by French artist Christophe Bonacorsi to bronze night lamps designed by French artist Jean Pierre Viot, the hotel reflects the rich culture of France’s capital city.

Tucked away just minutes from some of the city’s most famous streets, guests can explore the delights of the Champs-Élysées, visit the Eiffel Tower or the iconic Arc de Triomphe or spend the day admiring some of the most famous pieces of art in the world at the Louvre. After a busy day of sightseeing, the cosy lounge and bar and beautifully landscaped garden in the inner patio provide a sanctuary for guests to relax and unwind.

Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon

Expected to open this Autumn

Anchored in its local environment, the 56-room Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon exudes Parisian charm, featuring timeless, elegant décor throughout its public areas and freshly renovated modern bedrooms and suites. The hotel’s stunning glass-roofed atrium gives a warm welcome to guests, providing a place to relax whilst enjoying a drink and selection of locally sourced dishes.

Nestled amongst the shops and restaurants of the 12th arrondissement and just a kilometre from the famous Place de la Bastille, Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon provides a perfect “pied-à-terre" to unpack for a night, a weekend or a longer stay. Whether strolling through the streets of Paris to discover its famous landmarks or stopping off between business meetings, the hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the City of Light, with famous sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral just a 20-minute walk away.

Guests at the hotels can travel with peace of mind from check-in to check-out with Hilton CleanStay. New standards include a Hilton CleanStay Room Seal to indicate that a room has not been accessed since being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, increased frequency of cleaning of all public areas and flexible housekeeping options.

All the hotels are part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty programme for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Hilton Honors members can redeem Points using the Points Explorer tool. All hotels offer fully flexible booking options with free changes and cancellations, with most giving guests flexibility to change or cancel up to 24 hours before their arrival day.

UK economy accelerates as tourism and hospitality emerge from lockdown

The UK’s economic recovery accelerated in May as tourism and recreation firms reopened, but the delay in ending Covid-19 restrictions is putting hospitality firms at risk, research shows.

Eleven out of 14 UK sectors reported faster growth in output month on month in May, up from nine in April, according to the Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker, as the UK moved further out of lockdown.

The tracker found that the UK tourism and recreation sector recorded the sharpest rise in output growth as British hotels, pubs and restaurants benefited from pent-up consumer demand.

Firms took on more staff to handle rising demand. All 14 sectors reported jobs growth in May, led by manufacturing, while the tourism and recreation sector added jobs for the first time since January 2020.

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Hilton aims to nearly quadruple KSA hotel network by 2025

The Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Financial District is the latest opening in Saudi Arabia by the famous US hotelier, but the company has big plans in the pipeline for the Kingdom, including more than 40 new properties and the recruitment of thousands of Saudi professionals.

“Saudi Arabia is an important market for us,” Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, president of Hilton Middle East, Africa and Turkey, told Arab News. “We’re trying to expand all of our different brands as much as we can in the right cities.”

Hilton — which has a regional office in Jeddah — today has 18 brands across 119 countries, and more than 6,500 properties worldwide. The Middle East now has 61 Hilton hotels with 85 more in the pipeline, 41 of which will be in Saudi Arabia over the next three to four years.

“If I look at Saudi Arabia, at all the cities, every country should at least have a Hampton or Garden Inn,” Sleiffer said. “Mid-market hotels should be in every city in Saudi Arabia, and currently there is more demand for hotels than there is supply.”

The Waldorf Astoria, Hilton’s most luxurious brand, has operated in Jeddah for many years, alongside the likes of brands including Conrad, Hampton and DoubleTree. On deciding which brand to introduce in a given city, Sleiffer said that an analysis of the market and a future forecast is necessary to understand the demographics of potential guests.

Of the 41 pipeline projects, most will be “upscale,” like DoubleTree, while others will cater to the mid-market segment, like Garden Inn. “This is where the bulk is, the upscale and mid-market. Pre-pandemic, Saudi Arabia has had strong demand in the business segment and religious tourism, but now the leisure demand is much bigger,” he said.

With international travel having restarted in the Kingdom on May 17, Sleiffer said that people are desperate to travel again and go to places they have not been before, like Saudi Arabia.

“In the next two years, we expect to hire about 2,000 people. Over the next 10 years, 10,000 people — half of which will be Saudis. I want Saudis to run these hotels. We have training programs and we have a Hilton university which has more than 5,000 online training courses.”

The Hilton president said that according to figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council, one in 10 jobs are in hospitality and tourism, but added: “Saudi is low where that’s concerned, so we need to bring it up here as well. It will come up, I have no doubt — take Hilton Riyadh as an example, where 44 percent of current staff is Saudi.”

Demand is certainly there, as a survey in December commissioned by The Red Sea Development Co. found that about nine in 10 young Saudis surveyed said they would be keen to work in the tourism and hospitality sectors, compared to 77 percent who said they were interested in a job in petrochemicals.

When the pandemic hit more than a year ago, Hilton shifted its focus to three things: The safety of staff and customers, the community around hotels, and property.

This involved postponing investment deals to help preserve cash, adapting to safety protocols, and making layoffs where necessary. However, as vaccination rates picked up, Hilton has been begun rehiring at an accelerated rate, Sleiffer said.

“We put emphasis on the touchpoints in the room, the light switches, and the remote controls. We developed Hilton CleanStay and Hilton EventReady for meetings,” he added.

Mobile check-in and digital key — developed by Hilton before the pandemic — has been a significant feature that has decreased interactions between staff and customers, reducing the potential spread of coronavirus.

Sleiffer also hopes to expand the Hilton brand to the Kingdom’s megaprojects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project.

“There’s more coming,” he said, mentioning his excitement about the upcoming Formula One race in Jeddah in December this year, where Hilton is serving as the official sponsor of McLaren Racing.

Hospitality sector workers vaccinated in the Nilgiris

More than 500 workers from the tourism and hospitality sector in the Nilgiris were administered the COVID-19 vaccine as part of a vaccination drive organised recently.

In a press release, the Nilgiris Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association (NHRA), said that 530 people working in hotels and restaurants and from the hospitality sector were vaccinated in Udhagamandalam.

Members from the South India Hotel and Restaurant Association (SIHRA) and SKAL Club, Coimbatore, also attended the vaccination drive.

Alila Hinu Bay Opens to Guests in Oman

The 112-key hotel includes 16 villas and is nestled on a secluded beachfront in Oman’s southwest region of Dhofar. The untouched area is best known for its lush landscapes, cool summers, and it is within easy driving distance from Salalah International Airport. Between Samhan mountain and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, Alila Hinu Bay caters to well-traveled guests seeking reflection and impactful connections. Along with the breath-taking scenery, the area is known for its rich Bedouin traditions and the renowned warmth of Omani hospitality. Combined with a personalized experience that is crafted for each guest, travelers can expect to be immersed in authentic yet bespoke journeys tailored to their preferences and interests.

HICC managed by Accor was chosen as one of their venues by Apollo Hospitals for the largest vaccination drive held in India