The past seven days have been packed with an array of significant developments in the hospitality industry. From The Trump Organization’s entry into the Saudi market with new high-rise tower to Hilton’s new hotel opening in Ras Al Khaimah, the big wellness hotels’ boom and revenue boost, the Hotel Chef Power List 2024, and Banyan Tree Dubai’s GM on fostering a nurturing workplace and celebrating cultural differences, read on to find out the biggest stories from the past seven days.
Hilton to expand Ras Al Khaimah presence with new hotel opening
Hilton has announced an agreement with M Hospitality to open Hilton Marjan Island Beach Resort & Spa in Ras Al Khaimah. Expected to open in Q4 2026, the property will add to Hilton’s portfolio of 80 hotels across 11 brands operating in the Middle East. Hilton Marjan Island Beach Resort & Spa will feature 315 rooms and 35 suites. The resort will offer six restaurants and bars and a range of leisure facilities – including a fitness club, a spa and wellness centre, a sky pool, tennis courts, a kids club, and a dedicated kids pool and playground.
Wellness hotels dominate 2023 with 26 percent growth; luxury wellness triples TRevPAR of upper upscale properties
Hotels with wellness offerings posted healthy TRevPAR growth in 2023, with minor wellness properties – those generating less than US$1mn or 10 percent of total revenue from wellness and leisure – standing out with a 26 percent average increase in average TRevPAR from 2022, hospitality advisor RLA Global said in its latest Wellness Real Estate Report 2024, published in partnership with P&L benchmarking firm HotStats for the fifth consecutive year.
ME Dubai to host an Open Day hiring event on July 10
ME Dubai Hotel has announced an Open Day event, welcoming job seekers who wish to walk in and get a chance to join the hotel’s hospitality team. Roles within the front office, sales, housekeeping, engineering, and F&B departments are available on the open day. Attendees will have the chance to explore the hotel, gaining first-hand experience of the facilities and accommodations. ME Dubai’s heads of departments will also be available to answer questions, share their experiences, and discuss the various roles and career paths available at the hotel.
Banyan Tree Dubai’s GM on fostering a nurturing workplace and celebrating cultural differences
Paul Stuart Sykes Riquelme joined Banyan Tree Dubai this February as its first GM.Born to a family of culinary and wine connoisseurs, with his father being a restaurant entrepreneur, the GM’s journey into the hospitality industry has been driven by passion. Speaking English, Spanish, and Italian, he has worked with various Banyan Tree properties across Mexico, Morocco, and now the UAE, where he is dedicated to making Banyan Tree Dubai one of the city’s most successful hotels. The leader shares his top lessons in hospitality leadership.
The Trump Organization enters Saudi market with new high-rise tower
The Trump Organization has signed an agreement with Dar Global to develop a new luxury high-rise tower in Saudi Arabia. Located in Jeddah, the tower would be the Trump Organization’s first major project in Saudi Arabia, marking an expansion of Donald Trump’s business in the Middle East. It will target the luxury segment of Saudi Arabia’s real estate market, alongside international investors, aligning with Dar Global’s strategic growth plan.
Hotel Chef Power List 2024: Nominate now
Hotelier’s Chef Power List is back, with a twist. The 2024 version will be featured in the September issue of Hotelier Middle East and revealed online.
In an attempt to increase diversity, this year’s list will not be limited to executive chefs. This year’s list will provide options to enter for commis chef, sous chef, head chef, pastry chef and executive chef. The final list will be a combination of all.
Nominations are now open for the list. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, July 31.
