MAIA LUXURY RESORT & SPA NAMED A LEADING HOTEL IN THE SEYCHELLES

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa has been named as a top hotel within the Seychelles at the 24th annual World Travel Awards.

This year’s prestigious World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony was held in the Maldives, where MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa was crowned not only as Seychelles’ Leading Boutique Hotel 2017, but also Seychelles’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2017.

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa is an Indian Ocean jewel located amongst the lush foliage and azure waters of Mahé island in the Seychelles. A private peninsula, with sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, MAIA is a BEYOND all-inclusive resort, providing what resort owners Tsogo Sun – the leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company in South Africa – describe as “a signature experience unlike any other you will find in the world.”

“This exclusive premium hospitality means a truly relaxing getaway, assisted by the gentle service from dedicated butlers in private villas. Luxurious spa facilities, lavish fine dining options and beautiful facilities are all an intrinsic part of the experience for guests. For these reasons and many more, we are proud to be recognised as one of the top hotels in Seychelles,” explains Lionel Ferrari, General Manager of MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Attended by senior executives from major travel companies, operators, destinations, World Travel Awards events are universally respected as providing established, top level networking opportunities, regionally and globally. The brand aims to celebrate those organisations who push the boundaries of industry excellence.

Find out more about MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa: www.tsogosun.com/maia

The Hotel Show opens in the Philippines

The largest, most comprehensive, and longest-standing hospitality trade show across the middle east is finally coming to the Philippines. Dubai – based international exhibition firm dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa is launching The Hotel Show – its signature hospitality  event brand – in the country.

The Hotel Show Philippines will have its inaugural staging from August 2 to 5, 2017. It will be among the events that will be co-located with the 17th edition of largest food show locally, the World Food Expo (WOFEX), which, like in the past several years, will occupy the two biggest venues in Metro Manilla – SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center in Pasay City (Organised by PEPTarsus).

The Hotel Show Philippines 2017 aims to provide an opportunity for all hospitality professionals in the country to do networking, do business, and learn the latest trends that define the modern hotel, leisure, restaurant, and food service industry.

“It is an opportune time for The Hotel Show to be brought to Manila this year as the country maintains its economic momentum,” said Tourism Promotions Board Philippines MICE Department Head Teresita D. Landan. ” The department of Tourism recorded a total of 5,967,005 visitors in 2016, surpassing the year-end arrivals in 2015 of 5,360,682. This volume is 11.31% higher than the accumulated arrivals for the same period last year.”

There are 17 hotel projects, equating to 5,841 rooms that are in the planning, construction, and pre-opening phases throughout the metro, based on the Philippines Hotel Construction Overview report recently released by TOPHOTELPROJECTS. Nine of those new hotels are set to open in 2018.

“Manila, one of the worlds largest and busiest cities, is establishing itself as a luxury destination with global hotel and resort brands expanding their businesses and residing in the capital,” said the Hotel Show Philippines Event Manager John Suzara. “This is one of the core reasons that we are introducing The Hotel Show to the market in Asia here for the first time.”

The Hotel Show started in 1999 and has since become an annual hospitality show in Dubai, UAE (this year’s flagship show set in September at the Dubai World Trade Center). The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia held its inaugural edition in 2012, while the Hotel Show in Africa kicked off its first edition in Johannesburg in June 2017.

For more information, go to: http://techandlifestylejournal.com/hotel-show-philippines-2017/ 

The Hotel Show Heads East

Feature: The Hotel Show heads east | Hotel News ME

Hotel News Middle East looks ahead as The Hotel Show launches in the Philippines.

International exhibitions company dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, based in Dubai, has announced that it will launch its signature hospitality event brand –The Hotel Show – in the Philippines in 2017 after 17 successful years in the UAE.

The inaugural The Hotel Show Philippines will take place from 2-5 August 2017 in Metro Manila.  Meanwhile, the 18^th edition of flagship event The Hotel Show Dubai will follow in September at the Dubai World Trade Centre as part of Dubai International Hospitality Week.

The Hotel Show will be co-located with the World Food Expo (WOFEX), the largest food show in the Philippines, celebrating its 17^th edition this year. Together, they will provide the biggest food and hospitality platform in the Philippines’ history, occupying its two largest venues: World Trade Centre Metro Manila and SMX Convention Centre.

Ahead of the event, Hotel News Middle East spoke with Ray Tinston, portfolio director of the dmg events’ hospitality portfolio, to find out why the Middle East’s largest and longest-standing hospitality event has decided to ‘geo-clone’ in the Philippines.

Why the Philippines, and why now? At this time of remarkable growth and modernisation for the Philippines hospitality sector, there is huge demand for the materials required to build, develop and maintain a hotel or restaurant. This includes across all popular product and service sectors from interiors, lighting and design, to cleaning and laundry, technology, and much more. Expanding our portfolio to include an annual Hotel Show in Metro Manila will provide a key platform for industry professionals looking to invest in the future of hospitality there.

What are current trends in the hospitality industry in the Philippines?

Recent figures from the department of tourism showed 5.9 million tourist arrivals in 2016 and further projected tourism growth – 10 million international arrivals forecast for 2020 according to Colliers International – is fuelling the need for more hotels. Opportunities in the hotel and leisure segment are rising due to increasing tourist arrivals and expenditures, strong economic growth (which has in turn seen significant development in commercial activities), sustained by an improving travel and tourism competitiveness supported by the modernisation of the country’s infrastructure network. A May 2017 report by Tophotelprojects prepared for The Hotel Show Philippines reveals that 37 hotel projects are currently underway across the country, with Metro Manila the busiest area for development. There is a high concentration of independent brands and boutique hotels in the Philippines.

Tophotelprojects identified one of the most active brands at present to be Singapore-based Alila Hotels & Resorts – known for its luxury, boutique hotels situated in unique locations – opening three new properties in the Philippines by 2019.

With a total population of more than 100 million people and continuous increases in local and international tourists looking for ways to spend their leisure time, leisure and entertainment developments (particularly in and around Metro Manila) are also rife in the Philippines.

Adult playgrounds including Inflatable Island PH, Ballpit Manila, Flying Trapeze Philippines and Ninja Jumpyard are popular with the progressively dominant millennial population. There is also demand with this health-conscious segment for fitness and lifestyle clubs.

Gyms open 24/7 are launching branches in key locations whilst major retail developers are inviting more international fitness and lifestyle clubs to open in malls. Various integrated leisure, entertainment and F&B resorts such as the Solaire Resort & Casino appeal to millennial residents and tourists whilst Manila Ocean Park and City of Dreams Manila are targeted towards the younger population.

Meanwhile, areas outside of Metro Manila such as Cebu and Iloilo remain hubs for resort-oriented projects. Ayala Land is developing the Sicogon Island, for example, a paradise off the coast of Northern Iloilo dubbed as the newest tourism hub and Gateway to the Western Visayas.

How will the Philippines edition of The Hotel Show differ to the flagship event in Dubai?

We are taking the legacy of The Hotel Show Dubai and giving it a local flavour. Our exhibitors represent a mix of local and international companies from across The Hotel Show product sectors that embody the full spectrum of the hospitality industry from technology (Total Automation Company), to interiors and design (Asia Ceramics Corporation), to lighting (Fabrica Electrotecnica) and much more. Due to the ever-growing millennial population and rise in foreign tourists driving the need for more entertainment options, we will also be co-locating The Hotel Show Philippines withThe Leisure Show – providing the latest products and services relevant to sports and resorts – as we originally introduced to Dubai next to The Hotel Show six years ago.

The Leisure Show Philippines exhibitors range from manufacturers of indoor playground equipment (IREC Corporation) to outdoor furniture with a unique cooling gel in its design to maintain lower temperatures (Koulsdown). We foresee that The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show Philippines will attract the same high level of local and international interest and continued growth that we have witnessed with the Dubai editions.

The Hotel Show Philippines 2017 will provide an opportunity for hospitality professionals looking to do business, network, and learn about the latest trends in the hotel, restaurant, leisure and food service industry in the Philippines. 

Find out more at www.thehotelshowphilippines.com.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY: THE LAUSANNE REPORT – OUTLOOK 2030

Leading hospitality management school Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) has announced the details of its anticipated new report looking into the future of the hospitality industry with a 2030 outlook.

‘Lausanne Report – shaping the future of hospitality – outlook 2030’ is a product of years of extensive market research and interviews with global leaders in hospitality. The study looks at some of the major forces influencing today’s world and how they might impact the hospitality industry in the longer-term.

It provides debate on potential future threats and opportunities – looking at different scenarios that could take place – the reasons and consequences.

To allow the time for the industry to fully digest and debate each of the key subjects explored in the report from smart hotels to the ‘emotive’ guest experience – its six core chapters will be released on a monthly basis as individual reports here. For those who cannot wait to find out more – it is possible to download the full report on the same site.

Its executive summary provides an initial view of what the chapters will contain. Below details the six chapter headlines, the opposing factors it will cover and core questions as listed (in the report summary which can be found here):

#1 SHIFT OF MARKET POWER
Consolidation vs fragmentation
“Will globalization fragment or consolidate the hospitality industry?”

#2 VULNERABILITY ON THE RISE
Fragility vs resilience
“Is hospitality becoming more fragile or more resilient?”
Key issues explored: climate change, safety and security, wild card events, migration streams – how fast can the industry react and adapt to a crisis.

#3 IN SEARCH OF A SENSE OF BELONGING
Communities vs individuals
“Will communities or individuals determine the future?”
Key concepts explored: crowdsourcing, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer and sharing hospitality – hospitality business ability to meet the demands of individuals, communities and networks.

#4 THE EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE
High tech vs high touch
“Does the guest of the future want high tech or high touch?”

#5 SMART HOTELS DEPEND ON SMART DESTINATIONS
Autonomous vs connected
“Will smart hotels be autonomous or connected?”
Looking at the connection between hotels and their locations, particularly at the time of ‘smart city clusters’.

#6 THE SCOPE OF KNOWLEDGE
Empathy vs efficiency
“Must future talents be empathic or efficient?”
The importance for hotel managers of the future to find a balance between being a ‘stage director’ – creating memorable guest experiences and being both efficient and profitable.

For more information, please visit the Lausanne Report website or contact the EHL communication department.

7 NEW ATTRACTIONS COMING TO WORLD’S TOP THEME PARKS IN 2017

2017 is set to be a big year for theme park fans and ride enthusiasts with some of the most anticipated new attractions coming to the world’s biggest and best, existing and entirely new resorts.

Here’s a look at 7 of the most exciting new attractions opening across the world’s major theme parks in 2017!

1. “Pandora: The World of Avatar”
   Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando FL
   Opening: Summer 2017

Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment with Avatar producers James Cameron and Jon Landau acting as creative consultants – this highly anticipated new ‘world’ within Disney’s Animal Kingdom will include elements from the original Avatar film as well as its trio of yet-to-be-released sequels.  At Disney’s 2015 D23 Expo, Walt Disney Imagineering confirmed two major attractions: “Avatar: Flight of Passage”, a flying simulator attraction, where guests will learn to fly with a mountain Banshee; and “Na’vi River Journey”, a boat ride showcasing the native fauna and flora of Pandora. Find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URSOqWtLix4

2. Toy Story Land
Disney Hollywood Studios – Orlando, FL
Opening: TBD 2017

Announced for the park at the 2015 D23 Expo, Toy Story Land will feature a different attraction line-up to its similar counterpart based at Hong Kong Disneyland. Attractions announced so far include a ‘Slinky Dog’ themed family rollercoaster and a feature based around other famous ‘Toy Story’ characters ‘The Claw’ and the ‘Little Green Men’. Construction began in April 2016 and an official date for its 2017 opening has yet to be confirmed.

3. “Ghostbusters 5D”
Heide Park Resort – Soltau, Germany
Opening: TBD 2017

A collaboration between Merlin Entertainments and Sony Pictures Entertainment, making a nod to both of the popular Ghostbuster movies (1984 & 2016), the new 5D attraction will see brave visitors make their way through a ghost-infested warehouse. Ready to battle with Laser Proton guns, ghost traps and 3D glasses visitors drive a patrol car fighting on the side of the famous Ghostbusters against their major nemesis – the flying slime ghost. With numerous special effects at play, all senses are needed, as the ghosts appear quickly and can sometimes be felt…

4. “Turbo Track”
Ferrari World – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening: March 2017

The first of a new selection of attractions set for Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. Based on a modern Ferrari driver training facility, Turbo Track is set to feature a 180-meter track stretching from inside the Ferrari World building and out through a glass roof, reaching 62-meters above the park. Riders of Turbo Track will reach a top speed of approximately 102km/h, as they surge along a curving track, rotating upwards. Designed with both front facing and rear-facing seats to offer guests two unique experiences, Turbo Track also includes a zero gravity hill and gravity valley. The attraction marks a big start to the year for Miral. Yas Island’s impressive growth has marked it out as a unique destination both in Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole.

5. “Iron Man Experience”
Hong Kong Disneyland
Opening: January 2017

The park has spent more than three years to design and create ‘Iron Man Experience’ — complete with flight simulators, 3-D projection, surround sound and other special effects that immerse guests in the Marvel story. Tony Stark is staging the spectacular Stark Expo in Tomorrowland to take guests on an adventure, starting with closely examining innovations old and new from Stark Industries. There are opportunities to meet Iron Man in person during the adventure, and to try on the Iron Man armor virtually.

6. “Volcano Bay Water Theme Park”
Universal Orlando Resort
Opening: Summer 2017

“Water is Life. Life is Joy” – the carefree attitude the fabled Waturi islanders have embraced on their Pacific isle for centuries. Now guests can live the Waturi way at Universal’s Volcano Bay™, an all-new theme park where thrills and relaxation flow in perfect harmony. Volcano Bay will be roughly half the size of either of Disney World’s two water parks, but loading it with high-end watery diversions and pioneering wearable technology to reserve wait times on flagship attractions which will make it a popular park once the weather heats up. It’s a tropical paradise just a stone throw from everything Universal Orlando Resort™ has to offer.

7. “Race through New York starring Jimmy Fallon”
Universal Orlando Resort
Opening: April 2017

NBC’s “The Tonight show” collaborate with Universal Orlando Resort to create an all new ride. Guests will make their way through Studio 6B to board the world’s first-ever flying theater, which seats up to 72 audience members, for the race of a lifetime. They will speed through the streets of New York City and all the way to the moon and back, encountering iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building to everything in between.

“Washington will never be the same”: 10 things to know about Trump’s new D.C. hotel

According to the property itself: “Washington will never be the same”… Here are ten things to know about the newly opened Trump International Washington D.C.:

1. The hotel reportedly experienced 20% increase in bookings following Trump’s election
   In the week following the election, bookings were also said to be up significantly in New York, whilst the Washington property is already reported to be sold out for Inauguration Day weekend in January 2017.
2. It’s a conversion of a historic city landmark
   Following various proposals from different hotel companies, Trump International won the bid to convert Washington D.C.’s iconic and historic old post office into its newest property. The 1899 landmark was in disrepair when the Trump Organization took over in 2013.
3. It is the 15^th property to be added to the Trump Hotels portfolio
   The Trump Hotels international collection covers the USA, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Brazil and Panama.
4. Its home to the largest hotel suite in D.C.
   ‘Trump Townhouse’ is the largest hotel suite in Washington, with its own private entrance and 6,300 sq.ft of living space. The suite comes with a 24/7 butler, chef, masseuse, chauffer and personal trainer. According to the property – “If you’re gonna think anyway, think BIG”
5. Pets are welcome
   The hotel has a unique pet-friendly programme ‘Trump Pets’ which includes in-room dining for pets, toys, and a map of the city highlighting dog friendly parks.
6. It’s just a few blocks away from the White House
   The hotel is conveniently located making it a perfect venue for hosting heads of state and other dignitaries.
7. Benjamin Bar & Lounge is a tribute to Franklin
   Benjamin Franklin, the founding father of the United States, was known for his inventions and belief that “There can’t be good living where there is not good drinking.” Benjamin Bar & Lounge brings its namesake’s lifelong passions of inventions, fine beverages and food to life in the 21st century.  Quirky attractions include wine by the spoon and champagne sabering.
8. The Spa by IVANKA TRUMP™ is open to the public
   The fitness centre is exclusive to hotel guests – however – the spa is open to the public. Guests can experience signature treatments or full lifestyle programs.
9. Trump Card
   Trump’s privilege programme features customised stays, complimentary room upgrades and hotel stays, and early check in and check out. Guests are rewarded with credits every stay.
10. Its home to the city’s largest ballroom
    The presidential ballroom is an expansive 13,200 square feet with a capacity of 1,300 people. The ballroom has its own private entrance with interiors that are designed for high level gatherings as well as conferences, weddings and gala dinners.

41 HOTEL PROJECTS AND MORE THAN 11,000 ROOMS IN THE PIPELINE FOR DOHA

Doha has 41 projects and 11,722 rooms in its hotel construction pipeline, according to a new report.

The Doha Hotel Construction Overview report by TOPHOTELPROJECTS prepared exclusively for The Hotel Show Dubai 2016, reveals that Doha is the 3^rd busiest city in the Middle East and Africa for hotel construction, behind only Dubai (133 projects) and Riyadh (47 projects).

Doha’s busiest year for hotel openings is forecast to be 2017 with 14 new properties entering the market, including: Pullman Doha West Bay (468 rooms), JW Marriott West Bay (297 rooms), Hilton Garden Inn Doha Al Sadd (225 rooms), and Millennium Plaza Doha (232 rooms).

Francois Kassab, Chief Operating Officer, Millennium & Copthorne Middle East & Africa, behind the Millennium Plaza Doha development opening early 2017 commented: “We currently have three properties in Doha and believe the city has great potential to grow its hospitality sector.”

“According to the Qatar Tourism Authority, three million people visited Qatar in 2015, and they are aiming to attract four million tourists per year by 2020,” Kassab continued. “The plans are part of the country’s efforts to boost tourism GDP contribution over the next decade, supported by US $40-45 billion worth of investment under its National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030. Qatar is working to position itself as a world-class hub with deep cultural roots, by creating a high profile product that will appeal to all market segments from cultural tourists and families to sports fans and business travellers. We are confident that by offering a range of different brands – Millennium, Millennium Plaza, Copthorne and Kingsgate – we can cater towards these different market segments.”

The five-star Millennium Plaza Doha will open as part of the new Barwa Al Sadd development located in the heart of Doha. Comprised of four high rise towers offering commercial, residential and office space, the major project, currently under construction, will also offer a range of restaurants, shops and recreational facilities.

Kassab added: “Barwa Al Sadd is set to be an exciting new addition to the city for both visitors and residents. Millennium Plaza Doha will be the only hotel within the development, offering an ideal base for business and leisure trips as well as for residents looking for a central location for business meetings, dining or celebrations.”

TOPHOTELPROJECTS will present on development hotspots in the Middle East and Africa including Doha at the 4^th edition of The Hotel Show Dubai’s annual Vision Conference, part of the “Update on market and consumer patterns and trends: get the inside track” panel discussion on 18^th September 2016, 11:00-11:50am.

The Hotel Show is taking place next month (17-19^th September 2016) at the Dubai World Trade Centre: www.thehotelshow.com.

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA SPA MARKET VALUED AT AED 11 BILLION IN 2016

The spa market in the Middle East and Africa is valued at AED 11 billion this year (US $3 billion), according to a new report.

The leisure market report prepared by Euromonitor International ahead of The Leisure Show 2016 and Piscine Middle East 2016 reveals that the UAE shares over 14% of this market with a value of AED 1.59 billion (US $435 million).

Rabia Yasmeen, Research Analyst at Euromonitor International, commented: “Hotel and resort spas are most common in this region. UAE hotels report 60% of total spa visitors are residents who are not otherwise staying on the property. Hotels are now leasing spaces for more spa related services as the demand increases.”

Yasmeen continued: “Compared to the US and Asia, current spa market leaders around the world, spas in the Middle East in particular are associated with more luxurious and therapeutic experiences. The trend towards health and wellness and medical tourism in this region is expanding. Health focused tourists usually spend more than 130% as compared to regular traveller as they seek such experiences as part of leisure activities. There is now greater demand for experiences ranged over two to seven nights, health and wellness programmes, meditation, cosmetic treatments, and thematic environments similar to the Asian market.”

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has previously identified Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa as the fastest growing spa markets in the world.

Euromonitor forecasts that the Middle East and Africa spa market will grow by 21.6% from 2015 until 2019. Spa openings across the region in 2016 include: Aurora Spa by Joelle at the Mövenpick Hotel Riyadh; Nikki Spa at the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai; R Resort & Spa Palm Jumeirah; and The Oberoi, Marrakech.

In light of the spa market boom, the only event dedicated to the leisure industry in the Middle East and Africa, The Leisure Show, will be co-located for the first time in 2016 with Piscine Middle East, bringing the region’s largest pool and spa supply event to Dubai (previously held in Abu Dhabi).

On the Piscine Middle East show floor during its first day (17^th September 2016; 5-6pm) a ‘Pool Vision’ contest will award “beautiful” residential, tourism and leisure pools, alongside the “most innovative” pools across the region.

On the same evening (7pm-late) the Middle East Pool and Spa Awards (MEPSA) will return for its 4^th edition with 17 award categories for 2016 including: Best Innovative Body Treatment (new for 2016); Best Signature Body Treatment; Best Hotel Spa; Best Beauty Salon; Best Aqua Leisure Venue; and more.

Previous MEPSA winners (2015) include: Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi; The Spa at The Palace Downtown Dubai; Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi; SensAsia Urban Spa, Emirates Golf Club; Point Zero Flotation Centre; and La’mar Spa at Marjan Island Resort & Spa, Ras Al Khaimah.

Free online registration for The Leisure Show (www.theleisureshow.com) and Piscine Middle East (www.piscine-middleeast.com) is now open. The events will take place 17-19^th September 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, also co-located with The Hotel Show.

THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING LUXURY HOTEL OPENINGS 2016

I just came across an article on the Daily Mail Online – “The most exciting and hotly anticipated luxury hotel openings of 2016”.

In summary: “This year will see a number of highly sought after hotel openings, including the long awaited return of the Ritz Paris. Four Seasons is to take over the 100-year-old Ten Trinity Square in London to provide two luxury accommodations (and will open its first property in Abu Dhabi!). Vancouver is to get a Trump hotel that will become its second tallest tower on the skyline, reaching a lofty 616 feet.”

Here is the full list:

L’Amandier, Morocco – Q1 2016
Ritz Paris – March 2016
Amanemu, Ise-Shima National Park, Japan – March 2016
St Regis Langkawi, Langkawi, Malaysia – April 2016
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 2016
Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, Greece – May 2016
Shanghai Disney – Spring 2016
QT Museum Wellington Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand – August 2016
Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square, London – December 2016
Trump International Hotel &Tower Vancouver, Canada – 2016
The Nai Harn, Phuket, Thailand – 2016

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3378731/Ready-booking-bucket-list-exciting-luxury-hotel-openings-2016.html#ixzz4CCJpcyjw

I will follow up on this post shortly with my view on the most exciting hotel openings for Dubai in 2016. There are 10,000 rooms set to enter the market here throughout2016 (source: JLL) and exciting brands are coming to Dubai for the first time including: W, Nikki Beach, Paramount, and Hard Rock. Watch this space…