GLOBAL HOTEL INVENTORY HAS GROWN 18% IN THE LAST DECADE

According to STR’s 10th anniversary report, there are 184,299 hotels that amount to 16,966,280 million rooms around the world – representing a 17.7% increase in rooms over the last 10 years.

“The hotel sector and its rate of return continue to attract real-estate investors—that is evident through the substantial growth in performance metrics and development we have seen over the past decade,” said Robin Rossmann, STR’s international managing director.

“While the story is rarely the same for any two markets around the world, the industry as a whole continues to perform at robust levels, and we expect continued growth over the coming years.”

Talkabouthospitality recently reported that the Middle East’s tourist boom shows no sign of slowing as new figures reveal the region has overtaken Europe in regards to the number of new hotel rooms in the pipeline.

According to a new report by TOPHOTELPROJECTS – prepared ahead of this year’s editions of The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia and The Hotel Show Dubai – the Middle East is set to add 238,963 new hotel rooms to its current supply, the majority of which will open in the next five years.

Only North America and Asia/Pacific have more hotel rooms planned than the Middle East, where the UAE (222 projects / 126,576 rooms) and Saudi Arabia (143 projects / 55,810 rooms) are the two most active countries for hospitality development.

An even clearer indicator of continued growth is the Middle East having more hotel rooms on the way than South America and Africa combined.

 

FROM THE WORLD’S TALLEST HOTEL TO THE FIRST WITH A RAINFOREST: NEW HOTELS AND RESORTS TO EXPERIENCE IN THE UAE IN 2018

NOW OPEN (as of Q4 2017)

Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai

Dubai’s Business Bay is quickly becoming a top destination for hotels and the place to stay in the city with easy access to all of its key locations. Strengthening Marriott International’s portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels (think of its other impressive recent openings La Ville Hotel CITY WALK Dubai, and the Lapita Hotel at Dubai Parks and Resorts – both from its Autograph Collection), Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai opened late last year.

The first Renaissance Hotel in the UAE is famed for its unique design features led by interior firm WA International. As described by Marriott: “…the hotel’s design sets the stage to inspire a sense of spontaneous discovery at every turn: from the dynamic art installation of Dubai’s cityscape that takes center-stage upon arrival, to the cheeky photography in each guestroom, complemented by a Pablo Picasso’s famed camel sketch reimagined into a 3D iron rod sculpture – both playful jests to reframe your stay.”

Alongside its epic design features, amazing views of Downtown Dubai and the Water Canal, and amenities including an indoor infinity pool and outdoor pool and new Six Senses Spa (coming soon), the hotel boasts some of Dubai’s most exciting new culinary outlets – no mean feat. This includes the first UAE restaurant from renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto and brand new concepts ‘Bleu Blanc’ (reflecting a Southern French farmhouse) and ‘BASTA!’ (a contemporary interpretation of Roman trattoria), from Chef David Myers. New debut ‘BHAR’ (the Arabic word for spice) will offer Middle Eastern cuisine, whilst ‘Grounded’ will serve as the hotels premiere coffee shop with international beans and unique brewing methods on offer.

Pictured: BHAR Sunset Terrace, Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai
Find out more from Marriott.com

Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai

The Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai opened in December 2017 on Dubai’s new ‘treasure island’ – Jumeirah Bay. Shaped like a sea-horse, the impressive island is connected to Downtown Dubai via a 300m bridge. Now Dubai’s most expensive hotel, the Bulgari Resort Dubai is the world’s fifth Bulgari Hotels and Resorts property and it’s first in the Middle East (existing locations include Bali, London, Milan, and Beijing).

Despite its central location, close to some of Dubai’s biggest landmarks including the world’s tallest building, the beachfront property (designed by renowned Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners) is spread across only four floors with 101 rooms and suites, as well as 20 Bulgari villas with pool, garden and sea-view, providing guests with a more personalized stay. As described by Bulgari: “…with a Mediterranean village feel, the complex features the Resort, six residential buildings with 173 sea facing apartments, 15 private mansions, and Bulgari’s first-ever Marina and Yacht Club.”

The brand new resort offers a wide range of amenities, including gourmet Italian cuisine at ‘Il Ristorante – Niko Romito’, ‘Il Café’ which is open all day, ‘Il Bar’ and the ‘La Spiaggia’ Beach Club with private beach. Its unique mosaic-design outdoor swimming pool is complemented by a 1,700 square-metre Spa with an indoor pool, hammam, fitness centre and beauty salon.

Pictured: Bulgari Resort & Residences exterior
Find out more from Bulgari.com

InterContinental Fujairah Resort

Located on the sands of Fujairah’s stunning Aqah Beach, this five-star InterContinental is the brands first resort in the Middle East, definitely worth the trip from Dubai. Offering a spectacular change of scenery beneath the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, the resort features 44 rooms and 38 suites with expansive balconies and uninterrupted views across the Arabian Sea. It also features impressive amenities including O Spa by L’Occitane, an outdoor infinity pool, and two gourmet dining options.

The hotel recommends an ideal day at the resort and exploring Fujairah which sounds too good to miss:

Morning: For a rejuvenating start to your day, we recommend a morning jog on the beach. Early morning, you’ll pass by the local fishermen getting their catch of the day. After your exercise, revel in the abundant choice of our international buffet at Nama Restaurant for your breakfast, after which you can set sail with our Captain, who will take you on a voyage from our private beach. An incredible experience and a great vantage point to view the resort! The skipper will set off to show you Snoopy Island, a rocky marine outcrop about 100 meters offshore from Al Aqah Beach. You will have the opportunity to embark on one of the most famous activities in the area: Scuba diving or snorkeling, exploring the vibrant underwater life in the area.

Afternoon: After lunch, we highly recommend exploring the city of Fujairah, where you can visit historical sites such as the Fujairah Museum – our personal favorite! The museum houses a great collection of artifacts dating from the early Bronze Age. Spend your time wandering around the historical part of the city and conclude your afternoon by visiting the iconic Fujairah Fort. Built in 1670, it is considered the oldest fort in the United Arab Emirates.

Evening: As the sun begins to set, head down to one of Fujairah’s major landmarks, the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It is a beautiful structure and a must-see right after sunset! We personally love the lighting features that illuminate this majestic mosque. On your way back to the resort, stop by Al Bidyah Mosque, the oldest extant mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Once you reach the resort, meet me and the team with a final touch of magic to end your day! Join us to enjoy al fresco dining at Drift beach bar and grill with delectable cocktails and succulent dishes to delight your palate, all with the most amazing ocean views!

Pictured: Intercontinental Resort Fujairah 
Find out more from IHG.com

STILL TO COME (Q1-4 2018)

W Dubai – The Palm

Opening in June 2018, a second W Hotel will launch in Dubai, located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah shoreline. With its sleek design synonymous with the W brand, the new property will feature 350 guest rooms and 58 suites with a sea view including ‘the largest suite in Dubai’ (the E-WOW Suite), six restaurants and bars, a private beach with a range of water sports on offer from windsurfing to canoeing, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, and the W’s famous Pets are Welcome or ‘PAW’ programme.

Pictured: W Dubai – The Palm exterior rendering
Find out more from W Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Dubai, Jumeirah Beach

Opening in the final quarter of 2018, the resort’s 200 luxurious rooms and suites will include 12 spacious and exclusive over-the-water villas, accessible via a private bridge. Each villa will have its own infinity pool and a private swim platform, allowing for direct access to the Arabian Gulf. The hotel itself also centers around a variety of infinity pools leading down towards the beachfront. Design elements will be influenced by local culture and the Group’s oriental heritage. The resort will feature nine dynamic restaurants and bars including a signature pier-top restaurant with dedicated docking facilities, allowing for access by private yacht guests. An all-inclusive Spa will offer Mandarin Oriental’s award winning signature programmes as well as specially developed treatments inspired by local traditions and customs. Further facilities include a vitality pool, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, heat and water therapies, and an extensive fitness centre.  In addition, a dedicated Beach Club will provide a range of water sports activities.

Pictured: Mandarin Oriental Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Find out more from Mandarin Oriental

The world’s first hotel featuring a RAINFOREST: Rosemont Hotel and Residences

Set to become the world’s first hotel with a RAINFOREST – construction on the two-tour Rosemont Hotel in Dubai’s Barsha Heights is set to be completed in April 2018. Designed by ZAS Architects, the 450-room hotel will be operated by Hilton Worldwide under its Curio brand. A man-made jungle, artificial beach and stunning ‘sky pool’ will feature on a five-storey podium, which connects the two towers. The hotel will also offer guests three restaurants, a lobby café and two bars, a fully equipped gym, an outdoor pool and a spa. One of the most exciting spots alongside the man-made jungle looks set to be the outdoor infinity pool, which extends to the edge of the building with views along Sheikh Zayed Road down to the Burj al Arab and the Burj Khalifa.

Pictured: Rosemont Hotel and Residences Dubai
Find out more about the project from ZAS Architects Dubai.

The Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah

Described by developers as a “…scenic waterfront community, showcasing both Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty and rich heritage”, Anantara’s first resort in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah will be situated in a secluded and picturesque area with a private beach. Overlooking a mangrove-lined eco-reserve, the surrounding area is to be kept unspoiled and feature a discovery and eco learning centre. The first Maldives-inspired overwater villas of their kind in the Emirate will provide the ultimate in relaxation and luxury, whilst the health club on-site will promote an active leisure lifestyle, inviting travellers to stay in shape with energetic gym sessions such as aerobics and racket sports. World-class Anantara Spa journeys will incorporate indigenous wellness traditions whilst culinary experiences will celebrate the flavours of Asia.

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Pictured: The Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah
Find out more from Anantara.com

The WORLD’S TALLEST hotel: The GEVORA Hotel

At a whopping 356 meters high, with 75 floors, Time Out Dubai has reported that the Gevora Hotel will open later this year. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in the Trade Centre area, the gigantic new hotel will boast 528 guest rooms and launch four new restaurants to the city. When it opens it will beat the current record holder for the tallest hotel in the world – JW Marriott Marquis Dubai – which is located on the opposite side of the same road, but further up in the Business Bay area of Dubai. To put its stature in perspective, Time Out compared the Gevora Hotel to be three times taller than Big Ben, 56 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower, and around equal to the length of three football pitches. They also reported that bedroom sizes would also be set at a not so modest 46 square meters, with the largest two-bedroom suite measuring a massive 85 square meters.

Pictured: The Gevora Hotel exterior and pool views
Find out more from The Gevora Hotel Facebook page

The ten most Instagrammed hotels in the world: 2017

As part of its ‘2017 Year in Review’, Instagram has revealed the ten most Instagrammed hotels in the world. This is part of its annual showcase of some of the top #travel, #hashtag, #video and other popular results from its 800 million+ users this year.

It comes as no surprise that the most popular location for Instagrammable hotels is the uber-flashy, Instagram-friendly Las Vegas, USA with seven of its most popular resorts featured. Other locations include: Miami, USA; Singapore; and our very own Dubai, UAE.

Here are the most Instagrammed hotels in the world for 2017…how many have you been to?:

1. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 

The world’s most Instagrammed hotel also boasts the highest and longest infinity pool on the planet on its rooftop. With panoramic views of one of the most luxurious cities in the world, it’s the ideal backdrop for Instagram lovers to take a phenomenal shot, and has a following of 71k.

2. The Bellagio, Las Vegas USA

Inspired by the town of Bellagio in Lake Como, Italy – this hotel is famed for its 8-acre lake featuring the ‘Fountains of Bellagio’ – its most popular feature to post on Instagram. It boasts 229k followers.

3. The Venetian, Las Vegas USA

The world’s second largest hotel, The Venetian uses Venice, Italy as its design inspiration. Its famous features include architectural replicas of various Venetian landmarks such as the Lion of Venice Column, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and its Grand Canal complete with the option of gondola rides. This mini-Italy in the desert makes for some interesting Instagram shots, and is followed by 106k people.

4. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai UAE

The first hotel to open on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island off of Dubai’s glittering coastline, Atlantis is one of the world’s most popular resorts with 221k Instagram followers. Known for its outstanding leisure and entertainment options including the Nasimi Beach concert venue, popular ‘Saffron’ Friday brunch, celebrity restaurants, massive indoor aquarium, and one of the top ranked water parks globally, Aquaventure.  There is a wealth of Instagrammable features to be found.

5. MGM Grand, Las Vegas USA

The most Instagrammed hotel in the world in 2016 – the MGM Grand has 200k followers. It is the world’s third largest hotel complex by number of rooms, and the second largest resort in the USA behind The Venetian. With one of the largest gaming floors in Las Vegas at a whopping 171,500 square feet and some of its most popular entertainment options including the Wet Republic Ultra Pool day club, the David Copperfield Theater (with nightly shows by the famous illusionist), the Hakkasan restaurant and nightclub and much more – there is always something entertaining to capture at the MGM Grand.

6. The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas USA

Rated “The Best Hotel in the World” by Gogobot in 2013 and featured on the 2015 Conde Nast Traveller Gold List as one of the “Top Hotels in the World” – the Cosmopolitan has 126k Instagram followers. The resort features 3,027 hotel rooms, many of which have their own private terrace with panoramic views of the Las Vegas strip – perfect for Instagram. The hotel is known for its ‘Pools’ of three different types: a relaxation pool, day club pool and nightclub pool. It is also home to the uber-popular Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub, the top grossing nightclub in the United States in 2012.

7. Wynn, Las Vegas USA

The seventh largest hotel in the world and the flagship property of Wynn Resorts, Wynn Las Vegas has 171k Instagram followers, and has earned Michelin five star, AAA five diamond, Mobil five star, Forbes five star and Zagat Survey Top U.S. Hotel ratings, amongst various other accolades – owing to its being considered as one of the world’s finest hotels. The Wynn Golf Course is also the only golf course on the Las Vegas Strip.

8. Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas USA

One of its largest, oldest and best known landmarks, Ceasars Palace is an icon in the Las Vegas hotel and entertainment scene. Famous for its design based on the way of life during the Roman Empire, ‘The Colosseum’ concert venue which has hosted some of the world’s best performers from Frank Sinatra to today’s ‘Celine’ by Celine Dion and featuring in movies including ‘The Hangover’.

9. Fontainebleau, Miami Beach USA

Opened in 1954 and again in 2008 after a two-year US $1 billion renovation, Miami’s famous hotel and architectural landmark, the Fontainebleau, is known for featuring in various movies and TV shows from The Bodyguard to The City, its glamorous LIV nightclub, and design features including ‘the staircase to nowhere’ aka ‘the floating staircase’.

10. Paris Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas USA 

Last but definitely not least is Paris Las Vegas, the hotel and casino themed after the capital city of France, bringing a mini version of the glamorous European destination to the Nevada desert. It includes a half-scale tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, two-thirds sized Arc de Triomphe, and a 1,200-seat theatre aptly named ‘Le Théâtre des Arts’. The front of the hotel is also reminiscent of the Paris Opera House and Louvre Museum.

See more of Instagram’s ‘2017 Year in Review‘ including this year’s:

• Top Instagram hashtags
• Most-liked posts and videos
• Most-Instagrammed cities and locations (based on geotags)
• Most-followed celebrities
• Celebrities who gained the most followers on Instagram
• Hashtags that increased most in popularity
• Accounts with the Most-viewed Instagram Stories
• Most-used Instagram Filters in feed and Instagram Stories
• Most-followed pets

TOP FIVE LIFE HACKS FOR THE PERFECT NIGHT’S SLEEP

According to Bupa Global, nearly 90 per cent of UAE residents don’t get enough sleep, making them susceptible to a host of lifestyle diseases.

Sleep plays a big part in just about everything we do in our lives, essential for our physical and mental power throughout the day, and we are not getting enough.

As explained by the National Sleep Foundation: “Our cells grow and repair while we sleep and our immune system is strengthened by sleep which helps slow the aging process.”

Good quality sleep, seven or even ten hours of sleep can be powerful enough to rejuvenate. But, some may say they only dream of uninterrupted sleep, either woken by their children, worries, things to remember or do.

In search for ways to reduce stress and have an improved lifestyle, all over the world people are turning to innovative or traditional methods to get clean sleep. It has never been more important to us. From relaxation techniques to changing pillows, aromas to removing tech from the bedroom, sleep centres to eating well, we are on our way to a better sleep!

An independent market research survey by Neom Organics, currently the fastest growing wellbeing brand in the UK, found that 1 in 2 people feel that better quality and quantity of sleep would make them less stressed.

According to the creators of Neom Organics: “This is about easy and positive changes that really STICK and really WORK. It’s not about popping a pill or buying an insanely expensive mattress – it’s about looking at your sleep from every perspective, in a way that wakes you up to the simple solutions.”

Neom Organics has created a range of award-winning products that not only smell wonderful but also have true therapeutic benefits for the mind and body, helping to transform the way people feel.

Pearl Tree are the regional distribution partner of Neom Organics, responsible for bringing the brand from the UK to the Middle East.

There are plenty of methods out there that will help you improve your sleep. Pearl Tree offers you five simple tried and tested ways to achieve clean sleep.

Pearl Tree’s top five tips for better sleep: 

1. Cosy up in natural materials

Studies have proven that we all sleep best when wearing breathable cotton clothes, as it helps us stay cool. Keep your bedding natural too – we love linen and silk – to ensure that your sleep environment temp stays at a cool 17 to 21 degrees (that’s your sleep sweet spot).

2. Beautify your bedroom

Make your sleeping space a welcoming haven with freshly washed linen, Neom’s English lavender, chamomile & patchouli pillow mist, your favourite keepsakes, green plants and a relaxing read on the nightstand… um, is it bedtime yet??

3. Two-do list

If the next day’s to-do list keeps waking you up in the middle of the night, take two mins to jot things down BEFORE you get into bed – signaling your brain to switch off and quit worrying. Studies have shown this helps to relax us.

4. Shower with English lavender

Don’t have time for a sleepy bath? Try a sleepy shower instead! Rub a full pipette of Neom’s Tranquillity Bath & Shower Drops onto your skin before showering – hot water + potent essential oils, English lavender, sweet basil & jasmine plus 16 other essential oils, to help you sleep.

5. Night mode

Be mindful of your tech habits – by setting all of your devices to automatic night mode after 7pm, your brain won’t get confused by the blue light, which makes our brains think it’s sunrise (not great when it’s actually coming up to bedtime!).

Bonus tip: Spread the sleepy vibe across the family

Neom’s Scent to Sleep™ range is safe for all of the family to use. Children can also benefit from a good night’s sleep and lovely soft skin with Neom’s Perfect Night’s Sleep Bath Foam just before bed. Using marshmallow and coconut oil, and English lavender you can a blissful pre-sleep haven.

Find out more about Neom Organics at: www.pearltree.ae

 

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY WEEK AFFIRMS DUBAI’S PIVOTAL ROLE FOR REGION’S HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Event to consolidate key trade shows catering to hotel and foodservices sector – GulfHost, The Hotel Show, The Leisure Show, Speciality Food Festival, SEAFEX Middle East & yummex ME

As markets across the Middle East look to diversify their economies, the launch of Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW) in September this year is recognition of the hospitality sector as a key driver of GDP growth in the region. Endorsed by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), what will be the largest hotel and foodservice expo in the Middle East takes place from 18-20 September and includes six co-located trade shows: GulfHost, owned and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC); The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show, owned and organised by dmg events; and The Speciality Food Festival (DWTC), SEAFEX Middle East (DWTC) and yummex ME, jointly organised by DWTC and Kölnmesse.

The scale of DIHW is unprecedented for the global hospitality sector, bringing together more than 2,000 of the world’s top hospitality brands from across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The full spectrum of products and services required to operate hospitality businesses – whether global hotel chains, fine dining restaurants, quick service outlets or independent coffee shops – will be showcased between the six complementary shows.

More than 50,000 visitors, including buyers from top groups that include Crowne Plaza, Dubai Duty Free, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Marriott and Spinneys, among others, will be making key purchasing decisions during the show, ahead of the sector’s high season.

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The hospitality sector has long been a key pillar of Dubai’s tourism industry and the emirate’s wider economy. The dramatic growth we’ve seen in the sector over the years is testament to the attractiveness of Dubai as an investment prospect and a destination that prides itself in offering an environment that facilitates and supports business success. We are therefore very pleased to launch Dubai International Hospitality Week as a platform enabling the region’s hospitality players to come together, exchange knowledge and learnings, and create valuable opportunities for future growth.”

There are currently more than 800 hotels under construction in the Middle East and Africa, equating to over 200,000 rooms according to STR Global, with an urgent requirement for furnishings, equipment, technology and hardware to enable completion as quickly as possible. Equally, the foodservice sector continues to grow with a current CAGR of 7.6%, and is expected to reach a value of USD58.7 billion (AED215 billion) by 2021.¹

The co-location of shows under the DIHW umbrella offers efficiencies and convenience for professionals and buyers on a scale not previously available in the region. GulfHost 2017 boasts a dedicated portfolio of hospitality and catering equipment solutions for both front and back of house, while The Hotel Show showcases products and services for every aspect of hotel development, from build to technology. The Leisure Show takes this further with a focus on the leisure aspects of a hotel or resort including pool and spa, and sports and fitness. The Speciality Food Events by Gulfood include The Speciality Food Festival for gourmet, artisan, organic and halal foods, SEAFEX Middle East for seafood, and yummex ME for an extensive offering of global snacks and confectionery.

DIHW takes place from 18-20 September 2017 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

MIDDLE EAST HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2017 ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED

The Middle East Hospitality Awards (MEHA) 2017 is announcing that its entry deadline has been extended until Thursday 20^th July due to overwhelming demand.

Exceptionally popular categories this year have included Best Spa and Wellness Centre, Luxury Hotel of the Year, Hotel Launch of the Year, and Hospitality Leader of the Year.

There is now more time for the leading facilities and professionals providing the Middle East’s ultimate guest experiences to enter the awards for 2017.

MEHA 2017 will run on the second evening of The Hotel Show Dubai (19^th September 2017) with the endorsement of industry leaders including Ambassador and Judge, decorated Chef and restaurateur Gary Rhodes OBE.

MEHA 2017 categories still accepting entries include:

Luxury Hotel of the Year
Boutique Hotel of the Year
Mid-Market Hotel of the Year
Hotel Launch of the Year
Resort of the Year
Best Bar / Nightlife Venue
Best Gym / Sporting Facility
Best Spa / Wellness Centre
Most Impressive Hotel Feature
Best Hotel Developer
Best Use of Technology
Best New Restaurant of the Year
Best Event Venue
Best Team of the Year
Head Chef of the Year
The MEHA Rising Star Award

Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur Gary Rhodes OBE has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s hospitality scene for over 10 years and currently runs two leading restaurants in Dubai – Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House, and Rhodes Twenty10 at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa – said: “The Middle East Hospitality Awards are a great opportunity to show the international market that we’re knocking on its door.

“There are world-class hotels here. There are world-class restaurants here. There are great eateries of all kinds – so let’s show everybody what we are all about.”

For more information and to enter MEHA 2017, access: thehotelshow.com/awards

Pictured: Representatives from Palazzo Versace Dubai accept the award for Best Middle East Hotel at MEHA 2016

 

ALL-STAR JUDGING PANEL REVEALED FOR MIDDLE EAST HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2017

An exclusive pool of experts across Dubai’s vibrant hospitality industry has been gathered to judge the 2017 Middle East Hospitality Awards (MEHA).

 

Taking place in Dubai this September, the awards will acknowledge excellence across the region’s diverse hospitality sector by rewarding hotels, resorts and restaurants that have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation and visitor relations in the last year.

The event has evolved from the Middle East Hotel Awards following five successful years, and will run on the second evening of The Hotel Show Dubai (19^th September 2017) – the Middle East and Africa’s largest and most comprehensive hospitality industry event – during a glittering ceremony where hundreds of hoteliers will gather at the Palazzo Versace Dubai.

A distinguished judging panel of ten industry leaders, chaired by Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur, Gary Rhodes OBE (pictured below) will crown the winners across 18 new categories for 2017 – covering the entire spectrum of the hospitality industry like never before – celebrating best restaurants, bars, spas, sporting facilities, event and nightlife venues and more, from across the Middle East.

 Gary Rhodes OBE, Michelin-starred Chef & Restaurateur

Rhodes will chair the panel of ten judges, which has today been revealed as:

 Sharon Jutla, Design Director Middle East, Harrison

 Ghazi Al Madani, Sport Tourism Manager, Dubai Sports Council

 Michelle Karam, Founder, Travel Junkie Diary

 Rupprecht Queitsch, CEO, Senior Partner, INHOCO Group

 Tatjana Ahmed, Housekeeping Specialist, Hyatt Hotels

 Sharon Barcock, Director, Spa & Fitness ME&A, Hilton Worldwide

 Paul Evans, Managing Director, Solutions Leisure Group

 Filippo Sona, Director & Head of Hotels, MENA, Colliers

 Marko Vucinic, SVP, Hotels & Hospitality, JLL

Rhodes, an internationally renowned, Michelin-starred Chef who has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s hospitality scene for over 10 years and currently runs two leading restaurants in Dubai – Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House, and Rhodes Twenty10 at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa – commented: “The Middle East Hospitality Awards are a great opportunity to show the international market that we’re knocking on its door.

“There are world-class hotels here. There are world-class restaurants here. There are great eateries of all kinds – so let’s show everybody what we are all about.”

The 18 new MEHA categories for 2017 are: Luxury Hotel of the Year, Boutique Hotel of the Year, Mid-Market Hotel of the Year, Hotel Launch of the Year, Resort of the Year, Best Bar / Nightlife Venue, Best Gym / Sporting Facility, Best Spa / Wellness Centre, Most Impressive Hotel Feature, Best Hotel Developer, Best Use of Technology, Best New Restaurant of the Year, Best Event Venue, Best Team of the Year, Head Chef of the Year, Hospitality Leader of the Year, The MEHA Rising Star Award and The MEHA Lifetime Achievement Award.

The final deadline to enter is 14th July 2017 – find out more at: thehotelshow.com/awards