Tourism and Hospitality

Action Hotels and Accor open Aussie hotel
Kuwait-based Action Hotels and Accor Hospitality have completed the development of their first partnered hotel outside the GCC with the official opening of Ibis Glen Waverley in Melbourne, Australia. The development is the first of a number of hotel projects that Action Hotels is currently planning for the Australian market including other projects for Melbourne and the construction of a 314-room hotel in downtown Brisbane.
Kuwait: Tuesday, July 22 - 2008 at 08:56

Hotel occupancy 83% up in Sharjah
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has reported an overall occupancy in Sharjah's hotels to 83% higher during the first six months of 2008 compared to the corresponding period in 2007. Hotels and hotel apartments in Sharjah have also increased to 102 (37 hotels and 65 hotel apartments), compared to the figure of 74 (24 hotels and 50 hotel apartments) during the same period in 2007.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, July 21 - 2008 at 13:32

The Address expands in Cairo
Emaar Hospitality Group's The Address Hotels & Resorts is also launching the hotel in Egypt - The Address, Uptown Cairo. The hotel will be part of Uptown Cairo, the master-planned community developed by Emaar Misr for Development. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2011.
Egypt: Monday, July 21 - 2008 at 09:22

Baccarat to rise in Dubai Pearl
Pearl Dubai announced its plans to develop a Dhs2.5bn Baccarat Hotel and Residences at Dubai Pearl in agreement with Starwood Capital Group. The Baccarat Hotel will cover an area of 500,000sqft and have 342 rooms, completion is set for 2011. The Baccarat Residences will feature apartments over an area of 300,000sqft.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, July 20 - 2008 at 09:09

Radisson SAS opens in Aqaba
The Rezidor Hotel Group announced it has opened the Radisson SAS Bay Resort in Aqaba. The resort is owned by Shatea Al-Kamar for Tourism Investment Co. Limited, offering 336 rooms, consisting of standard, deluxe, superior, Tala Bay rooms as well as junior and executive suites.
Jordan: Saturday, July 19 - 2008 at 10:54

Emaar Hospitality appoints new COO
Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality & leisure business subsidiary of Emaar Properties, has appointed Christoph Mares as Chief Operating Officer of the company. Reporting to Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Mares will drive the day-to-day business and management operations of every business unit within Emaar Hospitality Group's diversified portfolio.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, July 17 - 2008 at 11:27

Saudi curbs Umrah visitors from UAE
Fewer people from the UAE will be able to perform Umrah this year as the Saudi authorities are imposing restrictions on their number, reported Khaleej Times. Previously, there was no limit on Umrah visitors from the UAE, both citizens and residents. The move follows the recently-announced sharp decrease in the UAE quota for Haj pilgrims from 24,500 in 2007 to 6,228 this year.
Syria: Thursday, July 17 - 2008 at 08:51

IHG signs Crown Plaza Riyadh
InterContinental Hotels Group has signed the Crowne Plaza Riyadh, in partnership with Mohammed A. Al-Swailem for Commercial Investment Co Ltd. This will be IHG's second Crowne Plaza in the kingdom and is scheduled to open in late 2010. Primarily servicing business travellers, the hotel, which will be located in the northern part of Riyadh, will feature over 300 rooms and suites.
Saudi Arabia: Wednesday, July 16 - 2008 at 10:21