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TDIC to launch corporate Sukuk
Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Co (TDIC) is set to launch an Islamic bond issue for general corporate purposes, Reuters has reported, citing two bankers familiar with the deal. 'TDIC is aiming for something between $500m and $1bn,' one of the bankers has said. HSBC, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Standard Chartered have been mandated for the Sukuk sale, the bankers said.
The Address Dubai Mall opens for business
The Address Dubai Mall, a newly built five-star hotel linked directly to The Dubai Mall, has opened its doors to guests today. The hotel marks the third property in the portfolio of The Address Hotels + Resorts, the hotel brand owned by Emaar Hospitality Group. The Address Dubai Mall has 244 rooms and suites, all offering views of Downtown Burj Dubai.
Marriott to manage Harbour Hotel in Dubai
Marriott International has announed that it will be taking over management of the Harbour Hotel & Residence in Dubai Marina on September 15 under an agreement with Emirates. The 52-storey property will be rebranded the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites following modifications to bring the number of rooms in the hotel to 232 later this year. The agreement is the second contract Marriott has reached with Emirates this year, following a deal to operate the 1,614-room JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai that is currently under construction in Business Bay.
Accor to manage 44 hotels in Middle East
Christophe Landais, Managing Director, Accor Hospitality Middle East has unveiled the company's plans to operate 44 hotels across nine countries in the region by 2011. The company said in a statemnt its plans for the UAE include the opening of Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, at the end of September, the launch of the Ibis Rigga within the first quarter of next year and the entry of its new brand, Pullman Hotels & Resorts, which is linked to the Mall of Emirates, by mid-2010.
$50m 'tourism village' to be built near Petra
Jordanian tourism ministry has signed an agreement with Pharaon Commercial Investment Group to build a $50m tourism village near the ancient city of Petra, the Jordan Times has reported. The project will include a 100-bed five-star hotel, a multipurpose conference hall, a shopping area including a handicrafts market, restaurants, a spa and swimming pools. Additionally, a centre will be built under the project to offer training to local residents in hospitality skills, the ministry has said. Work on the project will start before the end of the year, and is scheduled for completion within 30 months.
Dubai to unveil new cruise terminal
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced the new cruise terminal is expected to open next January, The National has reported. The official announcement of the opening of the new terminal will be made at the Seatrade exhibition in Hamburg on September 15. The terminal will have the capacity to handle up to four ships simultaneously, and will be the world's first to be operated by a government department of tourism, according to the DTCM..
Kanoo and Amex launch luxury travel partnership
Bahrain-based Kanoo Travel has partnered with American Express Vacations to launch luxury travel destinations for Middle East customers, Gulf Daily News has reported. Potential customers will be offered a range of cities and resorts throughout the world. The company said each destination has been hand-picked.
Egypt to cut Hajj pilgrims numbers
The Egyptian Higher Committee for Hajj has decided to reduce the number of Hajj pilgrims by 40% this year as a precaution against the spread of the H1N1 virus, Arab News has reported. A final decision on the number of Hajj pilgrims or cancellation of Hajj for all Egyptians is being considered and will be taken ahead of Hajj, after monitoring the spread of the virus, the committee said.
Rezidor to open Park Inn at DAFZ
The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced it will open a Park Inn hotel at the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ). The property will feature 312 rooms and is set to open in 2012. The new Park Inn will be located 1.8km from Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport, catering to the 1,300 companies present within the area, covering a wide array of firms; including aviation, pharmaceutical, logistics and IT.
Rotana opens its Makkah hotel
Rotana Hotel Management Corp. has announced the opening of its new hotel property in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana. The new hotel is the first to open under the brand 'Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts' by Rotana. The new hotel is situated at the right side of Al Bayt Towers complex and has an overview of the Holy Mosque and the Ka'aba. Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana offers 400 rooms and suites.
Qatari Diar to develop Egyptian tourist projects
Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment is planning to develop tourist projects in a number of cities in Egypt, the Peninsula has reported. The developer is currently working on its $1bn St Regis Cairo hotel, which will be operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014, as well as a $450m resort at Sharm El Sheikh.
Intercontinental Dubai sees demand rising
The head of sales at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City said he is seeing signs of a recovery, reported Gulf News. Christian Pertl said conference tourism and executive travel in particular are on the rise at the complex, which comprises the five-star Intercontinental Hotel, Crown Plaza and Intercontinental Residence Suites. Rather than excessively cutting room rates during the summer months the hotels offered value added benefits such as shopping vouchers, free stay and free meals for kids, and free use of the nearby golf course Al Badia. These offers mainly attracted family guests from the GCC countries and led to 80% occupancy rate in the Intercontinental and 90% in the Crown Plaza over recent months, he said.
Holiday Inn opens on Jordan's Dead Sea
InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the opening of its second Holiday Inn property in Jordan and its first on the Dead Sea. The Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea has 78 rooms and 128 chalets, a choice of restaurants and lounges, sports facilities and a swimming pool.
Atlantis names replacement for GM
Atlantis The Palm Hotel yesterday revealed the name of the person who will take over operation of the hotel following the resignation of General Manager Amadeo Zarzosa last week. Serge Zaalof, a French national, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer for Kerzner International, the owner of Atlantis The Palm, and will be based in Dubai, the hotel said in a statement yesterday. Zaalof spent ten years with Jumeirah Group, and also worked for the Hilton and Hyatt hotel groups in the US, UK and Caribbean before moving to the UAE, the statement said.
SpiceJet appoints Sharaf Travel as agent in UAE
India's low-cost airline, SpiceJet has appointed Sharaf Travel as its first General Sales Agency in the UAE. As per the agreement, Sharaf Travel will promote, advertise and sell SpiceJet tickets in the UAE.
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