As Monday draws to a close, we bring you a roundup of news, events and updates from Day 1 of FHS World.
Accor and The Summary Executive Properties signed a landmark deal for Swissôtel’s very first stand-alone Branded Residences project. The waterfront residences will be built at Dubai Islands and will open in 2027. Media release and images on this link.
Hyatt announced plans for two hotels in Magna, NEOM’s luxury coastal destination, with Park Hyatt and Andaz brands set to debut in Jaumur, a cosmopolitan luxury marina community on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Media release and images on this link.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Muhanna Hotels Ltd signed an agreement with Marriott International to open Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah, with Aleph Hospitality appointed as operator. The property is slated to open in 2025. Media release and image on this link.
Real estate consultants Cavendish Maxwell released a report on hotel rating systems, asking the question: ‘Is the Hotel Rating System Still Fit for Purpose?’ Existing national rating systems focus on aspects like room quality, cleanliness, and service, yet varying criteria across regions often lead to disparities. In the Middle East, tourism is rapidly outpacing the criteria set by traditional hotel ratings: Saudi Arabia’s new ultra-luxurious resorts like NEOM Sindalah offer facilities that go beyond the global 5-star rating. Dubai’s Burj-al-Arab claimed 7-star status back in 1999, signalling the inadequacy of the traditional five-star model. The report suggests creating an "exchange rate" system for ratings across jurisdictions, or evolving international rating systems with uniform criteria to replace national frameworks. Additionally, incorporating user-controlled software could personalise ratings based on individual preferences. Full report on this link.
Skyline University College signed agreements to promote growth in hospitality, real estate and tourism. The college inked a deal with HAMA MEA – which specialises in providing professional expertise in the Middle East’s hospitality and tourism sectors – to work together on projects and initiatives that benefit both organisations and the wider industry. An MOU was also signed with UAE Restaurants Group – which represents more than 2,000 outlets in the UAE and collaborates with government and industry stakeholders to enhance innovation and service standards – to foster mutual growth in hospitality, food and beverage, and community engagement. Skyline University College has extensive experience in higher education and skill development in hospitality, real estate, tourism, business management and information technology. Images on this link.
Raj Bhatt
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE
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