Rotana appoints new country manager for Türkiye

Rotana has appointed Ugur Talayhan as Country Manager for Türkiye, Eastern and Central Europe, where he will oversee the operations of the management company’s hotels in Türkiye and neighboring countries, driving regional development efforts and focusing on revenue growth and operational excellence. Talayhan brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles at other big name hotel groups including IHG, Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, FRHI, and Accor. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations at Accor Türkiye and General Manager of Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul.

New General Manager for Address Beach Resort Dubai

Address Beach Resort in Dubai has appointed Luke James as their new General Manager. Originally from Adelaide in Austrlia, James brings with him more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience, having led properties globally, including One&Only Hayman Island, Hyatt Regency Adelaide, and Zabeel House By Jumeirah. He also holds degrees from the Swiss Hotel Association’s International College and Le Cordon Bleu. James’ expertise includes successful pre-openings, award-winning F&B concepts, and record-breaking financial performance. Most recently, he served as Area General Manager for Crystalbrook Collection in Queensland, Australia. He has received industry recognition, including Hotelier Middle East’s “General Manager of the Year” award and international accolades for his F&B concepts.

Red Sea Global appoints new General Manager for Shura Links

Red Sea Global (RSG) has appointed Jon Brook as General Manager of Shura Links, its 18-hole golf course on Shura Island, part of The Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia. With more than 30 years of experience as a PGA member, Brooks comes from a string of international luxury resorts across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. His goal is to develop The Red Sea and Saudi Arabia into a premier golfing destination.

The Shura Links course, designed to provide maximum variety and playability, features 18 holes winding through mangroves, dunes, and along the shoreline. With a two-acre putting course and iconic clubhouse, the course aims to attract discerning golfers and host major events. Brook’s previous roles include positions at Wentworth Club, Velaa Private Island, and Dreamland in Azerbaijan. He expressed enthusiasm for RSG’s regenerative tourism vision and looks forward to showcasing The Red Sea to the golfing world with Golf Saudi’s support.

Arabian Travel Market appoints marketing manager

RX, the organiser of the annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has appointed Hassan Merchant as Marketing Manager. Merchant brings 12 years of marketing experience from the UAE and India, having previously held roles at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Landmark Group, and RX. Reporting directly to Exhibition Director ME, Danielle Curtis, Merchant’ will develop and implement the marketing strategy for ATM. He will also oversee exhibitor marketing initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders, and focus on securing high-value visitors. ATM welcomed 47,000 attendees in 2023, and Merchant’s expertise is expected to further drive growth and development of the ATM brand.