Amadeus partners with hivr.ai for AI-driven sales solutions, while Sabre Hospitality teams up with Sensible Weather. Radisson gives back, and Valor Hospitality group strikes up a new partnership. New openings include Cappadocia Marriott Hotel, and Jumeirah partners with GROUND wellbeing for sustainable experiences.
Minor Hotels plans 60 new hotels in the Middle East
Minor Hotels has announced an ambitious expansion plan to add nearly 300 new hotels over the next three years, aiming to exceed 850 properties globally by the end of 2027. This growth includes approximately 60 new hotels in the Middle East and Africa, contributing to a more balanced global portfolio. The expansion focuses on luxury and upscale segments, with significant investments in brands such as Anantara, Tivoli, and Elewana Collection. The group is also emphasising sustainability and wellbeing in its developments, aligning with global trends in the hospitality industry.
World’s largest Courtyard by Marriott to open in Makkah
Marriott International has signed an agreement to open a 2,179-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, anticipated to launch in 2026. This establishment will become the largest Courtyard by Marriott globally, featuring seven interconnected towers and a restaurant capable of accommodating over 1,800 guests. The development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework, aiming to position the country as a global hub for religious and cultural tourism, with plans to host 30 million religious tourists by 2030.
MΓΆvenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai earns Green Globe recertification
MΓΆvenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai has achieved Green Globe recertification with a compliance score of 94%, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Initiatives include the implementation of the Winnow system to monitor food waste, increasing vegetarian and vegan menu options to 48%, and sourcing 7% of purchases from environmentally conscious suppliers. The hotel has also developed a five-year plan to reduce energy consumption by 30% by 2030, incorporating measures such as digitalising the Energy Management System and optimising HVAC controls. Additional features include a rooftop garden providing fresh produce for sustainable dishes and electric charging stations for eco-friendly travellers.
Earlier this week…
Amadeus partners with hivr.ai to enhance AI in hospitality sales
Amadeus, has made a minority investment in hivr.ai, a German tech firm specialising in AI-driven solutions for automating and integrating meeting and group sales across various distribution channels. Founded in 2019, hivr.ai aims to streamline the traditionally manual and fragmented sales process for meetings and groups, which constitute over one-third of global hotel room bookings. By automating tasks such as data entry, availability checks, and follow-up communications, hivr.ai’s technology reduces the sales cycle and increases revenue opportunities for hotels. This partnership includes plans to integrate hivr.ai’s solutions with Amadeus’ Delphi and MeetingBroker products, offering hoteliers expanded channel access and enhanced automation capabilities.
Sabre Hospitality partners with Sensible Weather
Photo of Moroccan desert by Sergey Pesterev/Unsplash
Sabre Hospitality Solutions has partnered with Sensible Weather to integrate Weather Guarantees into the SynXis Booking Engine. With the aim to improve booking conversions, reduce cancellations, and boost guest satisfaction, the collaboration enables hotels to provide guests with automatic reimbursements for weather-related disruptions during their stays. Ethan Wiseman, Head of Distribution Product Management for Sabre Hospitality, stated that the integration of Sensible Weather’s product supports Sabre’s broader eCommerce retailing strategy by transforming the booking journey and giving consumers more confidence in their travel plans.
Radisson Resort RAK Marjan Island supports local community
In a gesture of kindness and community spirit, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island has donated food boxes to the Saqer Charity Foundation, in collaboration with Ras al Khaimah Municipality. This initiative is part of the UAE Food Bank program, aimed at providing essential support to those in need. The resort’s ongoing commitment to Responsible Business practices shines through in this thoughtful act, demonstrating its dedication to making a positive impact in the local community.
Valor Hospitality Partners expands Middle East portfolio
Valor Hospitality Partners, a global hotel management leader, has signed a strategic agreement with Dubai-based Karmastaji Group to manage a portfolio of three hotels in Dubai, comprising 259 keys and five outlets. According to Julien Bergue, Co-Founder and Managing Partner for Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East, the partnership aims to contribute to the UAE’s hospitality success story by achieving operational excellence and sustainable growth. Rashed Karmastaji, Chairman of Karmastaji Group, expressed confidence in delivering exceptional guest experiences and achieving business objectives with Valor’s proven expertise.
Cappadocia Marriott Hotel opens in TΓΌrkiye’s ‘Land of Fairytales’
Marriott Hotels has opened the Cappadocia Marriott Hotel, providing guests with access to the region’s unique landscapes, top attractions, and hot air balloon launch sites near the town of GΓΆreme. The hotel features 298 guestrooms designed with locally sourced natural stone and earthy tones to reflect the surrounding environment. Dining options include the Fairy Flame Restaurant, Sapore Restaurant, and a Pool Bar, along with the exclusive M Club lounge for guests. The hotel also offers over 3,300 sqm of versatile space, including seven multifunctional meeting rooms and a 1,200 sqm column-free ballroom.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi showcases Lorenzo Quinn’s ‘My Heart is Yours’ sculpture
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is exhibiting ‘My Heart is Yours,’ a sculpture by renowned artist Lorenzo Quinn. The piece portrays two golden hands gently holding a radiant, heart-shaped structure, symbolising the union of two souls through love. Lorenzo Quinn, influenced by masters like Michelangelo and Rodin, is celebrated for his figurative sculptures that express universal emotions such as love and faith. His works have been displayed globally, including at the Venice Biennale and in Giza. Quinn, now residing in Abu Dhabi, views this exhibition as a contribution to the city’s burgeoning art scene.
Jumeirah partners with GROUND wellbeing
Jumeirah has partnered with GROUND Wellbeing, an Irish skincare brand, to introduce natural and sustainable wellbeing experiences across its global portfolio. The collaboration will launch in February 2025 at The Peak Fitness Club & Spa at Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London, followed by Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai. Guests will be able to indulge in GROUND’s signature body and skincare rituals, including exclusive treatments like The Biome Facial and The Jet Lag Ritual. GROUND’s products are 100% vegan, animal cruelty-free, and made with natural ingredients. The partnership aims to promote meaningful wellness and sustainability, aligning with Jumeirah’s commitment to nurturing the body and promoting longevity and wellbeing.
