The Ascott Limited is accelerating its expansion in North Africa, particularly in Morocco, while Oravel Stays has launched the first of 15 Sunday Hotels planned for Dubai in 2025. Grosvenor House Dubai has earned a 4-Star rating in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, and Accor Group has reported a record revenue of β¬5.606B for 2024, up 11% from 2023. Meanwhile, Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business College has opened registration for its 2025-2026 academic year, offering a bachelor’s degree in international Hotel Management in partnership with Vatel France.
Dubai hotels recognised for sustainability
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has awarded the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp to 153 hotels, a whopping 118% increase from last year’s 70 recognized establishments. This initiative supports Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The DST Stamp acknowledges hotels that excel in sustainable practices, with 18 hotels achieving the gold tier (including Atlantis, The Palm, Atlantis The Royal, and Jumeirah Al Qasr), 64 earning silver, and 71 receiving bronze.
Aldar launches customer experience academy
Aldar has unveiled an in-house customer experience academy, partnering with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy β Les Roches to curate courses. The academy aims to instill a hospitality mindset across the organisation, training over 30,000 employees to deliver exceptional customer experiences rooted in traditional Emirati hospitality.
Earlier this week…
Ascott expands in North Africa
The Ascott Limited is accelerating its expansion in North Africa, particularly in Morocco, with new partnerships, openings, and a robust pipeline of upcoming properties. The company has celebrated the opening of Citadines Almaz Casablanca and signed Citadines Bab Tangier, slated to open in 2027. Ascott’s Morocco pipeline includes several highly anticipated openings across Casablanca and Marrakech, capitalizing on the region’s rapid growth and rising appeal as a premier global travel hotspot. With six properties totaling over 600 rooms in North Africa, Ascott is well-positioned to deliver world-class lodging solutions to support the region’s economic and tourism growth.
Oravel stays launches Sunday Emirates Grand Hotel in Dubai
Oravel Stays has announced the launch of Sunday Emirates Grand Hotel in Dubai, the first of 15 Sunday Hotels planned for the city in 2025. Located near the Financial Center metro station, the hotel features over 400 rooms, modern amenities, and on-site leisure facilities. The Sunday brand, launched in India in 2023, offers premium stays with sophisticated design, top-notch amenities, and services. Oravel Stays aims to cater to the growing demand for premium accommodation in Dubai, particularly among travellers from India and other key global markets.
Andaz Doha now open
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Andaz Doha, the lifestyle brand’s debut in Qatar and the fourth Hyatt brand in the city. Located in West Bay, the hotel features 256 guestrooms, 56 residences, and three dining concepts, including The Salt Road Doha, Mr. & Mrs. Hawker, and Mumble Jungle. The hotel’s design celebrates Qatari culture, with elegant rooms, a luxurious spa, and stunning city views. With its prime location and luxurious amenities, Andaz Doha is set to become a top destination for travellers and locals alike.
Grosvenor House Dubai earns Forbes Travel Guide Awards
Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, has been awarded a 4-Star rating in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, recognising its exceptional luxury hospitality. Additionally, Row on 45, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant by Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton, received a 5-Star award, solidifying its position as a culinary gem. This achievement underscores Grosvenor House Dubai’s commitment to delivering world-class amenities, authentic experiences, and unforgettable moments to discerning guests.
Accor Group reports record revenue
Accor Group has announced a record revenue of β¬5.606B (almost USD 5.87B) for 2024, up 11% from 2023, driven by the resilience of RevPAR, portfolio growth, and margin improvement. The group’s Luxury & Lifestyle division saw a 19% increase in revenue, while the Premium, Midscale and Economy division rose by 5%. Accor opened 293 hotels in 2024, adding over 50,000 rooms to its portfolio, and reported a net profit of β¬610 million.
Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business College opens registration
Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business College has begun accepting registrations for the 2025-2026 academic year, offering a bachelor’s degree in international Hotel Management in partnership with Vatel France. The programme combines academic study with hands-on training, guaranteeing graduates employment opportunities in Bahrain and abroad. With a focus on practical experience, students alternate between academic study and industry training, accumulating nearly two years of experience by graduation.
