Top 3

ATM 2025: Personalisation emerges as core strategy in luxury travel

The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 revealed that 85% of hoteliers view personalisation as a major driver of commercial value in the luxury travel segment, with customised experiences delivering up to 5% additional revenue. Executives from Marriott, Fairmont, and Minor Hotels recently discussed the rise of hyper-personalisation, tailoring every aspect of a guest’s journey through AI tools, bespoke dining, and emotionally driven service.

While technology plays a crucial role in enabling scalable customisation, the panel at ATM emphasised that true luxury lies in anticipating unspoken needs and creating emotional connections. Regional developments like Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Nujuma in Saudi Arabia and Minor Hotels’ boutique Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi are examples of experience-first strategies delivering strong results. 

Al Gammal and BWH Hotels partnership brings four-star hotel near Grand Egyptian Museum

Al Gammal Group has partnered with global hospitality chain BWH Hotels to develop a four-star Best Western Plus hotel in Giza, Egypt. Located directly opposite the Grand Egyptian Museum, the 100-room property will include recreational and sports facilities, as well as a commercial mall.

It will be the first internationally branded hotel in the area, offering a key tourism and investment opportunity. Construction is set to begin later this month under a five-year sub-franchise agreement, with the project aiming to enhance the local hospitality offering for millions of expected visitors.

Dubai to host Hotelier Middle East Awards 2025, celebrating regional hospitality talent

Dubai will host the 2025 Hotelier Middle East Awards on 2 September at the JW Marriott Marquis, marking the event’s 21st edition. The ceremony recognises hospitality professionals across the region, from chefs to hotel managers, and this year introduces new categories such as “Hotel Manager of the Year” and “Sustainability Initiative of the Year.”

With nominations now closed, the awards not only honour individual excellence but also highlight the region’s growing global profile in tourism. 

Noteworthy

1. Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek is hosting a Kooya Filipino Eatery pop-up, celebrating Filipino cuisine with a limited-time experience until the end of July. 
2. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island has appointed Loiy Hanna a new HR Director to oversee HR across Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Cluster, The WB Abu Dhabi, DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences, and Curio Collection by Hilton.
3. Alain Properties is launching the first Vida-branded residences in Abu Dhabi, bringing Emaar’s upscale lifestyle brand to the capital with a new residential offering.
4. 25hours Hotel Dubai has named Izzatbek Mambetov from the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City as the new Front Office Manager, aiming to elevate guest service standards at the quirky, design-led property in the heart of the city.
5. Cristian Nannucci has been appointed General Manager of Tivoli La Vie Muscat, bringing three decades of experience to this first Tivoli property in Oman that is expected to open in 2026.
6. Hilton and Al Mirage have broken ground on two new hospitality developments in Cairo, marking a major investment in Egypt’s tourism sector and expanding Hilton’s presence in the capital.
7. Al Habtoor Palace has launched a dual-property stay offer connecting Dubai and Budapest, inviting travellers to enjoy bespoke luxury experiences across both cities under one package.