IHG Elevates Hospitality Experience in Saudi Arabia with voco & Suites Jeddah

IHG Elevates Hospitality Experience in Saudi Arabia with voco & Suites Jeddah

By Author

Published on January 15, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global hospitality leader, recently signed a management agreement with Rusd Group to introduce voco & Suites Jeddah, a new hotel venture slated to open its doors in September 2024. This move reflects IHG’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia, enhancing its premium portfolio.

voco, renowned as a distinctive lifestyle brand, ensures a premium guest experience, merging the warmth of individuality with the quality and assurance of a globally respected brand. Its success is evident in the MENA region, with multiple signings and openings across key markets.

Strategically located overlooking the Red Sea and in close proximity to Jeddah Downtown, voco & Suites Jeddah stands out as an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. Just a 5-minute drive from the Corniche promenade and the Red Sea Mall, and a short distance from the Royal Court, it caters to government officials and high-end guests.

Situated on Jeddah Beach Road, the 110-key voco & Suites Jeddah will feature uniquely designed rooms, including suites, with thoughtful amenities. Culinary delights await guests with three distinctive dining options – all-day dining, a specialty restaurant, and a cozy coffee shop. The hotel also provides four venues for meetings and events, a fitness center, and a swimming pool, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable stay.

Strategic Expansion Plans

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the significance of this venture, stating, “Jeddah is an up-and-coming modern commercial hub that has long served as a gateway for pilgrimages. Recognizing the potential of its hospitality sector, we are set to bring voco & Suites Jeddah, representing a significant milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts.”

Dr. Saleh Malaikah, Chairman of Rusd Group, expressed confidence in the success of voco & Suites Jeddah, emphasizing IHG’s expertise in hospitality and the strength of the brand.

With 40 hotels already operating in Saudi Arabia across various brands, IHG's development pipeline includes an additional 36 hotels within the next three to five years. The opening of the new Saudi headquarters in Riyadh further underscores IHG's commitment to the dynamic Kingdom. As voco & Suites Jeddah joins the portfolio, IHG continues to redefine the hospitality landscape in the region.


Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali Marks 10 Years of Hospitality Excellence

Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali Marks 10 Years of Hospitality Excellence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 28, 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of hospitality excellence and its contribution to Rwanda's emergence as one of Africa's leading destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).

Since opening in 2016, the landmark property has welcomed world leaders, international organisations, multinational companies, major sporting events, cultural celebrations and thousands of delegates from across the globe. Over the years, it has grown beyond being a hotel and event venue to become a symbol of Rwanda's progress, innovation and growing presence on the global stage.

The celebrations were held under the theme, "Celebrating a Decade of Excellence, Innovation and Community Impact," recognising the people, partnerships and achievements that have shaped the property's journey while looking ahead to its future.

The anniversary programme centred around three key initiatives. Legacy Week featured a 10-day celebration showcasing the hotel's contribution to Rwanda's development. The Legacy Gala brought together around 350 stakeholders and partners, while the KCC Impact Programme focused on community engagement and sustainability initiatives conducted before and after the anniversary celebrations.

As part of the programme, the hotel organised several initiatives reflecting its commitment to sustainability, employee wellbeing and community development. These included the planting of 100 trees, outreach activities with SOS Children's Villages, a Youth Career Day to encourage future hospitality professionals, employee wellness programmes and long-service recognition for team members.

The celebrations also marked the launch of the "10 Years of Impact" documentary, highlighting the property's journey and its contribution to tourism, employment, business events and Rwanda's economy. A dedicated media programme also showcased the hotel's role in supporting the country's hospitality and tourism growth.

Speaking on the milestone, Sandra Kneubühler, Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said:

"Over the past ten years, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali has played an important role in strengthening Rwanda's position as one of Africa's leading destinations for business tourism and international events. This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams, the confidence of our partners and the strong vision that continues to drive Rwanda's hospitality sector forward. We are proud of what has been achieved and remain committed to supporting the country's tourism ambitions, developing local talent and creating meaningful value for the communities in which we operate."

Nice Uwase, Acting General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali, added:

"While this milestone allowed us to reflect on everything that has been achieved, our focus remains firmly on the future. We look forward to building on this strong foundation, creating new opportunities for our people and partners, and continuing to deliver memorable experiences for guests and delegates from Rwanda and around the world."

The 10th anniversary further reinforced Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali's position as a leading hospitality destination, supporting Rwanda's tourism ambitions while continuing to drive the growth of the country's business events and hospitality sectors.


Muthaiga Travel Showcases ‘Kenya Beyond Safari’ to Indian Travel Trade

Muthaiga Travel Showcases ‘Kenya Beyond Safari’ to Indian Travel Trade

By Hariharan U

Published on April 28, 2026

Muthaiga Travel recently hosted an exclusive webinar titled ‘Kenya Beyond Safari’, aimed at showcasing the country’s diverse travel experiences to Indian travel agents.

Held on April 24, 2026, the session was led by Stephen Opondo, Senior Tours Consultant, along with Lucy Bett. The webinar focused on expanding perceptions of Kenya as a destination that goes beyond its globally renowned wildlife safaris.

While Kenya is widely associated with safari tourism, the presentation highlighted its beachfront destinations, destination wedding opportunities, honeymoon itineraries, and immersive cultural experiences. These offerings position the country as a year-round destination suited for families, couples, and experiential travellers.

The initiative also aimed to strengthen ties with Indian travel partners by identifying agencies aligned with delivering seamless and experience-driven itineraries. The growing demand from India for unique and contemporary travel experiences has created an opportunity for destinations like Kenya to diversify their positioning.

Commenting on the initiative, Mira Bid said, “Kenya has grown over the years to offer tourism attractions to Indian travellers that go beyond the legendary safaris. Through this webinar, we aimed to present these diverse experiences while partnering with key travel partners from India.”

As the Indian outbound travel market continues to expand, such engagements play a key role in driving inbound tourism and destination awareness, positioning Kenya as a versatile and accessible international getaway.


Air Canada Doubles Delhi Toronto Flights Amid Rising Demand

Air Canada Doubles Delhi Toronto Flights Amid Rising Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 11, 2026

Air Canada has increased the frequency of its Delhi–Toronto flights, making the service double daily to meet the rising demand for travel between India and North America.

The move comes at a time when airlines operating between the Middle East and North America are facing capacity challenges. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has resulted in the closure of several airspaces across the Middle East, leading to widespread disruption. Many airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights to the region and on routes that pass through it.

To respond to the growing demand, Canada’s flag carrier is now operating two flights a day between Delhi and Toronto until the end of April. The enhanced schedule is aimed at supporting Indian travellers planning trips to North America during this period.

Under the current schedule, one flight departs from Delhi at 21:45 and arrives in Toronto at 05:00 the following day. The return service leaves Toronto at 19:55 and lands in Delhi at 20:10 the next day.

Travellers looking for more details on schedules and service updates can visit Air Canada’s official website for the latest information on flights between India and Canada.

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