Radisson Hotel Group is making significant strides in the Middle East, highlighting its growth at the Future Hospitality Summit. The global hospitality leader has 58 hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments in operation and 30 more under development across the region. This expansion is supported by the appointment of Ayman Ezzeddine as the Director of Development for the Middle East, North-East Africa, and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia Expansion and Alignment with Vision 2030

Radisson is expanding in Saudi Arabia with new signings in Al Ahsa, Hail, Madinah, and Riyadh. With 29 hotels operational and 17 under development, Radisson aims to reach 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia by 2030, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and contributing to the country’s economic diversification and job creation. "The Middle East remains a key focus for Radisson Hotel Group with almost 90 hotels open or under construction," said Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer. Additional signings are expected across the GCC.

Strengthening Presence in Jordan and Levant Region

In Jordan, Radisson has added two properties: Radisson Collection Residence, Amman Abdoun, and Radisson RED Amman Downtown, both expected to open in 2028. These additions will bring Radisson's portfolio in Jordan to three properties, further solidifying its presence in the Levant region and catering to both business and leisure travelers. More developments in the Levant are expected to follow.

Middle East Overview: Hotels in Operation and Development

Radisson Hotel Group currently has 58 properties in the Middle East with a total of 12,704 keys and 30 additional properties in development, representing 5,107 keys. The group has added 1,500 keys through new signings and openings this year, further strengthening its foothold in the region. The recent openings of Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya and Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher Alsharqi and Algharbi illustrate the group’s commitment to regional growth.

Expanding Leadership for Regional Growth

To further support its expansion, Radisson appointed Ayman Ezzeddine as Director of Development for the Middle East, North-East Africa, and Pakistan. With extensive experience in hospitality and development, Ezzeddine will be pivotal in driving Radisson's growth in key markets like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Pakistan. "We are thrilled to welcome Ayman to the team to help drive our growth, and by expanding our portfolio and strengthening partnerships, we’re creating long-term value for our stakeholders while leading the way in sustainability and innovation across the Middle East," said Elie Milky, Vice President of Development.

Global Expansion Highlights in the First Half of 2024

In the first half of 2024, Radisson Hotel Group achieved substantial global growth with over 130 new signings and openings across EMEA and APAC. This expansion included the Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, and Radisson RED brands, strengthening the group’s position in the global hospitality industry.

Focusing on Lifestyle Brands

Radisson Hotel Group is also advancing its lifestyle portfolio in the Middle East by introducing art’otel and Prize by Radisson in partnership with strategic investors. art’otel features art-focused environments, while Prize by Radisson offers a midscale lifestyle experience with modern communal spaces. Both brands aim to cater to travelers seeking unique hospitality experiences and serve as social hubs for local communities.

Hilton's Annual Trends Report predicts that 2025 will be the "Year of the Travel Maximizer," as travelers are seeking to combine relaxation and adventure to make the most of their time and money. After the "Year of the Great Recharge" in 2024, where sleep retreats, mindful drinking, and wellness-themed rooms gained popularity, Hilton's new report highlights emerging trends that will shape the travel landscape in 2025.

Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta stated, "Our 2025 Trends Report uncovers what has been simmering for years – the intersection of work and play; of relaxation and adventure; of being alone but together. Travelers don’t just want to choose their own adventure – they want to maximize every moment of their time away."

The report is based on extensive global research, including input from 13,000 travelers across 13 countries, feedback from over 4,100 Hilton team members, and interviews with Hilton travel experts. Key findings from the report reveal several trends that will influence travel behaviors in 2025:

Adventure and Relaxation Blend

Go Getaways: Nearly 70% of global travelers enjoy being active during their trips, with one in five leisure travelers planning outdoor adventures in 2025. This indicates a desire to incorporate physical activities into their vacations.

Sleep Retreats & Hurkle-Durkling: While many travelers seek adventure, some also indulge in rest. About one in five global travelers participate in "Hurkle-Durkling," a Scottish term for lounging in bed all day while on vacation. Over a quarter of travelers will book wellness treatments, such as spa services, to improve their sleep quality during trips.

Nostalgia and Cultural Immersion

Time Travel: Nostalgia plays a role in travel decisions, as 58% of travelers who journey with their children revisit destinations from their own childhood.

Slow Travel: One in four leisure travelers plan to engage in "Slow Travel" in 2025. This means taking the time to immerse themselves in a destination, experiencing the culture like a local by staying for an extended period.

Technology and Disconnecting

High-Tech Travel: Travelers continue to appreciate technology that makes their experiences smoother. Around 63% of travelers value having the option of a digital room key, allowing them to bypass the front desk and head straight to their room.

Digital Detox: Despite the growing importance of technology, 24% of travelers say they are more inclined to disconnect from social media during vacations compared to the past, suggesting a shift towards more mindful and present travel experiences.

Companions on the Rise

Pet-Friendly Travel: Solo travelers, known as "MeMooners," are embracing pet-friendly travel. Approximately 25% of these travelers bring their pets along for leisure trips, compared to the average leisure traveler at 19%.

Frolleagues: The trend of "Frolleagues" (friends who are also colleagues) traveling together is on the rise, with nearly 30% of travelers enjoying leisure adventures with work friends.

Generational and Solo Travel Trends

Gen Alpha Effect: Children’s preferences play a big role in family vacation planning, as 70% of respondents with children choose their destinations based on what their kids want.

MeMooners: Solo travelers are increasingly seeking enriching travel experiences. In 2025, 64% of solo travelers will consider a good book as their favorite travel partner, highlighting a desire for both exploration and solitude.

Culinary Travel and Drinking Trends

Foodie Exploration: Food plays a central role in travel experiences. Nearly one in five global travelers seek new culinary experiences, and half of them make restaurant reservations before booking their flights.

Tempo Drinking: A trend towards mindful drinking, or "Tempo Drinking," is growing. One in four travelers has reduced or stopped their alcohol consumption in the past year, highlighting a move towards wellness-oriented travel.

Inner and Outer Explorations

Soft Travel: More than one in five travelers plan trips for self-discovery or mental health, reflecting the trend of "Soft Travel," which promotes simplicity and spontaneity.

Sports Surge: From 2019 to 2024, Hilton’s sports-related sales revenue tripled, driven primarily by youth and amateur sports, highlighting the growing influence of sporting events on travel choices.

Hilton is adapting to meet these emerging needs by expanding its portfolio with luxury hotels and partnering with hospitality brands like AutoCamp to create diverse travel experiences. These initiatives are aimed at providing travelers with more choices to fulfill their evolving travel aspirations.

For more information about Hilton's 2025 Trends Report, visit stories.hilton.com/2025trends.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, has launched its first Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel in Ankara, Turkey. Named Boreas Hotel, this new addition to Wyndham’s portfolio features a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort, offering guests a stylish boutique experience in the heart of the capital city.

The Boreas Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, was developed by Boreas Gayrimenkul and consists of 51 rooms. It is strategically located in Ankara's Çankaya district, providing easy access to shopping centers, business areas, historic landmarks, and embassies. The hotel’s central location makes it convenient for guests to explore the rich cultural and historical sites of Ankara.

Trademark Collection by Wyndham, a fast-growing "soft brand" in the hospitality industry, first launched in 2017. With more than 270 hotels in popular destinations around the world, the Boreas Hotel adds to Wyndham’s expanding portfolio in Turkey. Recent openings in Istanbul and Izmir have also bolstered the brand’s presence in the country, solidifying Wyndham's position as the largest international hotel company in Turkey, with approximately 120 hotels under 11 different brands.

Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director for Türkiye, Middle East, and Africa, said, "Our Trademark brand amplifies the uniqueness and charm each hotel has to offer, and we see continued opportunity for owners in Türkiye to bring incredible experiences to guests. With the opening of Boreas Hotel, we’re offering a boutique hotel experience with unparalleled service right in the heart of one of Türkiye’s largest provinces, reinforcing our commitment to growing in a market we know our guests care about."

Alper Onel, Chairman of the Board for Boreas Gayrimenkul, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: "We’re partnering with Wyndham because of its unparalleled reputation and global expertise in the hospitality industry. The Trademark brand allows us to maintain the unique charm and character of Boreas Hotel while benefiting from the brand's extensive network, resources, and support. This collaboration enables us to deliver a high-quality, boutique experience for our guests in Ankara, supported by a world-class brand valuing independent-minded hotels."

The Boreas Hotel, designed by the luxury architecture firm Artmim, aims to provide a unique experience that caters to the needs of modern travelers. The hotel features natural materials like stone and wood, and the extensive use of glass brings in natural light, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. The spacious lobby and integrated sunroom provide relaxing areas for guests, and the hotel's bistro offers flexible seating for casual dining and business meetings, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

In addition to its elegant design, Boreas Hotel’s proximity to notable attractions such as Ankara Castle, museums, and shopping districts makes it an ideal choice for visitors wanting to experience the best of Ankara’s cultural and historical offerings. Guests can enjoy a boutique stay combined with easy access to the city’s vibrant attractions.

Trademark Collection by Wyndham focuses on providing distinctive accommodations in desirable locations while allowing hotel owners to maintain the unique characteristics of their property. Wyndham's global expertise, technology, and extensive distribution network provide valuable support to hotel owners under the Trademark Collection brand.

Since entering the Turkish market in 2023, Trademark Collection by Wyndham now includes three hotels: the Boreas Hotel in Ankara, Operla Airport Hotels in Istanbul, and FT Lotus Thermal Hotel & Spa in Izmir’s Menemen district. Wyndham has over 100 additional hotels planned for its pipeline, demonstrating the company's strong commitment to expanding its footprint in Turkey and beyond.

Guests staying at Trademark Collection hotels can also take advantage of Wyndham Rewards, a highly-rated loyalty program recognized by USA Today and U.S. News & World Report. The program offers members access to more than 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals worldwide.