Accor Launches 'Discover Cambodia’ Campaign with Exclusive August Events

Accor Launches 'Discover Cambodia’ Campaign with Exclusive August Events

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 7, 2024

Accor hotels in Cambodia are celebrating Khmer culture, heritage, and hospitality with the launch of the 'Discover Cambodia' campaign. This month-long event, featuring various activities, special meals, and discounts, will run throughout August. Key participants include renowned hotels like Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor.

Highlights of the Campaign

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh:

Khmer Dinner and Dance: An exclusive dinner and traditional dance performance will take place at Le Phnom 1929, offering guests a chance to experience authentic Khmer cuisine and cultural entertainment in a luxurious setting.

Special Cocktails: The iconic Elephant Bar will feature a cocktail menu inspired by famous Cambodian singers, providing a unique and flavorful tribute to the nation's musical heritage.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap:

Golden Age Tasting Menu: From August 1-10, guests can enjoy a specially curated menu at the fine dining restaurant 1932. This menu will highlight traditional Khmer dishes, presenting a taste of Cambodia's rich culinary history.

Champagne Brunch: On August 4, the hotel will host an exclusive Sunday brunch celebrating 1960s Cambodian pop music with live performances by the Khmer Magic Music Bus, combining gourmet food with nostalgic tunes.

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ibis Styles Siem Reap:

Buffet Delights: On August 2, an afternoon ‘Cambodian Delights’ buffet will be available, featuring a variety of local treats. This will be followed by a ‘Carb-up Pasta Fiesta’ on August 3, where guests can enjoy a pasta buffet accompanied by live Cambodian R&R music. On August 4, a ‘Weekend Late Breakfast’ buffet will be offered, providing a leisurely start to the day with an array of breakfast favorites. From August 1-10, a Cambodian Delights Tray and fresh sugarcane juice station will also be available.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort:

Khmer Cocktail Promotion and High Tea: From August 1-10, the Explorer’s Tales Champagne bar will offer a special Khmer cocktail called the Garden Fizz, made with gin, tonic, cucumber, mint, and lime. Guests can also enjoy an Asian High Tea daily from 3 pm to 5 pm, featuring a selection of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a stand of Asian gastronomic delights.

TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square:

Khmer-Themed Dinner and Concert: On August 15, the Hemisphere Sky Bar will host a traditional Khmer-themed dinner with a concert by Sok Visal. This event will spotlight the golden age of Cambodian music and include live dance performances, offering a vibrant and cultural evening.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra:

Kids’ Camp: Throughout August, children can participate in a day camp featuring activities like tennis, badminton, taekwondo, football, cooking classes, treasure hunts, and creative challenges. The camp runs Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, providing a full day of fun and learning for young guests.

Sunday Brunch: On August 11, a special brunch will be held at Do Forni, offering a luxurious menu that includes foie gras terrine, slow-cooked lamb leg, beef cheek, and oysters. Guests can opt for an additional free-flow of Champagne Taittinger to complement their meal.

Rum Explorer and Wine Affair: On August 9, The Distillery will host a Rum Explorer event featuring a flight tasting and canapes for $30++. On August 23, a Wine Affair will offer a variety of unique wines paired with canapes, also priced at $30++.

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Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1:

Basque Culinary Event: On August 16, guests can enjoy a Basque buffet night at Makila Restaurant from 6 pm to 10 pm, accompanied by a live band performing hits from the 1960s era of modern Khmer music. The festivities continue the next day with a Basque buffet brunch on August 17 from 11 am to 3 pm, featuring a live band. That evening, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, guests can enjoy pintxos and Basque cocktails at Kaixo Bar.

Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort:

Khmer Set Menu: From August 20-30, the Food Exchange will offer a special Khmer Set Menu priced at $27, complemented by an exhibition on Cambodia’s golden era.

Khmer Cocktails and Desserts: Unique Khmer cocktails will be served at Domrei Bar & Cigar Lounge and Aqua Bar & Grill, starting at $5. On August 24-25, the main lobby will feature a live station for traditional Khmer desserts, priced from $2.50. On August 24, the Domrei Bar & Cigar Lounge will host a Saturday live session featuring famous Khmer songs from the 70s and 80s, with a ‘Buy 1, Get 1 Free’ cocktail offer from 8 pm to 11 pm.

For more details on the ‘Discover Cambodia’ campaign, visit group.accor.com.


Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as the new Regional President for its Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, with effect from November 2025. Phillips will succeed Paul Stevens and oversee more than 250 operating hotels across 27 countries, along with a development pipeline of 85 new properties.

This leadership move comes after Phillips' impactful tenure as CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a tourism boom, revenues tripled, international connectivity improved, and the region attracted its largest foreign investment with the Wynn Resorts project.

Bringing over 20 years of global hospitality experience, Phillips has held senior positions at renowned brands like Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, The Ritz-Carlton, and Universal Studios Orlando. At Fairmont, he played a key role in global brand strategy and spearheaded major projects, including the launch of the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel complex in Makkah.

In his new role at Accor, Phillips will report to Duncan O'Rourke, CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Commenting on the appointment, O’Rourke said, “Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact.”

Phillips steps into the role after Paul Stevens, who spent nearly three decades with Accor and was known for championing operational excellence and values-driven initiatives like Purpose Week and ESG programs.

With more than 350 hotels currently in operation and 140 more in development, Accor’s PME division continues its robust expansion in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Phillips will be based in Dubai and oversee a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis.


Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

The European Union is moving towards a fully digital Schengen visa system by 2028, bringing an end to traditional paperwork and visa stickers. Travellers will soon be able to complete the entire application process online, from uploading documents and paying fees to receiving a secure, encrypted 2D barcode that replaces the physical visa sticker.

France tested this digital system successfully during the 2024 Paris Olympics, issuing 70,000 barcode-based visas. Once fully implemented, travellers can scan the digital barcode at EU border checkpoints, giving immigration officials instant access to their personal and visa details via a centralised database.

While first-time applicants will still need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, in person, repeat visitors will benefit from a simplified and faster process.

The digital system aims to boost security, reduce paperwork, and streamline visa management across the Schengen area. Applicants will be able to track their application status online and receive notifications on their visa outcome.

To apply, travellers must first determine which country’s embassy to approach, typically based on the destination where they will spend the most time. Most Schengen states use VFS Global for processing in India, while Spain uses BLS International. France, meanwhile, has introduced an online appointment platform called Démarches Simplifiées.

Applicants must carry key documents such as a valid passport (with at least six months validity and two blank pages), visa form, photographs, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), confirmed flight and accommodation bookings, a cover letter, and proof of finances like recent bank statements or salary slips.

Visa fees remain at €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12, with free applications for those under six. Additional service charges apply based on the chosen processing agency.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance, ideally 30 to 60 days before travel. Certain embassies, such as those of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are known for quicker processing and lower rejection rates. Some, like Germany or France, may require a personal interview, especially in complex cases.

From July 1, 2025, Germany will no longer allow informal appeals on rejected visas; applicants will have to go through formal legal channels. Meanwhile, Indian nationals with two previously used Schengen visas within three years may now qualify for longer multi-entry visas of up to five years, as part of the EU’s new “cascade” rule.

Travellers are encouraged to check official EU visa portals regularly for updates.


Wyndham Hits 720 Hotels in EMEA, Boosts Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & India

Wyndham Hits 720 Hotels in EMEA, Boosts Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 31, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is charging ahead in the EMEA region, officially surpassing 720 operational hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. The first half of 2025 alone saw over 60 new hotel openings, adding more than 4,700 rooms and delivering a 5% year-on-year organic system growth in the region.

This growth reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to expanding access to quality, branded accommodation across high-growth markets, with 27 new hotel signings further solidifying its regional presence.

Some of the standout openings include Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa, Monasteri Golf and Spa in Sicily, and the Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Türkiye. The group also ramped up operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with hotel launches in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan.

Momentum is particularly strong in Eurasia, where Wyndham opened 21 new hotels in just six months, with a significant presence in India, now one of the company’s most dynamic and fastest-growing hospitality markets.

Wyndham’s strategic partnerships are also paving the way for iconic brand introductions. The globally recognised Super 8® by Wyndham is making its debut in Saudi Arabia and Iberia, with plans for 100 hotels across the Kingdom and 40 hotels in Spain and Portugal in the coming decade.

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“With more than 720 hotels now open across EMEA, we're seeing incredible momentum. Travel is thriving and we're meeting that demand with a growing portfolio that reflects the energy and diversity of this region. From stunning resorts in Sicily to one-of-a-kind cave stays in Cappadocia, we're adding experiences that truly inspire,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “And with new signings in markets like Iberia and Saudi Arabia, we're not just growing – we're creating new opportunities for our partners and giving travellers even more great places to stay across the region.”

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Globally, this expansion contributed to Wyndham’s 20th consecutive quarter of developmental pipeline growth, bringing the global pipeline to 255,000 rooms. The company also achieved 4% global organic net room growth and 7% constant currency RevPAR growth in the EMEA region.

Some key milestones from H1 2025 include:

  • Türkiye now hosts over 125 Wyndham-branded hotels, including the newly launched Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, and Wyndham Alanya.

  • India and South Asia saw growth with new openings like Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport, Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, and Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Chhoi.

  • New European destinations saw brand introductions like La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi in Georgia and Tor’re Astana, Trademark Collection in Kazakhstan.

  • The Super 8® by Wyndham expansion into Saudi Arabia and Iberia is a landmark move, targeting value-conscious travellers in these rapidly evolving markets.

Driving this expansion is Wyndham Advantage, a platform offering best-in-class marketing, distribution, and technology support to hotel owners, bolstered by nearly $350 million invested in digital transformation and access to over 120 million Wyndham Rewards® members globally.

With bold new destinations and an aggressive pipeline, Wyndham’s EMEA footprint continues to grow rapidly, making it a major player in global hospitality.

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