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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on July 14, 2024
Capella Hotels and Resorts has once again been honored as the Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure in their 2024 World's Best Awards. This marks the second consecutive year that Capella has received this prestigious recognition, cementing its reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences and personalized service.
In addition to the overall brand recognition, specific Capella properties have also earned top accolades. Capella Singapore has been named the No. 1 Hotel in Singapore, and Capella Ubud in Bali has been awarded the No. 1 Resort in Indonesia. Other notable mentions include Capella Bangkok, ranked as the No. 2 Hotel in Bangkok, and Capella Sydney, listed as the No. 3 City Hotel in Australia and New Zealand.
Building on this success, Capella Hotels and Resorts is set to expand its footprint with several new openings. In 2025, Capella will debut in Taipei, Kyoto, and at the Galaxy Macau. The brand will also make its entry into the Middle East with Capella Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, opening in 2026. Further expansions are planned for China, with new properties in Nanjing and Shenzhen expected in 2027.
To celebrate their recent accolades, Capella Hotels and Resorts has launched a special 21-day Artisanal Sojourn. This unique journey is designed to immerse guests in the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of each Capella destination. Priced at USD $300,000, the sojourn offers an unparalleled luxury experience across multiple locations.
The journey begins with a three-night stay at Capella Singapore, where guests can enjoy the charm of restored heritage architecture and participate in a batik workshop with Master Tumadi Patri. The itinerary also includes a stay at Capella Ubud in Bali, featuring a pottery crafting session and a sketching class with designer Bill Bensley.
Next, guests will find tranquility along the Chao Phraya River at Capella Bangkok, with an exclusive dining experience at the one-Michelin-starred Cote and a bespoke outfit design session with craftsman Vvon Sugunnasil. At Capella Hanoi, guests will be treated to a private opera performance and receive a signed copy of "Magnificent 47" by Bill Bensley.
The journey continues with personalized wellness experiences at Capella Shanghai, including sessions with Michelin-starred chefs and a live demonstration by Chef Pierre Gagnaire. At Capella Tufu Bay, guests can explore Tanka Village, learn about the Tanka people’s maritime culture, and participate in a seafood cooking class.
The sojourn concludes in Sydney with a sail along the harbor guided by Aboriginal elder Aunty Margret Campbell, an alfresco lunch by Brasserie 1930’s culinary team, and a private seaplane charter offering stunning views of the city's landmarks.
Capella Hotels and Resorts is renowned for its properties in locations such as Singapore, Sydney, Ubud, Bangkok, Hanoi, Shanghai, and Hainan. Future openings include destinations like Taipei, Kyoto, Riyadh, Nanjing, Shenzhen, and South Korea. The brand is dedicated to highlighting local heritage, culture, and community through thoughtful design and personalized service.
Capella Hotels and Resorts is a member of the DISCOVERY loyalty program, which includes 40 independent hotel brands across over 100 countries. The brand continues to innovate and provide unique guest experiences that reflect the essence of each destination.
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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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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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