Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Author
Published on November 13, 2023
Dubai's hotel industry is gearing up for a significant boost, with the city set to host two major events: the Dubai Airshow and COP28. These events are not just milestones in the city's event calendar; they are catalysts for a remarkable surge in hotel occupancy.
The Dubai Airshow Effect
A key highlight of Dubai's annual events, the Dubai Airshow, scheduled from 13th to 17th November 2023, is a magnet for aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals. The event's popularity reflects in hotel bookings. As of 30th October, the occupancy rate for the Airshow dates stands at 59.1% for 16th November and 58.3% for 15th November, marking an increase from the same period in 2022.
COP28: A Climate-Focused Gathering
COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, is another significant event poised to drive up hotel occupancy. Scheduled from 30th November to 12th December 2023, it's already making waves in the hospitality sector. The early days of December, coinciding with the UAE National Day, are showing promising occupancy figures of 44.2% and 43.7%, a notable jump from the previous year's rates.
A Buzz of Activity
Kostas Nikolaidis, the Middle East and Africa account executive for STR, highlights the synergy of these events with the UAE National Day, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the city. The allure of Dubai's winter events is evident, with more than 40% of hotel rooms already reserved for the initial days of COP28 and the New Year's Eve celebrations.
Record-Breaking Trends
The latter half of 2023 is shaping up to be a period of success for Dubai's hoteliers. In September 2023, the city achieved its highest hotel occupancy for the month since 2016. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the influx of guests for the Airshow and COP28.
A City Prepared for the Spotlight
Dubai's readiness to host such large-scale events reflects its stature as a global hub. The city boasts a robust hotel infrastructure capable of accommodating the influx of visitors these events bring. As Nikolaidis points out, filling a city with over 147,000 rooms is no small feat, but Dubai, with its full calendar and world-class experience, is more than up to the challenge.
M Square by Monday Premium Launches “The Sky Roof” Resto Bar...
Monday Hotels Group has unveiled “The Sky Roof,” a rooftop r...
Hyatt Place Jaipur Spices Up October Weekends with Smoky Siz...
With the festive season in full swing, Hyatt Place J...
Taste the Art of Clay Pot Cooking with a Cantonese Twist at ...
Eros Hotel New Delhi is excited to announce its Clay Pot Spe...
Evolve Back, Coorg, Secures Spot in Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels i...
Evolve Back, Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, is proud to annou...
By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 29, 2024
Hampton by Hilton, known for its signature breakfast waffles, has partnered with Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media to introduce the Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle, adding a pop of pink and a hint of glamour to breakfast. Starting October 24, guests can enjoy the new waffle at over 2,400 Hampton locations across the U.S. and Canada. For the first time, guests can also bring Hampton’s breakfast experience home with the Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle Kit, available online. This new flavor joins previous fan favorites like pumpkin spice, red velvet, and lemon.
Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Hampton by Hilton’s global brand leader, commented on the collaboration, highlighting breakfast as a central part of the Hampton experience. "Breakfast is such a key part of what we offer, and our waffles have become an iconic symbol of that tradition," she said. "This collaboration with Paris Hilton brings a fresh, playful twist to something that’s already so loved. It’s about setting our guests up to take on the day, from a great night’s sleep to a hot meal served with a smile."
Paris Hilton’s involvement adds a playful element to the waffle lineup, inspired by her personal style and passion for creativity. Available for $29.99 at ShopHampton.com/Waffles, the at-home kit includes a 33-ounce canister of waffle mix, edible glitter, and Hilton’s recipe for crafting the perfect Sparkling Strawberry waffle, making it a fun option for at-home breakfasts.
"I had so much fun partnering with Hampton by Hilton on this fabulous new flavor," Hilton said. "The Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle is totally iconic, sweet, and so me. I’m excited for everyone to try it and start their mornings with a little sparkle."
For this project, Hilton worked with Hampton’s “Waffle Bosses,” a group of breakfast attendants known for delivering memorable breakfast experiences. Together, they crafted a recipe featuring strawberries, chocolate sauce, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and edible glitter—a treat guests can recreate by following the recipe provided in the waffle kit.
This latest collaboration combines Hilton’s unique style with Hampton’s tradition of delivering a memorable breakfast experience. To learn more about Hampton by Hilton and the Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle, guests can visit stories.hilton.com/hampton.
voco Hotels, a premium brand within IHG Hotels & Resorts, has introduced Birdie Bean, a new coffee brand crafted to enhance the travel experience through quality, sustainability, and unique local flavors. Officially unveiled at the voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD during the Shanghai Lujiazui Coffee Festival from October 23–27, Birdie Bean aims to offer a memorable coffee experience to guests, with organic beans sourced from Pu’er in Yunnan and distinctive blends inspired by the rich flavors of the region.
Birdie Bean emphasizes eco-friendly practices by partnering with local farms that prioritize organic cultivation and avoid chemical fertilizers to support environmental preservation and biodiversity. Each cup offers a taste of Yunnan’s unique ingredients, including Pu’er tea and tamarind, which bring a local twist to traditional coffee offerings.
Rita Jiang, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer for IHG Greater China, remarked, “The rising popularity of coffee culture is driving the integration of ‘coffee+’ as a trend for leisure and socializing. voco Hotels launched the Birdie Bean coffee brand to create a unique space for guests. Here, coffee is not only a drink that awakens the senses, but also a way for people to connect. We hope to attract young travelers by offering a variety of Birdie Bean coffee options, and and inviting them to explore the enchanting fusion of travel and coffee culture.”
The Birdie Bean brand draws on a legend in coffee lore—the tale of Sheikh Omar—to inspire an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Incorporating the mascots of voco Hotels (finches, owls, and flamingos) as part of its brand identity, Birdie Bean celebrates a lively energy that resonates with the spirit of travel and exploration.
In addition to its unique coffee offerings, Birdie Bean reflects voco Hotels’ three signature tenets: Come on in, Me Time, and voco® life, which embody the welcoming and memorable experience voco Hotels provides. From a warm arrival experience to personalized spaces for relaxation and diverse dining options, voco Hotels creates an immersive stay for each guest.
IHG’s Chief Operating Officer for Greater China, Jerome Qiu, emphasized the team effort behind the Birdie Bean brand, stating, “IHG’s brand DNA is built on meeting the needs of consumers to craft unique experiences for guests. The birth of the Birdie Bean coffee brand is the result of close collaboration and ingenuity between the F&B department and the brand team. It perfectly integrates coffee culture, fine dining and brand excellence, while enriching the exclusive experience of the voco Hotels. By leading with sustainability and creating diversified coffee offerings, Birdie Bean coffee brand satisfies both soul and taste.”
The Birdie Bean shop, a cozy spot in the voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD lobby, offers guests a relaxed space to enjoy coffee. voco Hotels also extends this experience to guest rooms with Birdie Bean drip coffee, allowing travelers to enjoy their favorite brew in the comfort of their rooms. Additionally, eco-friendly merchandise like flamingo pillows and owl mugs add a fun, sustainable touch to guests’ journeys.
Future plans include expanding Birdie Bean to voco Guangzhou Shifu, bringing the brand’s unique blend of regional culture and sustainability to new locations. Proceeds from Birdie Bean sales at the coffee festival were donated to Shanghai’s Jiangchun Green Light-Year Environmental Service Center, underscoring voco Hotels’ commitment to environmental stewardship.
As of September 2024, voco Hotels has 17 properties in Greater China, with Birdie Bean marking an innovative step in delivering a unique coffee culture experience to travelers while promoting sustainable practices.
Published on October 27, 2024
The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, a historic icon in Sydney’s hospitality scene, has reopened its doors following an extensive renovation. Known for its blend of French-inspired luxury and Australian charm, this five-star hotel unveils a renewed vision that combines sophisticated design with modern amenities, all while maintaining its heritage appeal.
Located in Sydney’s central business district, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth stands close to landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, positioning it as a premier choice for business and leisure travelers. Originally opened in 1966 and recognized as one of the largest brick structures in the Southern Hemisphere, the hotel has now embraced a style it describes as “Modern Heritage,” blending its mid-century roots with fresh aesthetics.
The architectural firm Fender Katsalidis spearheaded the refurbishment, bringing back the 1960s glamour that first defined the hotel while updating it for contemporary tastes. The hotel’s refreshed look celebrates local and natural materials with earthy tones that echo Australia’s landscape. The 436 guest rooms feature Sofitel’s signature MyBed™ experience, with layers of high-quality bedding designed to give guests an elevated sense of comfort. Each room also includes advanced MySmart lighting to create a customizable atmosphere, adding a touch of modern convenience to the traditional elegance.
The hotel’s crown jewel, the exclusive Wentworth Suite, will be reintroduced later, paying tribute to the prominent guests who have stayed there, from Princess Diana to Neil Armstrong. Additionally, the historic Wentworth Ballroom—a favorite for large-scale events and a memorable part of Sydney’s social history—has been restored to its original grandeur, with its mirrored ceiling and expansive 629-square-meter space that can host up to 750 guests.
A key element of the refurbishment is Sofitel’s new partnership with House Made Hospitality, which has created a range of food and beverage venues within the hotel. These include the stylishly relaxed Tilda restaurant, serving modern Australian cuisine; Delta Rue, offering a unique fusion of Vietnamese and French dishes; and Bar Tilda, a cocktail lounge with live jazz and nostalgia-themed drinks. The Wentworth Bar rounds out the options with a rooftop terrace, providing guests an all-weather spot to unwind with sweeping views of the city.
The Sofitel Club Millésime offers an upscale experience for guests seeking added privacy and exclusivity. This lounge, designed as an inviting retreat, features personalized check-in, concierge services, and all-day dining. Accessible to Accor’s ALL Platinum members and available via a day pass, Club Millésime allows guests to enjoy a quieter environment with full access to business and concierge services.
Long known as the “Hotel of the Arts,” the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has continued its tradition of supporting art and culture through collaborations with local organizations like the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Opera Australia. The hotel regularly hosts exhibitions and events that allow guests to connect with Sydney’s cultural landscape in a unique setting.
With a revitalized look that honors its storied past, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth marks a significant comeback in Australia’s luxury hotel sector. “This refurbishment is a celebration of our heritage and a reimagining for the future,” says Sofitel’s CEO. As the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth reopens, it signals a new chapter that promises a luxurious and immersive experience, perfectly balancing the hotel’s French roots with Australian influences.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.