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 5, 2023
In an unprecedented achievement for Asian hospitality, Hong Kong has firmly positioned itself on the world luxury hotel map. The 2023 World’s 50 Best Hotels Awards, a benchmark of excellence in the global hospitality sector, has spotlighted Hong Kong with two of its most esteemed hotels clinching top spots. This distinction not only underlines the region’s rising prominence in high-end hospitality but also signals a shift in global travel preferences, recognizing the unique allure and service excellence that Asian destinations offer.
Hong Kong's Rosewood and The Upper House Among Top Global Hotels
Hong Kong celebrates a new milestone in global hospitality as two of its premier hotels, Rosewood Hong Kong and The Upper House, secure the second and fourth spots in the prestigious 2023 World's 50 Best Hotels Awards. This recognition not only cements Hong Kong's status as a top-tier destination but also showcases the region’s unparalleled hospitality offerings.
The Upper House: A Design Marvel Above Victoria Harbour
Nestled loftily above Admiralty's Pacific Place, The Upper House, designed by renowned Asian architect André Fu, stands as a beacon of creative and architectural excellence. Its brutalist exterior, conceptualised by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, and the richly-toned wooden lift inspired by Japan's torii gates, set a precedent for the hotel's design journey. Boasting over 400 pieces of meticulously selected and commissioned artwork, the hotel exudes a serene atmosphere, enhanced by a 40-metre metal installation by Hiroshiwata Sawada in its atrium.
The hotel's 117 rooms and studios, with their generous dimensions, muted tones, and stunning city views through floor-to-ceiling windows, offer a sanctuary of restorative modernity. Guests can indulge in the Mediterranean delights of Salisterra or enjoy refined cocktails at the bar. Starting at $650, the hotel's facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, and family-friendly options.
Rosewood Hong Kong: Best Hotel in Asia
A contemporary marvel, Rosewood Hong Kong, located in historic Kowloon, has quickly become an iconic part of the city's skyline. Designed by Tony Chi, the hotel's interior is a blend of modern style and subtle luxury, featuring art by Damien Hirst and Henry Moore. The 413 rooms, a harmonious blend of neutral tones, plush seating, polished wood, and opulent bathrooms, offer guests a luxurious and multi-faceted experience.
The hotel's 11 restaurants cater to diverse culinary preferences, from Holt's Café's unique take on Hong Kong's cha chaan tengs to the Italian Bluhouse and Indian Chaat. Additionally, the Darkside bar is a celebrated name on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. Rosewood's CEO Sonia Cheng's personal connection to the hotel's location adds a layer of sentimental value to this $2.5 billion redevelopment project.
Hong Kong: A Hub of World-Class Hospitality
These awards from The World's 50 Best Hotels Academy, with over 580 anonymous hotel industry leaders participating, affirm Hong Kong's unique standing in the world of luxury hospitality. For HKTB executive director Dane Cheng, this is a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to quality and professional hospitality services, further solidifying its position as a premier tourism destination.
Empowering Hospitality: The Bingoforge Journey from Vision t...
At the heart of Bingoforge lies a vision that has remained u...
Keytop Tech Solutions: India’s Trusted IT Infrastructure & H...
In today’s fast-paced digital economy, businesses need more ...
Frill Hospitality: Redefining Luxury & Sustainability in Hot...
Since its inception in 2016, Frill Hospitality has been at t...
Beyond the Brew: Brau GALIE’s Bold New Beer-Tequila Cocktail...
If you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to cocktails, ...
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.
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.