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.

Hyatt Regency Chennai has announced the appointment of Pankaj Behl as its new Director of Rooms, a move that strengthens the hotel’s leadership team and reaffirms its focus on exceptional guest service and operational excellence.

Behl, with over 14 years of experience across leading hospitality brands including Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, Starwood, and Taj, brings with him a stellar reputation for enhancing service delivery, driving innovation, and mentoring high-performing teams. His past roles have seen him lead operations at flagship properties, contributing significantly to both guest satisfaction and brand positioning.

In his most recent role at Andaz Delhi and Hyatt Delhi Residences, Behl was responsible for 401 rooms and luxury serviced residences, supported by a team of over 150 associates. His leadership helped the property attain a 98% room cleaning YTD score, top-tier green zone audit results, and accolades such as Department of the Year and Leader of the Year (2022).

Currently also serving as the Area Guest Experience Specialist – West Region for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Behl has been instrumental in implementing guest insight programs, enhancing CES and NPS metrics, and conducting hotel audits across 11 Hyatt hotels.

Speaking about his appointment, Behl said, “Joining Hyatt Regency Chennai as Director of Rooms is a proud milestone in my professional journey. I believe that every moment of the guest experience counts, and I look forward to leading a team that strives for excellence, consistency, and heartfelt hospitality at every touchpoint.”

Earlier in his career, Behl held senior roles at The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa, Crowne Plaza Today Gurugram, JW Marriott, The Leela, and Taj Bengal, where he led major operational improvements and championed training, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.

In his new role, Behl will oversee front office, housekeeping, guest services, and residences, with a clear focus on service excellence, workflow enhancement, and building a team culture rooted in care, accountability, and memorable guest experiences.