Radisson Hotel Group is making significant strides in the Middle East, highlighting its growth at the Future Hospitality Summit. The global hospitality leader has 58 hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments in operation and 30 more under development across the region. This expansion is supported by the appointment of Ayman Ezzeddine as the Director of Development for the Middle East, North-East Africa, and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia Expansion and Alignment with Vision 2030

Radisson is expanding in Saudi Arabia with new signings in Al Ahsa, Hail, Madinah, and Riyadh. With 29 hotels operational and 17 under development, Radisson aims to reach 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia by 2030, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and contributing to the country’s economic diversification and job creation. "The Middle East remains a key focus for Radisson Hotel Group with almost 90 hotels open or under construction," said Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer. Additional signings are expected across the GCC.

Strengthening Presence in Jordan and Levant Region

In Jordan, Radisson has added two properties: Radisson Collection Residence, Amman Abdoun, and Radisson RED Amman Downtown, both expected to open in 2028. These additions will bring Radisson's portfolio in Jordan to three properties, further solidifying its presence in the Levant region and catering to both business and leisure travelers. More developments in the Levant are expected to follow.

Middle East Overview: Hotels in Operation and Development

Radisson Hotel Group currently has 58 properties in the Middle East with a total of 12,704 keys and 30 additional properties in development, representing 5,107 keys. The group has added 1,500 keys through new signings and openings this year, further strengthening its foothold in the region. The recent openings of Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya and Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher Alsharqi and Algharbi illustrate the group’s commitment to regional growth.

Expanding Leadership for Regional Growth

To further support its expansion, Radisson appointed Ayman Ezzeddine as Director of Development for the Middle East, North-East Africa, and Pakistan. With extensive experience in hospitality and development, Ezzeddine will be pivotal in driving Radisson's growth in key markets like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Pakistan. "We are thrilled to welcome Ayman to the team to help drive our growth, and by expanding our portfolio and strengthening partnerships, we’re creating long-term value for our stakeholders while leading the way in sustainability and innovation across the Middle East," said Elie Milky, Vice President of Development.

Global Expansion Highlights in the First Half of 2024

In the first half of 2024, Radisson Hotel Group achieved substantial global growth with over 130 new signings and openings across EMEA and APAC. This expansion included the Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, and Radisson RED brands, strengthening the group’s position in the global hospitality industry.

Focusing on Lifestyle Brands

Radisson Hotel Group is also advancing its lifestyle portfolio in the Middle East by introducing art’otel and Prize by Radisson in partnership with strategic investors. art’otel features art-focused environments, while Prize by Radisson offers a midscale lifestyle experience with modern communal spaces. Both brands aim to cater to travelers seeking unique hospitality experiences and serve as social hubs for local communities.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, has launched its first Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel in Ankara, Turkey. Named Boreas Hotel, this new addition to Wyndham’s portfolio features a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort, offering guests a stylish boutique experience in the heart of the capital city.

The Boreas Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, was developed by Boreas Gayrimenkul and consists of 51 rooms. It is strategically located in Ankara's Çankaya district, providing easy access to shopping centers, business areas, historic landmarks, and embassies. The hotel’s central location makes it convenient for guests to explore the rich cultural and historical sites of Ankara.

Trademark Collection by Wyndham, a fast-growing "soft brand" in the hospitality industry, first launched in 2017. With more than 270 hotels in popular destinations around the world, the Boreas Hotel adds to Wyndham’s expanding portfolio in Turkey. Recent openings in Istanbul and Izmir have also bolstered the brand’s presence in the country, solidifying Wyndham's position as the largest international hotel company in Turkey, with approximately 120 hotels under 11 different brands.

Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director for Türkiye, Middle East, and Africa, said, "Our Trademark brand amplifies the uniqueness and charm each hotel has to offer, and we see continued opportunity for owners in Türkiye to bring incredible experiences to guests. With the opening of Boreas Hotel, we’re offering a boutique hotel experience with unparalleled service right in the heart of one of Türkiye’s largest provinces, reinforcing our commitment to growing in a market we know our guests care about."

Alper Onel, Chairman of the Board for Boreas Gayrimenkul, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: "We’re partnering with Wyndham because of its unparalleled reputation and global expertise in the hospitality industry. The Trademark brand allows us to maintain the unique charm and character of Boreas Hotel while benefiting from the brand's extensive network, resources, and support. This collaboration enables us to deliver a high-quality, boutique experience for our guests in Ankara, supported by a world-class brand valuing independent-minded hotels."

The Boreas Hotel, designed by the luxury architecture firm Artmim, aims to provide a unique experience that caters to the needs of modern travelers. The hotel features natural materials like stone and wood, and the extensive use of glass brings in natural light, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. The spacious lobby and integrated sunroom provide relaxing areas for guests, and the hotel's bistro offers flexible seating for casual dining and business meetings, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

In addition to its elegant design, Boreas Hotel’s proximity to notable attractions such as Ankara Castle, museums, and shopping districts makes it an ideal choice for visitors wanting to experience the best of Ankara’s cultural and historical offerings. Guests can enjoy a boutique stay combined with easy access to the city’s vibrant attractions.

Trademark Collection by Wyndham focuses on providing distinctive accommodations in desirable locations while allowing hotel owners to maintain the unique characteristics of their property. Wyndham's global expertise, technology, and extensive distribution network provide valuable support to hotel owners under the Trademark Collection brand.

Since entering the Turkish market in 2023, Trademark Collection by Wyndham now includes three hotels: the Boreas Hotel in Ankara, Operla Airport Hotels in Istanbul, and FT Lotus Thermal Hotel & Spa in Izmir’s Menemen district. Wyndham has over 100 additional hotels planned for its pipeline, demonstrating the company's strong commitment to expanding its footprint in Turkey and beyond.

Guests staying at Trademark Collection hotels can also take advantage of Wyndham Rewards, a highly-rated loyalty program recognized by USA Today and U.S. News & World Report. The program offers members access to more than 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals worldwide.

Minor Hotels has announced the launch of Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel, set to open in early 2025. This new property will be part of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts’ expansion in Portugal, marking another milestone for the brand in its home country. Located on the south bank of the Douro River, in Gaia, the hotel will offer scenic views of Porto.

Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel will be located in an old Port Wine cellar, honoring the legacy of Kopke, the oldest Port Wine House in the world, founded in 1638. The hotel aims to blend Tivoli’s heritage with the wine tradition of Kopke, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the northern region of Portugal.

The hotel will feature 150 guest rooms, including 10 suites, and provide facilities for both business and leisure travelers. Amenities will include two restaurants, three bars, two swimming pools, a Tivoli Shape fitness center, six meeting rooms, and 9,000 square meters of garden space for gatherings and events. The Tivoli Spa will offer therapies inspired by the natural elements of the region, further enhancing the guest experience.

Dining options at the hotel will include a fine-dining restaurant led by a renowned chef, an all-day-dining restaurant, a wine bar, and a rooftop bar offering views of the Douro River and Porto city. The hotel’s location, within walking distance from Porto and other local attractions, makes it an ideal spot for travelers to explore Gaia’s vibrant riverfront, filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Devesas train station is nearby, and Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is just a 30-minute drive away.

The construction of the hotel has been planned to celebrate the history of Kopke. The Kopke Port Wine cellar, located next to the hotel, will be one of the highlights of the property, providing guests with an immersive experience in the world of port wine.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, stated, "We are delighted to announce this exciting upcoming addition to the Tivoli portfolio in the Porto region with a truly special partnership with Kopke. With a beautiful and privileged location, this property will offer exceptional facilities to both business and leisure guests, connecting them with the world of port wine in a very exclusive way. We are honored to be working with the team at Kopke to bring this property to fruition."

Pedro Braga, CEO of Sogevinus, the parent company of Kopke, added, "We’re very proud to present our first hotel in partnership with the Tivoli brand. This collaboration reflects our ambitions for the property, and we believe that the partnership with Minor Hotels will be able to create a new world-class hotel that celebrates luxury and wine in a stunning location surrounded by unique world heritage, and paying homage to centuries of history."

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, founded in Lisbon in 1933, has built its reputation on its cultural heritage and connection to each location. From Portugal, the brand expanded to Brazil, Qatar, and China, and recently opened properties in Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. The new Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia will be the ninth Tivoli property in Portugal, reinforcing the brand’s legacy in its home country.