Marriott International to Unveil Ritz-Carlton Reserve in NEOM's Trojena Mountains

Marriott International to Unveil Ritz-Carlton Reserve in NEOM's Trojena Mountains

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 28, 2024

Marriott International, Inc. has recently announced its partnership with NEOM to introduce the second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia, nestled in the breathtaking Trojena Mountains. This exclusive property is set to provide guests with an unparalleled luxury experience amidst the natural beauty of the northwest region.

Designed for discerning travelers seeking bespoke experiences, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are renowned for their intimate settings and personalized service. Each property reflects the essence of its location, ensuring guests a truly immersive stay.

Chadi Hauch, Marriott International's Regional Vice President of Lodging Development for the Middle East, expressed excitement about this collaboration with NEOM, highlighting the demand for luxury brands in Saudi Arabia.

The resort will feature 60 expansive villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, along with luxurious amenities such as a spa, swimming pools, and multiple dining options. Situated in a remote area of Trojena, guests can expect breathtaking views of the desert and mountain ranges.

Philip Gullett, Executive Director and Trojena Region Head, emphasized the uniqueness of Trojena as a destination and its synergy with the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand.

Chris Newman, Executive Director of NEOM Hotel Division, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the exceptional nature of the project and its alignment with NEOM's vision for innovation and exclusivity.

Trojena, a flagship development within NEOM, is poised to become a year-round adventure sports destination, offering activities such as skiing, water sports, hiking, and mountain biking. The development will also include residential, retail, dining, and entertainment options, further enhancing the guest experience.

The signing of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Trojena marks the seventh collaboration between Marriott International and NEOM, underscoring their commitment to redefining hospitality in the region.

As Marriott International continues to expand its portfolio globally, this partnership signifies a significant step towards offering travelers unique and unforgettable experiences in Saudi Arabia's stunning landscape.

About Marriott International:

Marriott International, Inc. is a global hospitality company with a diverse portfolio of over 8,800 properties across more than 30 brands worldwide. The company operates and franchises hotels and resorts, offering guests the highly acclaimed Marriott Bonvoy travel program.

About NEOM:

NEOM is a visionary project in northwest Saudi Arabia, envisioned as a hub for innovation and progress. It aims to create a new model for livability, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation, offering residents and visitors an exceptional quality of life.

About Trojena:

Trojena is a one-of-a-kind mountain destination within NEOM, featuring six distinct development clusters designed to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape. Located at the heart of NEOM, Trojena will offer world-class amenities and experiences, including outdoor ski resorts and cultural festivals, making it a premier destination in the Gulf region.


Taiwan Sees Over 30% Growth in Indian Tourists from January to May 2025

Taiwan Sees Over 30% Growth in Indian Tourists from January to May 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2025

Taiwan has recorded a 30.73% rise in Indian tourist arrivals during the January to May 2025 period, with a total of 19,202 visitors. This growth reflects a significant recovery and rising interest among Indian travellers following the country’s renewed focus on India as a key tourism source market.

The momentum comes on the heels of Taiwan Tourism Administration’s (TTA) post-pandemic re-entry into the Indian market in early 2024. With a 360-degree promotional strategy in place, TTA has been rolling out campaigns targeting niche segments such as golf tourism and wellness travel, along with outreach programs in East India.

In 2024, Taiwan welcomed 38,158 Indian tourists, showing a 20.81% increase over 2023 figures. This growth rate significantly outpaced the overall Indian outbound travel growth of 8.44%, placing Taiwan’s numbers at nearly 2.5 times the average.

Paul Shih, Director of the TTA Singapore Office, said, “We are very bullish about India’s outbound tourism potential for us. Over the last one and a half years, we have worked extensively and hard to build strong tourism ties with India’s ever-growing outbound tourism market, particularly focusing on strengthening partnerships with the Indian trade.”

As part of the global "Taiwan – Waves of Wonder" campaign, TTA has been promoting luxury and golf experiences tailored to Indian high-net-worth travellers. Recent efforts have included roadshows in cities like Kolkata, aimed at East India’s growing travel market.

By partnering with golf tour operators, OTAs, and luxury travel providers, TTA is offering curated experiences that combine golf, spa, culinary, and wellness offerings to attract Indian travellers. India has now emerged as Taiwan’s top South Asian source market both in terms of visitor numbers and travel spending.

TTA plans to continue its investments in both trade partnerships and consumer campaigns to strengthen Taiwan’s presence as a premium and accessible destination for Indian tourists.


Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

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.


Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

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.

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