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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on October 23, 2025
The First Group Hospitality is pleased to announce the appointment of Khaled El Sharbatly as Director of Guest Engagement, bringing over 25 years of extensive experience in customer engagement, sales, reservations, and front office operations across leading hotel brands in the Middle East and Africa.
El Sharbatly joins The First Group Hospitality after 15 successful years at Marriott International, where he held multiple leadership positions, most recently heading the Dubai Customer Engagement Centre (CEC). In this role, he oversaw central reservations operations for nearly 70 hotels in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, achieving remarkable performance milestones, including 135% of enrollment targets in 2024 and Forbes Luxury Properties Audit scores of 98%. His tenure at Marriott also earned him accolades such as the Reservations Team of the Year Award and the Associates Engagement Survey Award.
In his new role, Khaled El Sharbatly will collaborate closely with The First Group Hospitality’s reservations, revenue management, sales, marketing, finance, and food & beverage teams, as well as property general managers, to enhance service standards and operational efficiency across the group’s expanding portfolio.
Commenting on the appointment, Tom Stevens, Senior Vice President – Operations, said:
"Khaled brings to this new role a remarkable knowledge of operations, including process optimisation, customer service strategies, and performance metrics. I am confident Khaled’s knowledge will be invaluable in implementing best practices to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency across our portfolio of diverse hotels and dining outlets."
El Sharbatly’s appointment underscores The First Group Hospitality’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences while strengthening operational excellence across its growing Middle East and international presence.
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Published on October 27, 2025
Royal Caribbean has unveiled its summer 2027 Alaska cruise lineup, offering travelers unforgettable adventures on weeklong voyages aboard Anthem, Quantum, Serenade, and Voyager of the Seas. Guests can explore Alaska from Seattle, Seward, and Vancouver, with opportunities for multi-night Cruisetour experiences on land to extend the adventure. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members can book now ahead of the official opening on Oct. 23, 2025.
Vacationers aboard Serenade of the Seas will enjoy ocean-facing glass elevators, floor-to-ceiling windows, and activities for all ages, from rock climbing to poolside movie nights. Dining options include Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi, while onshore adventures range from whale watching in Sitka to dog sledding near Juneau and helicopter tours over Alaska’s wilderness.
Highlights for each ship include:
Anthem of the Seas – From Vancouver and Seward: 7-night voyages to Skagway, Ketchikan, and Hubbard Glacier, with optional multi-night land Cruisetours exploring Denali National Park and luxury glass dome rail cars. Onboard, guests can experience the North Star observation capsule, SeaPlex activity zone, and a wide range of dining options.
Quantum of the Seas – From Seattle: Travelers can explore Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway, with kayaking, wildlife spotting, and onboard fun like the FlowRider surf simulator, laser tag, and outdoor movies. Dining highlights include Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, and Izumi.
Serenade of the Seas – From Vancouver: Weeklong Inside Passage voyages feature Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan, complemented by onboard rock climbing, live music at Schooner Bar, and family-friendly activities.
Voyager of the Seas – From Seattle: Seven-night cruises include Juneau, Skagway, and views of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Onboard options include ice skating, mini golf, laser tag, and an adults-only Solarium for relaxation.
Royal Caribbean’s summer 2027 Alaska cruises promise breathtaking scenery, thrilling experiences, and memorable adventures for travelers of all ages, both on board and on shore.
The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) has revealed the full agenda for INSPIRE Europe 2025, taking place November 12–13 at the Congress Centre of the Czech National Bank in Prague. The two-day event will bring together over 300 luxury hospitality leaders and 60+ speakers to explore the latest ideas, innovations, and investment strategies shaping the luxury travel industry.
The conference opens with a high-level discussion on “The Future of Luxury Travel: Growth, Innovation & Value Creation”, featuring thought leaders from ownership, design, and development sectors. Speakers include Alex Sogno, Founder & CEO of Global Asset Solutions, Hugh Taylor OBE, Chief Executive of Michels & Taylor Ltd, and Ivo Nahálka, CEO & Chief Architect of Archina, with Terence Baker, News Editor for Europe, Middle East & Africa at CoStar News Hotels / STR serving as moderator.
Alex Sogno highlighted the importance of guest experiences in luxury hospitality, stating,
"Exceptional guest experiences are the foundation of lasting asset value in luxury hospitality… At Global Asset Solutions, we focus on turning great experiences into sustained returns and long-term advantage."
Hugh Taylor OBE emphasized innovation and guest connection, saying,
"The future of luxury travel is being shaped by data-driven insight, innovation, and a renewed focus on genuine guest connection… Our role as advisors and hotel managers is to help bridge vision with performance."
Beyond sessions, attendees can network in the INSPIRE Hub, an interactive space designed for collaboration, conversation, and creativity. Highlights include networking cocktails, pop-up experiences, coffee tastings, and curated meetups, fostering professional relationships among global hospitality leaders.
The ILHA thanked sponsors for their support, including Honeywell, WorldHotels, Avendra International, Ecolab, Haus of Park, Coffee Break, Dutch Cocktail Club, Le Petit Chef, and The Guest Club. The full list of sponsors is available here.
Registration is open for both ILHA INSPIRE conferences:
Prague (Nov 12–13, 2025): inspire.ilha.org/eu
Las Vegas (Dec 10–11, 2025): inspire.ilha.org/us
The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) is the leading trade association uniting hoteliers, travel professionals, and industry partners worldwide. With a community of over one million professionals, ILHA drives growth, best practices, and innovation in luxury hospitality.
Published on October 26, 2025
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo has officially opened its doors, marking the second JW Marriott property in Japan and signaling a bold expansion in the country’s luxury hospitality sector. Located in Takanawa Gateway City, Tokyo’s newest urban destination, the hotel offers guests seamless access to central Tokyo and beyond, including proximity to Shinagawa Station and Tokyo Haneda Airport.
Designed by the acclaimed Yabu Pushelberg studio, the hotel embodies a Zen-inspired narrative of balance and mindfulness. Artistic installations, including abstract Japanese artworks, Zen rocks, and a mirrored Mount Fuji, create a serene environment that reflects nature and harmony. On the 30th floor, sweeping views of Tokyo Bay and Gotenyama Hill complement Kamakura-bori inspired artworks and photographic art by Sho Makishima, offering guests a contemplative and tranquil experience.
The property features 200 stylish rooms and suites, including the brand’s new Mindful Rooms & Suites concept, debuting in Asia in December 2025. Designed as calming sanctuaries, these accommodations offer natural materials, floor-to-ceiling city views, and indulgent sustainable amenities, enhancing rest, reflection, and well-being.
Dining experiences at JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo range from avant-garde Japanese cuisine to modern Mediterranean fare. Signature restaurants include Kakō, offering seasonal washoku dishes, and Saki, an intimate eight-seat kappo restaurant blending creativity and tradition. The Sefino Mediterranean restaurant features immersive murals and seasonal menus, while Le Cres serves artisanal Japanese-inspired croissants. Guests can also enjoy the JW Bar and the JW Lounge for curated drinks and afternoon tea.
For events, the hotel provides 1,140 square meters of versatile event space, including Japan’s largest ballroom with 270° movable LED walls, ideal for meetings, conferences, and social gatherings.
Wellness and leisure offerings include a 28th-floor pool with panoramic city views, a signature Spa by JW featuring Japanese-inspired treatments, and a modern Fitness Center. Families are catered to with Family by JW, a complimentary program designed to engage young travelers with fun activities and educational experiences.
“We are honored to open the doors of our first JW Marriott hotel in Tokyo, bringing signature luxury and warmth to this vibrant city,” said Christopher Clark, General Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo. “The hotel offers a haven of sophistication and tranquility, where every detail inspires connection, reflection, and well-being.”
Reservations and further information are available on the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo website.
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