APRIL 2024 AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION Future proof Tim Cordon on prioritising talent, sustainability and technology In association with Radisson Hotel GroupPart of: Destination Partner: Official Partners: www.wtm.com/atm/itpmediame Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship REGISTER NOW #ATMDubai DUBAI Mon 6 - Thu 9 May 2024APRIL 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 3 In this issue April 2024 Features Leaders in Luxury 22 of the Middle East’s most luxurious properties and the people running them 14 Interview: Tim Cordon Discussing Radisson Hotel Group’s future and his expanded role into the SEAP region 24 Housekeeping Power List Profiling 70 housekeeping managers in the region’s finest hotels and resorts 28 14 28 244 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2024 In this issue / April 2024 Regulars Checking In FIVE Luxe JBR is now open 6 Trending Big hospitality news stories 8 Careers New recruits across the region 10 Checking Out Spanish charm comes to a Thai island 48 Secret Hotelier What housekeepers think of guests 50 “We are celebrating the birth of a fresh icon within the FIVE lineage” Aloki Batra, FIVE Hotels + Resorts Page 6 48 10 6JUNE 2023 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 5 This issue wasn’t originally intended to be such a celebration of leadership, but between our interview with Radisson Hotel Group’s (RHG) Tim Cordon, a focus on the region’s most luxurious hotels and the return of the Housekeeping Power List, these pages are fi lled with some of the most inspirational fi gures in the Middle East’s hospitality industry. Cordon, who recently added the SEAP region to his responsibilities, is always a refreshing interviewee. We caught up in RHG’s new offi ces in Dubai (which further showcases trust in his leadership from global bosses of the group), where he talked candidly about how he sees his own role and the importance he places on the people in his organisation. It is a theme that also emerges in our second annual Leaders of Luxury feature, which sees 22 of the region’s most senior hoteliers give their thoughts on the meaning of luxury. It is not gold chandeliers, expensive Champagne and 60-inch televisions, it seems. Then there are the 70 housekeeping leaders in this year’s Power List, which is back after a 12-month hiatus. The dedication and knowledge of these essen- tial members of the hotel team is quite remarkable. Almost every one of them is praised for their skills with people as much as the operational aspects of their work, which should perhaps not be a surprise at this stage. You and your people are the integral to every part of the industry and the overall guest experience. We will continue to cham- pion them, you should nurture each one of them, too. ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Editorial Director Holly Sands Editorial Group Editor Paul Cliff ord Tel: +971 4 444 3777 email: paul.cliff ord@itp.com Editor Veronica Carpio Tel: +971 4 444 3593 email: veronica.carpio@itp.com Associate Editor Misbaah Mansuri Tel: +971 4 444 3358 email: misbaah.mansuri@itp.com Advertising Commercial Director Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Advertising Director Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 4 444 3592 email: richard.mobbs@itp.com Senior Commercial Manager Jad Karam Tel: +971 58 214 3807 email: Jad.Karam@itp.com Commercial Manager Naved Aizaz Tel: +971 58 214 3059 email: naved.aizaz@itp.com Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia Email: janet.comia@itp.com Art Head of Design Rita Ghantous Senior Image Editor Emmalyn Robles Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Video Editor Hana Morsy Videographer Hamid Baabde Cover Photography Aasiya Jagadeesh Production & Distribution Production Manager Denny Kollannoor Production Coordinator Balasubramanian P Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Marketing Senior Events & Marketing Manager Eleanor Ashton Associate Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Administrative Manager (Marketing) Siti Sumarsono Events Administrative Assistant Aronn Pureza ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Published by and © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC From the editor Veronica Carpio, Editor6 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2024 Checking in FIVE Luxe JBR The property in Dubai’s JBR features 222 hotel rooms and suites, along with 276 residencesAPRIL 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 7 FIVE Hotels + Resorts‘ latest property opened in Dubai on March 31. Found on JBR, FIVE LUXE will have 222 hotel rooms and suites, alongside 276 residences. F&B will include the introduction of Playa Pacha to the emirate, which will kick off with a perfor- mance by Keinemusik duo Adam Port and Rampa on April 13. Aloki Batra, CEO at FIVE Hospitality and The Pacha Group, said: As we introduce FIVE LUXE, we celebrate the birth of a fresh icon within the FIVE lineage. Featuring unparalleled ultra-luxurious accommodations, distinctive signature suites, locally-inspired and globally recognised culinary delights, and the fusion of the Ibizan lifestyle into Dubai through the unveiling of Playa Pacha, along with the exciting anticipation of Lío Dubai in 2025, FIVE LUXE promises an extraordinary journey fi lled with a variety of captivating ‘Vibe at FIVE’ experiences.” Inside the rooms at FIVE LUXE The Signature Suites at FIVE LUXE invite guests to embrace the mantra of ‘Come, Play And Slay’ in lavish surroundings. From the extravagant Baller Suite, to the music-inspired FIVE Vibe Suite, every suite off ers a unique, tailored experience. The Epic Pool Party Suite has an extra-large pool, while there’s a private DJ booth and dance fl oor in the FAB Suite. There’s also the Dubai-inspired Habibi Suite or the relaxing Ultimate Spa Suite with extra-large pool, spa, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. There are expansive private terraces off ering sea views in the one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites, too. Food and beverage options at FIVE LUXE FIVE LUXE features seven distinct F&B venues off er- ing cuisine and nightlife experiences. There’s a live cooking at the Teppanyaki and sushi bars at Ronin, world-renowned cocktails at Paradiso, craft beers at Goose Island Tap House and the Ibiza-styled Playa Pacha. In August, Tête à Tête unveils its doors, off ering a taste of French sophistica- tion. Looking ahead to 2025, Checking in FIVE LUXE will also welcome Lío Dubai, a Spanish cabaret show paired with fi ne dining. The architectural design of Lío Dubai is inspired by the concept of a ‘Floating Oyster emerging from the Sea’. Its tequila and cocktail bar area evokes the essence of water with turquoise tones and textured brass fi nishes, while, inside, the main Sala immerses guests in an underwater theme, with illuminated crystal balls representing water bubbles and mosaic fl oors mirroring ocean currents. Outside of F&B, there’s also the ReFIVE Spa, offering luxurious treatments, including Ayurvedic rituals, traditional Hammam experiences, and exclusive facials. The spa also features a state-of-the-art gym and rooftop terrace.8 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2024 Cheval Collection to transform The Leadership Pavilion at Expo City into mixed-use property Cheval Collection has signed a management agreement to introduce its second property in Dubai, operating under the Cheval Maison flag. This addition involves repurposing The Leadership Pavilion at Expo City Dubai, which hosted world leaders during Expo 2020 Dubai and the COP28 climate conference in December 2023. The revitalised building is slated to reopen in 2025 after extensive renovations have taken place. Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is poised to become one of the group’s largest establishments, offering 150 studios and one- or two-bedroom units. The property News Accor exceeds EUR1 billion EBITDA for the first time Accor has announced its fi nancial results for 2023, marking a signifi cant milestone in its history. Among them, the French hotel super-power achieved EBITDA exceeding €1 billion for the fi rst time. Sébastien Bazin, the chairman and chief executive offi cer of Accor, expressed his gratitude towards the Group’s teams for helping achieve the record results. Highlights of Accor’s 2023 fi nancial performance: Revenue growth: Accor reported revenue of EUR5,056 million in 2023, refl ecting an 18 percent increase on a like-for-like basis compared to 2022. This growth was fuelled by solid performances across both the Premium, Midscale, and Economy (PM&E) division, as well as the Luxury & Lifestyle division. Hotel portfolio expansion: In 2023, Accor opened 291 hotels, adding 41,000 rooms to its network, resulting in a net network growth of 2.4 percent. By the end of December 2023, the group’s hotel portfolio comprised 821,518 rooms across 5,584 hotels, with an additional pipeline of 225,000 rooms in development. Fourth quarter RevPAR: The Premium, Midscale, and Economy division witnessed a 12 percent increase in RevPAR compared to Q4 2022, driven primarily by price increases. Simi- larly, the Middle East, Africa & Asia-Pacifi c region reported a 19 percent growth in RevPAR, with notable rebounds in business will boast amenities such as a rooftop pool, meeting spaces, and dining options including a restaurant, bar, brasserie, and coffee shop. Additionally, the two existing royal suites will be retained. Mohammed S Ala wadhi, managing director at Cheval Collection, commented: “It is a great honour to be chosen to help bring new life to this spectacular site, which helped to cement Dubai’s position as a destination for business and leisure travellers. Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai will welcome a rich mix of guests, including residents and corporate visitors.” in Asia. EBITDA Performance: Accor achieved a consolidated EBITDA of EUR1,003 million in 2023, representing a record- high level. This performance was attributed to strong revenue recovery and stringent cost management across the services to owners segment. Strategic initiatives and fi nancial Outlook: Accor remains committed to its medium-term growth prospects, including annualised RevPAR growth of three to four percent and EBITDA growth of nine to 12 percent between 2023 and 2027. The Group aims to return approximately EUR3 billion to shareholders over the same period, including a share buyback program and dividend distribution.News APRIL 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 9 The annual Dubai Food Festival 2024 (DFF) returns in April for three weeks of culinary experiences around the city. Organised by Dubai’s Festivals and Retail Establishment, DFF will be celebrating its 11th year, kicking off in Dubai on Friday April 19 to Sunday May 12. The festival is set to feature more than 50 of Dubai’s best- loved restaurants, with experiences suitable for every age, taste and budget. One of the most popular activations in previous years has been then 10 Dirham Dish offer. It sees venues offering a signature dish for AED10 throughout DFF. Dishes this year include Trattoria’s arancini, Philotimos’ crispy dolmades and Demon Duck By Alvin Leung’s signature prawn toast. There is also the return of the e& Beach Canteen, the beachside pop-up that features entertainment, demonstrations and is filled with food trucks and stalls populated by homegrown streetfood brands. This year it runs from Sunday April 19 to Sunday May 5 at Jumeirah Beach, behind Sunset Mall. Dubai Restaurant Week (actually running for 17 days) will see set menus available at restaurants around the city for AED125 at lunch and AED250 at dinners. The outlets taking part had not been revealed at the time of writing. There will also be a Dubai Food Festival returns for 2024 with events across the city calendar of ‘Foodie Experiences’ throughout DFF and a Chef ’s Menu event, though these have also not been revealed as we write this. One of the flagship DFF events is the Gault&Millau Culinary Innovators showcase, an 11-course degustation experience at DIFC’s ICD Brookfield Place. Taking place over the evenings of April 25, 26 and 27, there will be 12 of the city’s best chefs creating a one-off menu for just 100 guests per night. Culinary Innovators will see the likes of Grégoire Berger, Himanshu Saini and Saverio Sbaragli join forces with Jason Atherton, Kelvin Cheung and more. As well as the indoor area where chefs will present their dishes, the terrace outside will host bars and live jazz. Those in attendance will be guided on a journey through 11 courses, with each of the chefs creating a dish exclusive to the event, either a brand new bite or something from their regular menu given a unique twist. Each dish will be a tasting-menu size creation, designed to give guests the chance to sample something from every chef, with a suggested journey by the Gault&Millau editors.Next >