DECEMBER 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 3 In this issue / December 2024 December 2024 Features Five-star evolution Inside Lapita, Dubai Parks & Resorts’, journey to achieving five-star status 20 2024 in review Hoteliers share the top hospitality trends in the region this year 24 Jeddah insights From luxury to religion: Tourism in the coastal city is booming 40 20 40 244 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / DECEMBER 2024 In this issue / December 2024 Regulars Checking in The new Four Seasons Hotel Rabat 6 Trending The latest news from the region 10 Careers Appointments, interviews and more 12 Checking out Vietnam’s Namia River Retreat 48 Seven lessons Insights from James Reeves 50 “Lead with passion, because your enthusiasm will be contagious” “We are always inspired by the destination that surrounds us” James Reeves, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa Rainer Stampfer, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Page 50 Page 12 12 06 50JUNE 2023 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 5 The end of the year is always a good time for refl ection. To contemplate both the wins and challenges and, most importantly, learning from them to continue moving forward in the future. Over the past year, the Middle East’s hospital- ity industry has seen innovation, resilience and forward-thinking strategies. High-profi le hotels and resorts opened in 2024, while major events have boosted tourism numbers throughout the year. In terms of trends, sustainability is becoming a more prominent deciding factor for global travellers. As a result, hotels in the GCC have been embracing the concept of sustainable luxury: adapting operations and processes to reduce their carbon footprint, while maintaining elevated standards of luxury. Tech integration continues to transform the guest experience, too, from smart contactless check-in systems for a smoother journey, to data-driven strategies that improve personalisation and guest satisfaction. We spoke with hoteliers to explore just how they’re managing the shift and preparing for the ongoing evolution. In addition to our look back at the year that was, this issue is jam-packed with interviews, insights and updates that will help shape 2025, from one hotel’s journey to achieving fi ve-star status, to a Swedish culi- nary legend setting up shop on Palm Jumeirah, and a deep dive into the tourism sector in Jeddah. Since joining Hotelier a few months ago, it has been an incredibly exciting whirlwind getting to know many of you and sharing your stories. Next year, I look forward to meeting more people and continu- ing to shine a light on the brilliant work that you do. ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Chief Content Offi cer Holly Sands Editorial Group Editor Paul Cliff ord Tel: +971 4 444 3777 email: paul.cliff ord@itp.com Editor Emily D’Silva Tel: +971 4 444 3672 email: emily.dsilva@itp.com Associate Editor Misbaah Mansuri Tel: +971 4 444 3358 email: misbaah.mansuri@itp.com Editor, Hospitality & Design, Saudi Safa Hassan Tel: +966 11 512 2611 email: safa.hassan@itp.com Contributor Jessica Combes Art Head of Design Rita Ghantous Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Video Editor Farah Roshdy Videographer Karan Sumadari Production & Distribution Production Manager Anand Sundaram Advertising Chief Commercial Offi cer 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 Commercial Manager Adam Rawcliff e Tel: +971 4 444 3615 email: adam.rawcliff e@itp.com Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia Email: janet.comia@itp.com Administrative Manager Siti Sumarsono Email: siti.sumarsono@itp.com Marketing Senior Events & Marketing Manager Eleanor Ashton email: eleanor.ashton@itp.com Associate Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Events & Marketing Manager Dmitry Lazarenko Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga events@itp.com Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai 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. 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Published by and © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC From the editor Emily D’Silva, Editor6 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / DECEMBER 2024 Checking in Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr opens in Morocco The newly opened hotel located in the historic Quartier l’Océan occupies the restored summer residence of Morocco’s Sultan Moulay SlimaneDECEMBER 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 7 Four Seasons has restored the 18th century ‘Palace by the Sea’, giving it new life as the new Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr. Spanning five hectares, the new hotel in Morocco’s historic Quartier l’Océan features 200 rooms and suites spread across 11 modern and historic buildings, with ocean or garden views. Most rooms off er a balcony or terrace, and some also include a private plunge pool. Many rooms allude to the history and story behind them. The three-bedroom Moulay Slimane Presidential Suite for example, is named after the Moroccan king who led the original construction of the ‘Palace by the Sea’ 200 years ago, which he used as his summer residence. The two-storey Sultan’s Riad, off ering 950 sq m and a rooftop ocean- view infinity pool is also set within the Sultan’s original residence constructed in the 18th century. Roger Nazarian and Associates are respon- sible for the interior design of the hotel, with Moroccan elements like the custom-made Zellige tiles, stained glass windows and brass and copper fi xtures decorating the modern rooms and suites. “At Four Seasons, we are always inspired by the destination that surrounds us in planning a new experience for our guests, and that is certainly the case in Rabat as we had the opportunity to bring new life into the walls of such a storied landmark,” says Rainer Stampfer, president, global operations, Hotels and Resorts. Signature dining concepts at the hotel are overseen by executive chef Sebastiano Spiveri, and include Brasserie Marie, a Parisan-style bistro, Flamme, featuring Moroccan cuisine and Noora Lobby Lounge, off ering afternoon tea and pastries led by executive pastry chef Gregory Christmant. The Bar Atlantique is additionally available for guests to have a little tipple. “Our collection of luxury hospitality and residential properties in Morocco is as diverse as the country itself, with each new opening introducing something entirely new for both our local guests and international travel- lers. We are so pleased to unveil the latest in this collection and open our doors in this beautiful capital city,” says Stampfer. Later this year, a spa and wellness centre will open too, featuring 10 treatment rooms and a Moroccan hammam. The 24/7 fi tness centre and outdoor yoga studio are already open to guests. Checking in8 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / DECEMBER 2024 NEOM’s THE LINE development appoints design teams NEOM has announced the appoint- ment of key partners to lead the city planning, design and engineering for Phase One of THE LINE. The consortium includes Delu- gan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA), Gensler and Mott MacDonald, who will work with NEOM’s teams to deliver urban design, planning consultancy and infrastructure design. DMAA has taken on the role of urban designer, overseeing both the concept and detailed masterplan. Gensler has been chosen as the city planning consultant, as well as the city asset design architect, responsible for critical infrastructure elements, including transport hubs and public spaces, which are integral to the urban structure. News Kleindienst Group to add 5,000 rooms to the Heart of Europe Kleindienst Group, the largest European property developer operating in the United Arab Emirates, is set to become the biggest fi ve-star hotel developer in Dubai too, with its expansion to The Heart of Europe project. The Heart of Europe is located on The World Islands Dubai, spans six islands, each representing a European country. This landmark represents one of the most signifi cant hotel expansions in emirates history. Kleindienst Group says the expansion will add 5,000 fi ve-star hotel rooms to Dubai’s hospitality sector. It is predicted to amount to a 10 percent increase from Dubai’s existing amount of 52,750 fi ve-star rooms, according to the Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism fi gures. In his comment on the group’s achievement founder and chairman of Kleindienst, Josef Kleindienst said: “It reinforces our commitment to cementing Dubai’s position as the world’s leading luxury tourism destination. This accomplishment refl ects our dedication to delivering projects that not only elevate Dubai’s hospitality sector but also provide our investors This collaboration aims to create an advanced design ecosystem to meet THE LINE’s urban development objectives. The next stage, focusing on neighbourhood planning and design, will begin in early 2025 with the support of additional architects. Denis Hickey, chief development offi cer at THE LINE, said: “As the development and construction of THE LINE progresses, we have established a unique partnership that brings world-leading city design and engineering expertise to deliver Phase One. “Collaboration is at the core of this, with a city-wide best practice group that will showcase how innovation can change the way we consider, design and build cities forever. This refl ects NEOM’s vision and global ambition.” with extraordinary value and lasting returns.” Kleindienst group plans to elevate tourism and hospitality in Dubai by ensuring it closely adheres to the government’s Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ to help strengthen Dubai’s tourism sector helping in making the city a premium global tourism destination.Partner content DECEMBER 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 9 At Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, the focus is fi rmly on people and creating meaningful connections with guests. At the helm is General Manager Mourad Brahmi, who says in the modern world, guests are looking for simplicity, personalisation and experiences that go beyond a typical hotel stay. “Knowing our guests while creating connections with them is ultimately key,” he says, highlighting the importance of this approach in driving profitability and maintaining a strong market presence. “We put people at the centre of everything we do. Having a diverse and talented team is as important as building loyalty. We actively engage in sustainable practices to pave the path for delivering sustainable off ers to our guests and building a new vision of performance.” Central to Novotel’s strategy is the ALL (Accor Live Limitless) loyalty program, which is pivotal for both the hotel and the broader Accor Group. Brahmi notes, “We are also involved in Accor’s mission to foster positive hospitality by respecting the environment and communities,” underscoring the hotel’s commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement. The hotel has eliminated also single- use plastics and is Green Key certified. By partnering with local initiatives to reduce food waste, Novotel is fostering a culture of sustainability. Brahmi shares, “We are proud to have banned the usage of single-use plastics at the end of 2022,” illustrating the hotel’s commitment to environmental stewardship. These eff orts not only enhance guest experiences but also position Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan as a leader in sustainable hospitality, building lasting relationships with guests and the community. The property has recently undergone a significant transformation in its F&B off erings, with Brahmi personally believing that “food and beverage defi ne the DNA of a hotel”. This led to the creation of new dining concepts that cater not only to hotel guests but also to residents. Mellow – Italian Café and Bakery was launched to off er personalised connections over coff ee and pastries, while NEA – Urban Mediterranean Cuisine and Waves – Californian Kitchen & Bar further enhance the dining experience. NEA off ers an interactive setup with an open kitchen and a luxurious ambience, while Waves captures the energetic vibe of an American rooftop, promoting a modern LA lifestyle. Understanding the importance of business events, Novotel Al Bustan has enhanced its facilities for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events), too. With a large ballroom and renovated meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology, the hotel is well-positioned to host various events. Brahmi adds: “Our open space for coff ee breaks has also been remodelled, allowing our guests to work and relax more effi ciently.” The addition of an executive lounge caters to corporate guests seeking comfort and productivity. Guests in executive rooms or suites, along with ALL loyalty members from platinum and above, can enjoy exclusive amenities such as complimentary breakfast and refreshments throughout the day. Novotel Al Bustan aligns with Accor’s vision by focusing on sustainability across its core activities: STAY, EAT, EXPLORE. The GM concludes: “Our initiatives are all about enhancing guest experiences and aligning with our community’s values. By fostering sustainable practices, we aim to build strong relationships with our guests and position the hotel as a leader in sustainable hospitality.” Novotel Al Bustan: Setting new standards in Abu DhabiNext >