Pick & Mix
Business Traveller Middle East|May - June 2017

Big data and personalisation, mega projects and boutique, luxury and mid-market – this year’s travel week in Dubai had no end of contrasting themes.

Dominic Ellis
Pick & Mix

Sometimes it’s hard to visualise the rapid changes occurring in the travel industry, but not so on the opening morning of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference. ‘AHIC’ the robot glided onto the Madinat Jumeirah conference centre stage, accompanied by Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta, who skipped through brand development, digital key security and family – subjects that might be beyond AHIC’s vocabulary this year, but not for much longer.

The startling juxtapositions seemed apt in a week in which the travel industry continues to change at an electric, tech-oriented pace, while grappling with a range of more stubborn issues: ongoing rate, supply and economic pressures, unprecedented consolidation and macro political and security concerns.

Down the road, the mixed picture extended to the Arabian Travel Market. Upturn, downturn or anywhere in between, you can always count on the ATM halls to be busy; it remains the region’s WTM and ITB rolled into one. You might see less of the grand masterplan models of yesteryear although with Damac’s launch of the 2,000-room ‘Golfotel’ and 57-floor mixed-use Jannah Ras Al Khor Sharjah, clearly the penchant for OTT hasn’t disappeared completely, nor the desire to add yet more five-star units. The former rounded off the week by unveiling the 305-key DAMAC Maison Royale The Distinction, billed as an ‘ultra-luxury five star’ which will open in the Dubai Downtown district in June, and 250-key Damac Maison Bay, scheduled for May. There’s more five-star inventory from Hilton, too, which announced a second Curio Collection hotel in Dubai, in Business Bay, scheduled to open in 2019 – and it signed an LOI with Nakheel for a DoubleTree hotel and residences on Deira Islands (450 units).

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May - June 2017-Ausgabe von Business Traveller Middle East.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May - June 2017-Ausgabe von Business Traveller Middle East.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS BUSINESS TRAVELLER MIDDLE EASTAlle anzeigen
Onwards and upwards
Business Traveller Middle East

Onwards and upwards

In an exclusive interview with Ian Fairservice for Business Traveller, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, provides insight into the current and future state of travel and Emirates’ pivotal role in getting the industry back on track

time-read
5 Minuten  |
July - August 2021
Cleaning up the crisis
Business Traveller Middle East

Cleaning up the crisis

How hotels have risen to the challenge of keeping guests safe during the pandemic

time-read
10 Minuten  |
May - June 2021
The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act
Business Traveller Middle East

The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act

The city is working hard to conjure up events and make millions of visitors reappear

time-read
9 Minuten  |
May - June 2021
TAKES OFF
Business Traveller Middle East

TAKES OFF

Corporations are seeking new travel solutions that put safety and convenience first

time-read
5 Minuten  |
May - June 2021
TEE TIME IN TOKYO
Business Traveller Middle East

TEE TIME IN TOKYO

The Tokyo Olympics may be delayed, but the golf courses around Japan’s capital aren’t slowing down

time-read
5 Minuten  |
May - June 2021
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
Business Traveller Middle East

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM

New and upcoming hotels to check out when you next visit Saudi Arabia

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
May - June 2021
QATAR CALLING
Business Traveller Middle East

QATAR CALLING

A swathe of hotels are opening in the Gulf State in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup

time-read
10 Minuten  |
March 2021
MEMPHIS CON BRIO
Business Traveller Middle East

MEMPHIS CON BRIO

Music and history flood through the heart and soul of this quintessential American river town

time-read
6 Minuten  |
March 2021
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Business Traveller Middle East

Sofitel Mumbai BKC

BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2021
Taking Scotland in Stride
Business Traveller Middle East

Taking Scotland in Stride

A walk through the Highlands and Borders is the best way to touch this country’s history and nature

time-read
5 Minuten  |
March 2021