Latest news with #hospitality
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hilton plans to triple its hotel presence in Africa
Hilton plans to significantly expand its hotel presence across Africa, aiming to operate over 160 hotels in the coming years. This growth involves opening more than 100 new properties across key African markets including Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Angola, and Madagascar. The expansion is expected to support the continent's growing hospitality industry and create approximately 18,000 new jobs. The hotel group recently entered Angola with three signed properties: Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho, Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport, and DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences. These hotels will offer a range of amenities such as beachfront locations, meeting spaces, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Hilton's entry into Benin is marked by the upcoming Hilton Cotonou, positioned strategically near government offices and embassies to boost business and tourism opportunities. In Madagascar, Hilton will open two hotels in the capital city Antananarivo: a Hilton property and a Hilton Garden Inn. Both are designed to cater to business and leisure travellers with extensive meeting rooms and fitness facilities. Nigeria will see the introduction of Hilton Lagos Ikeja, Hilton Garden Inn Kano, and The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi from Hilton's Curio Collection, adding to the country's hospitality offerings in business and residential districts. Hilton's expansion strategy places a strong emphasis on employment, with current recruitment efforts already underway for 600 positions across Africa. The projected 18,000 new jobs will span hospitality roles and related sectors, supporting local economies. Several developments are located near major airports, business districts, and government hubs to leverage business travel demand and event hosting capabilities. The group also plans to integrate its loyalty programme, Hilton Honors, across all properties to enhance customer engagement. Recent hotel openings include Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston, and DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport. Later this year, Hilton is set to debut in Ghana with the Hilton Accra Cantonments hotel, featuring over 140 rooms, dining venues, event spaces, and wellness facilities. In North Africa, the portfolio will grow substantially, with multiple new hotels planned in Egypt, Morocco, and a DoubleTree property in the historic city of Fes. Hilton's expansion reflects broader trends in Africa's hospitality sector, driven by increasing business travel, tourism development, and infrastructure investment. The planned growth reinforces the company's long-standing presence on the continent, which spans over six decades. "Hilton plans to triple its hotel presence in Africa" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Marriott to add 50 properties, 9,000 rooms in Africa by 2027
Marriott International has announced plans to expand its operations in Africa with the anticipated addition of over 50 properties and more than 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027. The company's growth strategy includes the expected entry into five markets - Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania. The planned expansion aims to further strengthen the company's footprint across the continent where its current operating portfolio encompasses nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands. 'We are witnessing a transformation of Africa's tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, substantial infrastructure development, enhanced regional and international connectivity and diversified travel experiences, all of which are laying the foundation for a thriving hospitality sector,' said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. 'With our renowned portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, we continue to drive robust expansion opportunities with owners and franchisees across Africa and remain committed to supporting the growth of its tourism sector.' Marriott's planned expansion aims to enhance the strategic development of the company's luxury, premium and select-service portfolio across key and emerging destinations in Africa. The company's growth across the continent is expected to be largely driven by its select-service brands, including Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, and a strong consumer demand for distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences. Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria are the highest growth markets for the company in the continent, making up more than half of the projects slated to open in the next two years. Conversions and adaptive reuse opportunities are also anticipated to continue to drive meaningful growth for the company, representing more than 30 percent of the anticipated African additions by the end of 2027. The company is also seeing an increased appetite for branded residential projects across the continent. Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, added, 'Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations. Through our diverse range of extraordinary brands, we are in a position to work with developers to offer high quality accommodations along with distinct and innovative travel experiences that resonate with today's rapidly evolving consumer." NORTH AND EAST AFRICA FUEL EXPANSION PLANS FOR THE CONTINENT Marriott is witnessing strong growth momentum in the North and East Africa regions, which together account for more than 60 percent of the company's planned additions in Africa by the end of 2027. Egypt and Morocco are expected to lead the expansion for Marriott in North Africa. Plans in Egypt include the anticipated debut of Aloft Hotels in the continent, with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay situated in the North Coast of the country expected in 2027. More than 50 percent of the company's expected additions in Egypt by the end of 2027 are conversion or adaptive reuse projects. Expansion highlights for Morocco include the anticipated market debut of AC Hotels by Marriott with a scheduled opening in Casablanca in 2027. In East Africa, the company continues to see growth momentum with safari lodges and camps spurred by a growing appeal for adventure and outdoor travel. Following the successful opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, the company is slated to open six safari properties across the region by the end of 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya), and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania) - both of which are scheduled to open this year. Marriott's portfolio in Tanzania is anticipated to more than double by the end of 2027 while in Kenya the company plans to open five properties including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott with two expected openings in Nairobi in 2027. Growth plans in Uganda include the country's first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments with scheduled openings in Kampala by the end of this year. DEMAND FOR PREMIUM AND SELECT ACCOMMODATION REMAINS STRONG IN WEST AFRICA By the end of 2027, the company expects to add six properties in Nigeria, its largest growth market in the West Africa region. Plans include the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott in the country with anticipated openings in Abuja within the next two years, and the continued expansion of Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott Hotels. Marriott is also slated to enter three new markets in West Africa in the next two years. Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort is anticipated to open this year, marking the company's debut in Cape Verde. Marriott is also expected to enter Côte d'Ivoire in 2027, with an Autograph Collection Hotel located in Assinie-Mafia, and Mauritania with a Sheraton Hotel situated in Nouakchott, which is expected to open later this year. GROWTH ACROSS SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL AFRICA REMAINS STEADY The company's largest market in Africa, South Africa, is expected to see an expansion of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand portfolio with the opening of Morea House in Cape Town this year, followed by the anticipated addition of a property within Kruger National Park in 2026. Marriott also plans to enter The Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of this year with a Protea Hotel by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton in Kinshasa. The company is also expected to make its debut in Madagascar with the opening of a Delta Hotels by Marriott this year and a Protea Hotel by Marriott anticipated in 2026 in Antananarivo. The company's planned expansion also includes the anticipated debut of Le Méridien in Cameroon in 2027.
Independent Singapore
3 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Hospitality and tourism job interest in Singapore jumps 130% as industry rebounds after pandemic: Indeed
Photo: Depositphotos/ (for illustration purposes only) SINGAPORE: Jobseeker interest in Singapore's hospitality and tourism sector has more than doubled in four years amid the sector's recovery, according to new data from global hiring and matching platform Indeed. The number of clicks on hospitality and tourism job ads per million users rose by 130.3% from 2021 to 2025. Indeed said the increased interest could be linked to better perception of the sector's job security, pay, and working conditions. Skilled talent, including those returning to the workforce, and new graduates are also likely contributing to this demand. Job opportunities in the sector also increased by 48.7% from 2021 to 2025. From April 2024 to April 2025 alone, job postings grew 14.6%, likely driven by higher travel demand, major concerts and sporting events in Singapore, and new investments in building the local tourism workforce. In April, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said that the city-state welcomed 1.4 million tourists , up 4.5% from the same period last year. Indeed 's spokesperson Shannon Peter Pang said the strong interest from jobseekers is a good sign of the sector's recovery, but employers must ensure these workers are placed in roles that match their skills and support the industry's long-term growth. 'Employers are encouraged to invest in upskilling programmes to build a sustainable workforce pipeline to meet evolving service expectations and demands. Better employee retention strategies, such as competitive benefits and clear career development pathways, could help keep talent motivated and committed to building the industry,' he said. 'Singapore's smooth recovery as a premier travel destination in the Asia Pacific spells an exciting time for the country. As demand surges, the sector's businesses must ensure they're not just filling roles, but building meaningful career pathways,' he added. /TISG Read also: Singapore's tourism spending to hit record high in 2024, with more growth in 2025 Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Barceló Al Jaddaf: A steppingstone for Barceló in Dubai
365 renovated rooms and suites feature sophisticated designs, blending modern elegance with signature Spanish hospitality. B-Heaven, a Barceló Hotel Group concept, is the new Mediterranean fusion restaurant and 'urban beach club', offering a stylish escape with stunning views of Dubai's skyline, ideal for dining, unwinding or socializing, while Souk Restaurant provides International and Local culinary experiences The Premium Level Services add an extra touch of exclusivity for discerning guests. The wellness facilities and the all-year-round temperature-controlled swimming pool cater to guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Modernised meeting and event spaces offer a versatile environment for corporate or social events and business travellers. Dubai, UAE – Barceló Hotel Group is thrilled to announce the rebranding of Occidental Al Jaddaf to Barceló Al Jaddaf and its upgrade to 5-star. This rebrand marks the Spanish hospitality group's first Barceló Hotel in the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the group's focus on delivering exceptional guest services to the GCC market, characterised by the elevated service and personalised attention that defines the Barceló brand. Barceló Al Jaddaf ticks all the reasons why of the Barceló Hotels & Resorts DNA: an excellent location, a singular and purposeful design, a stay that never fails to surprise with all the must-haves and nice-to-haves, with a defined character, attitude and social vibes, healthy gastronomy with local flavours and genuinely local experiences. Ideally located just minutes from Dubai's cultural and business landmarks and Dubai International Airport, Barceló Al Jaddaf caters to the diverse needs of both leisure and corporate travellers. The property boasts 365 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each featuring contemporary interiors that blend elegance with modern amenities. Barceló Al Jaddaf stands out by offering guests a uniquely tailored experience through attentive service, curated dining and leisure offerings that reflect the vibrant energy of the city. The standout feature of the Barceló Al Jaddaf rebrand is B-Heaven, a chic Mediterranean fusion restaurant with arresting views, a carefully curated menu and a privileged location in the hotel, by the swimming pool, giving it an 'urban beach club' vibe and ambience. B-Heaven is making its debut in the GCC, having already garnered acclaim at other Barceló properties worldwide. Offering a refined space for both relaxation and social gatherings, B-Heaven provides a 180-degree panorama of Dubai's Skyline, serving as an urban retreat by day and an elegant and lively haven by night. Its menu is a vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean flavours, interweaving Spanish and Arabic influences with Caribbean fusion to create a culinary journey like no other. Guests can bask in the sun with a refreshing beverage and savour a selection of exquisite dishes. As day turns to night, B-Heaven transforms into a lively dining destination with a vibrant atmosphere for socialising and enjoying Dubai's nights. Beyond B-Heaven, the property's Premium Level services are tailored to provide an exclusive retreat for guests seeking an exclusive experience and personalised care. Guests can also explore other culinary options at Barceló Al Jaddaf. Souk Restaurant provides a fusion of global and regional flavours, ideal for a range of dining occasions. Tiger Bar Stock Exchange sports bar, soon to open, will offer a lively venue for dining and socialising, with a focus on a casual yet energetic atmosphere. For evening entertainment, Jimmydixs Dubai delivers a lively ambience with live performances. The hotel's communal areas present sleek, geometric designs and calming pastel tones, creating a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere. These carefully designed spaces offer the perfect setting for relaxation and connection, whether unwinding after a day of exploration or preparing for a business meeting. Barceló Al Jaddaf features a fully equipped fitness centre and an all-year-round temperature-controlled swimming pool, perfect for health-conscious travellers. The recent incorporation into the hotel services, Dreamworks Spa, is a sanctuary of relaxation, offering a variety of revitalising treatments. Style Me Up ladies' beauty salon offers the latest hair and nail cares. For business travellers, the hotel's modern conference facilities and dedicated events team ensure a seamless experience for those visiting Dubai on corporate trips. "Barceló Al Jaddaf embodies the group's vision to bring closer Spanish hospitality to the United Arab Emirates', said Eduardo Espiritusanto, General Manager of Barceló Al Jaddaf. "This rebranding marks a leap forward for our brand's presence in the region and it's another milestone of the group's expansion in the Middle East. Our aim with Barceló Al Jaddaf is to bring Spanish hospitality and savoir-faire to Dubai, through our curated services and standards, renowned around Europe and the Americas, and now in the GCC. We proudly believe that Barceló Al Jaddaf represents the essence of Barceló, integrating our brand's culture into the local culture, and we are looking forward to conveying this essence to our guests'. As part of its ESG strategy, Barceló ReGen, aimed at maximising the positive impact at the destinations to advance towards more responsible and sustainable tourism, protecting its surroundings and the environment, Barceló Al Jaddaf has implemented a series of measures to reduce water consumption, such as the installation of solar panels in the hotel and the installation of high-pressure shower beads in the bathrooms of all rooms, reducing water consumption by 50%. Other measures to contribute to energy savings carried out at Barceló Al Jaddaf are the use of the LED lighting system in all common areas and in the rooms, as well as the optimization of electric ventilation systems. In addition, priority has been given to reusable materials allowing more effective waste management. All Barceló Hotel Group hotels contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of the destinations. At Barceló Al Jaddaf, all the hotel's buffets and menus offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, from local suppliers –at least 50% of the fruit and vegetables used are from local producers. The hotel also participates in activities with a positive impact on the community, such as Earth Hour, Tree Planting Day (One Root, One Communi-tree) or donations to the UAE Food Bank. Leading the travel experience for over 90 years. With over 300 hotels across 30 countries, Barceló Hotel Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry, known for its dedication to providing authentic and tailored guest experiences. Founded in 1931 in Spain, Barceló's commitment to excellence and innovation, paired with its deep-rooted cultural heritage, ensures that guests receive a unique, memorable and responsible stay. As Barceló Al Jaddaf embarks on this exciting new chapter, guests are invited to experience its blend of luxury, style, and unparalleled service. Whether visiting Dubai for business or leisure, Barceló Al Jaddaf provides an elevated experience that sets a new benchmark in five-star hospitality. For more information or to make a reservation, visit About Barceló Hotel Group Barceló Hotel Group is the hotel division of the Barceló Group, one of the most important tourism groups in Europe, founded in 1931 in Mallorca, Spain. It is currently one of the 30 largest hotel chains worldwide in terms of number of rooms with more than 300 hotels and 66,000 rooms in 30 countries and marketed under four brands: Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts and Allegro Hotels. It is also part of the Crestline Hotels & Resorts group, an independent hotel company with 130 establishments in the US. Barceló Hotel Group has a team of more than 38,000 people who share the company's purpose: the defense of a more regenerative tourism, the axis on which its Barceló ReGen sustainability strategy is based, maximizing the positive impact on economic development, social and environmental aspects of the destinations.
Times
4 hours ago
- Times
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky review: a grand, stylish Amsterdam stay
The scene is set inside this hotel's belle époque-era Winter Garden: an exclusive jewel box courtyard of palms and peacock colours, accented beneath a 19th-century glass roof. As for the clientele, this is where dapper chaps and well-heeled ladies breakfast late and attend evening high society balls. The lavish restaurant is surely the Dutch capital's best example of turn-of-the-century ambience and both the Winter Garden and its encompassing hotel owe much of their charm to the name above the entrance: Adolf Wilhelm Krasnapolsky, a Polish tailor who arrived in the city in 1856 and set about creating a swinging scene that's lasted until today. But that's not to say Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is old-fashioned. Yes, it's wonderfully nostalgic, but that marries with Anantara's renowned light touch to make it a classically modern affair, and its rooms and dinner jaunts are a rare and luxurious thing. As for service, it's refreshingly hands-off, unlike so much of Amsterdam's cut and thrust these days. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 8/10If you're familiar with the Anantara brand, you'll know it for its plush hotels in Thailand, the Maldives and the UAE. It's a similar deal here, as there are 402 rooms, the largest of any in the company's globe-trotting portfolio, and they are spread across 55 canal houses, all of which have been geometrically puzzled together like one giant optical illusion from the Dutch mind-bender MC Escher. The silky colour scheme in each of the rooms is soft and neutral — swan white, porcelain, chiffon and chrome. There is also modern ergonomic Dutch design and a spectrum of deluxe and premium rooms that come with oversized windows, rooftop or canal views and bathrooms of ivory marble and polished wood. For the pick of the bunch, opt for the bumper-sized Grand Premium Dam View, with bathtub basking in natural light. Score 9/10 That Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky has become the focus of chit-chat in the Amsterdam food scene is largely because of the chef Tristan de Boer, born and bred in the city. He is chef de cuisine at the one-Michelin-star White Room, a restaurant as beautiful as the Winter Garden and an ode to the history of the French brasserie. The original restaurant, De Witte Zaal, opened in 1885 and maintains its handsome look with gilded mirrors, marble pillars and striking torso sculptures. Food-wise, it unites the best French ingredients (macarons, ceps, artichokes à la barigoule) with the Dutch kitchen (smoked mackerel, north sea crab, black caviar). Whatever you do, dress up. The hotel's other two talking points are Grand Café Krasnapolsky, a Viennese-style fantasy of cakes, macarons and meringues and a bar focusing on the art of tailoring and created as a hat's tip to Krasnapolsky. Though it's short on subtlety (spot the thimble lights, sewing machine, jumbo pair of scissors, measuring tape edging the counter bar), the Tailor is still fresh and fun for a hotel bar. • Read our full guide to Amsterdam• Best boutique hotels in Amsterdam Score 8/10With so much history, this is a hotel that has a lot to say. Cue a hotel archivist who puts on mini exhibitions (free, year-round) and with snippets that you actually want to know about (Martin Luther King once gave a speech here, for instance). There is also a spa (no pool) and a fitness centre with a 360-degree climbing wall. Bicycles can be booked too. Score 9/10Over the years, Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky has become a monument for locals, with 'Meet me by Kras' becoming a common shorthand. For that reason, there's collective gratitude for its location, right on Dam Square, facing the National Royal Palace, ten minutes' walk from Amsterdam Centraal station and in the mix of the city's loveliest streets. Next door is Wynand Fockink, opened in 1679 and the oldest distillery in Amsterdam. Price B&B doubles from £264Restaurant YFamily-friendly YAccessible Y Mike MacEacheran was a guest of Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky ( • Best boat hotels in Amsterdam• Best hostels in Amsterdam for a backpacking break
