News


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ACCORHOTELS AND RIXOS HOTELS JOIN FORCES


Signalling its intent to move further into the luxury resorts sector, AccorHotels has entered into a partnership with Turkish company Rixos Hotels The deal means AccorHotels own a 50


percent interest in the joint management venture to develop and manage Rixos branded resorts and hotels worldwide. Through the venture, AccorHo- tels will also integrate 15 international hotels in Turkey, the UAE, Egypt, Russia and Europe into its network. Rixos plans to reflag five city centre hotels to AccorHotels brands, which will also be managed by AccorHotels. Rixos is also adding two more hotels to the


UAE market. The waterfront Rixos Premium Dubai will open next month in Jumeirah Beach Resi- dence and comprise 443 guest rooms, 10 meet- ing rooms, a 1,000-capacity ballroom, plus retail and dining options. Another property is due to launch on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island in 2018, which will feature 374 keys. The company’s current portfolio in the coun-


try consists of Rixos The Palm, on Palm Jumei- rah in Dubai, and Rixos Bab Al Bahr, on Ras Al Khaimah’s Marjan Island. Next year, it also plans to unveil a property in the Maldives. Sébastien Bazin, CEO and Chairman of


AccorHotels, said: “This new partnership has many benefits for us. It enables us to become a leading resort operator in a growing market and to complement our offer with attractive leisure destinations to our guests and loyalty members. “Moreover, we are going a step further in our ambition to be the best provider of multi- nature services to guests by operating hotels in major entertainment complexes. This offers new


opportunities both in terms of customer experi- ence and development strategy.” Rixos Hotels, established in 2000, is a fast-


growing, all-inclusive hospitality group. The company has 20 resorts and hotels under its brands, representing a total of 8,000 rooms. Additionally, Rixos has invested in Turkey’s larg- est entertainment centre, The Land of Legends Theme Park, which opened its gates in Antalya in July 2016. The new joint venture will also manage the hotel within the entertainment park. Fettah Tamince, Chairman of Rixos, said: “Our


collaboration is part of Rixos’ objective for further expansion and growth globally with a strong part- ner in the hospitality industry. Combined with our partner’s strong brand portfolio, reservation and sales network, supported by a wide range of digital marketing activities, Rixos will expand its current geographic footprint and customer base. “It is also a great opportunity for our custom-


ers to benefit from our participation in Le Club AccorHotels, which is recognised as one of the most powerful loyalty programmes in the industry with more than 100 million members.” AccorHotels is a world-leading travel and


lifestyle group with more than 4,100 hotels, resorts and residences, operating in 95 coun- tries. Its wide-ranging portfolio comprises top luxury brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel and Swissôtel, as well as popular mid-scale and boutique brands Novotel, Mercure and Adagio. The group’s economy offering includes popular names such as ibis. ——— Visit stands HC1050 and ME3110


Sébastien Bazin, CEO and Chairman of AccorHotels


Fettah Tamince, Chairman of Rixos


UNWIND AT ATM


Making a return after a


successful debut in 2016, The ATM Wellness & Spa Lounge is an exclusive platform for suppliers to meet new contacts in a dedicated space.


The hub for spa and wellness travel


professionals will be open for business from April 25 to 26 and will host more than 35 international health hospitality


destinations exhibiting at the lounge – 40 percent more than last year.


Middle Eastern buyers


can attend pre-scheduled appointments with


international wellness suppliers in a golden


networking opportunity. Dubai currently has


more than 200 spas in operation, with 25 new hotel spas expected to open this year. Wellness and travel


trends expected in 2017 include a move towards healthy holidays such


as detox vacations and get-fit boot camps.


Rixos Premium Göcek, Turkey


Exhibitors already confirmed include L’Albereta, Swiss Diamond Hotel, Velaa Private Island Maldives, and Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso.


Half Page


w280mm x h205mm + 5mm of extra bleed around the artwork’s edges Thank you for your usual assistance.


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