The regional office of The Leading Hotels of the World launched a glossy guide Travel In Style at the VIP Jetex terminal in Dubai World Central, with key hoteliers, media and partners present.
“Travel and tourism are among the most resilient industries, and are again proving their ability to bounce back, when confronted with challenges,” Hatem Chatter, Senior Director, Middle East & Africa at The Leading Hotels of the World, tells TTN. “The situation feels positive now that restrictions around the world have been lifted, and we are expecting a good summer. People are thirsty for travel, and while 2021 was a good year, the travels from this region last year weren’t enough to satisfy the hunger from a group of people for whom travel is a part of culture. The Middle East is continuing to discover the joy of travelling.
“We have been occupied with a series of activities to connect with the trade in various parts of the Middle East, and find that everyone’s positive for the upcoming summer. Some of these activities include familiarisation trips, client dinners, face to face sales calls, and the launch of our annual publication, Travel in Style, to build momentum for the summer. In addition, we will be participating in the Arabian Travel Market and our Middle East Spring Roadshow, covering various cities across the Middle East.”
Comprising more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon.
Travel in Style is a handpicked selection of member hotels that are booked frequently by travellers from the Middle East region. Some 10,000 copies of this publication will be distributed to top English and Arabic-speaking customers.
“We are continuing our partnership with Jetex, global leaders within the executive aviation industry and we are proud to welcome Gassan Diamonds, Piaget, and The Mall, on board as prestigious partners for the 2022 edition.
“The travel trade is recovering. Clients are recruiting staff, and there are changes in our databases, which demonstrate the need to connect with the trade ahead of the summer.
“Traditionally, our clients have been city-oriented travellers who enjoy shopping, as well as dining in restaurants and cafes. Traditional destinations for Middle Easterners include Paris, Milan, Rome, London, and Geneva. We have noticed that there is a growing appetite to visit new destinations in Croatia, Montenegro and Portugal,” says Chatter.
The event had senior representatives from Monte Carlo SBM, Grand Hotel Quisisana, De L'Europe Amsterdam, The Newbury Boston Hotel, Bill & Coo Hotels, Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Le Majestic Cannes, The Bürgenstock Hotel, Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, Maxx Royal Resorts, and The Mall Luxury Outlets.
“Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is located in a stunning lakeside destination in Austria, the perfect spot to enjoy neighbouring Italy and Slovenia, surrounded by the majestic Karnick Alps,” Veronica Pinna, Director of Sales of the Lake Wörthersee property tells us. “Our distinguished guests also enjoy an outstanding cuisine, adapted to individual wishes and preferences all under the Slow Food concept, and a beautiful combination of traditional and modern rooms. The chateau has royal roots dating back to the early 17th century.”
Bessy Kafchitsa, Commercial Director, Bill & Coo Hotels in Mykonos, Greece, says, “Our Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge and Bill & Coo Villas are open for the season again, and we have literally just launched the stylish Bill & Coo Coast Suites – luxurious beach resort suites with sea views and a private beach.
“Bill & Coo Hotels offer the best of both worlds in Mykonos beachside and proximity to Mykonos town. For extra privacy and seclusion select Bill & Coo Villas, Bill & Coo Suites and Bill & Coo Coast Suites. Enjoy the best sunset views on the island at our Sunset Lounge by the infinity pool.”
Based in Antalya, Turkey, Maxx Royal Resorts has two special properties Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort and Maxx Royal Kemer Resort. Murat Tufan, Luxury Lifestyle & Hospitality Designer; and Engin Keskin, Marketing Manager, tell us, “Maxx Royal Kemer Resort, which joined LHW this March, is the perfect fit for the discerning Middle East guest and we are looking forward to a bustling summer season. We bring a completely different dimension to the ultra all-inclusive concept, redefining the luxury hotel experience right in the middle of two bays with a 400 m long beach.”
* Find Leading Hotels at stand HC0730