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Maison Privee grows exponentially

THE Dubai-based hospitality technology firm and leading vacation rentals provider in the luxury hospitality sector, Maison Privee’s portfolio grows to $300 million. The company has seen an exponential growth in the number of guests; increasing from just over 1,000 guests in the first year to over 10,000 guests in the second year of operation. It has also been shortlisted for Global Serviced Apartment Awards 2019. The company boosts its senior team to ace this growth curve.

Joining the team on this journey, Ryan Kasper has recently been appointed as head of property acquisition, where he will be responsible for furthering the company’s portfolio.

Maison Privee brings an innovative approach to luxury accommodation experiences. The concept combines the service and convenience of a premium hotel with the privacy and comfort of home. Co-founded two years ago by Paul Mallee and Rami Shamaa, the company offers authentic luxury stays in outstanding locations with views of Dubai’s skyline.

 

ITTAs find a new home

FOLLOWING a hugely successful inaugural event, International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs) will take place on November 5, during the week of WTM London (November 4 to 6). This year’s awards are being held at Magazine London, a modern event space, the largest of its kind in London. The new location is also just a stone’s throw away from ExCeL – London, making it quick and easy for WTM London delegates to travel to the ITTAs.

After a phenomenal first year which saw the likes of Canary Islands Tourism, VisitFlanders, Turismo do Centro de Portugal and Air Canada walk away with gold awards in front of an audience of 500 senior industry professionals, the second event will again recognise the success of national, regional and city tourist boards as well as outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Also new for 2019, a high profile advisory committee has been put in place to help shape and steer the Awards and take them to the next level.

 

Kiwiride launches in Dubai

KIWIRIDE – named after the quick, agile and compact bird of the same name – launched in Dubai last month, bringing 600 e-scooters to the streets of Dubai. The e-scooters, designed for the hotter climes of the region, are available to UAE residents and visitors alike.

The aim of Kiwiride is to help communities in the GCC gain access to environmentally friendly, affordable mobility solutions and reduce the dependence on automobiles for short distance transportation.

The scooters have been designed and produced specially for the Middle East and work perfectly in extreme weather conditions, have significant battery capacity (up to 45 km on full charge), to ensure users get a smooth ride no matter what the temperature is outside. It is ideal for short distance travel.

The scooters, which will initially be deployed across the city of Dubai, are easily accessible and allow for users to ride even on narrow streets. The best part is that users don’t need to have a license to ride. The only conditions for riding are that users are above 14 years of age, and ride according to the safety guidelines outlined in the app.

 

New research reveals booking trends

HILTON, NYC & Company and PCMA Foundation announced that approximately half of all delegates attending large-scale, urban conventions are circumventing the established room-reservation process and booking accommodations on their own. The three organizations collaboratively conceived of and funded the Room Block of the Future study to better understand room booking behaviours.
Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group were lead research consultants on the project.

Mark Lomanno, partner at Kalibri Labs, said, “One of the more surprising findings from the research was the fact that almost 25 per cent of attendees at large city-wide conventions actually booked their accommodations at the hotels specified in the room block, but did not go through the traditional room reservation process resulting in them not being recognised in the room block.”

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