Four Seasons Sharm gets ministry nod
ON the occasion of World Tourism Day, Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt was been recognised by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism for excellence in promoting tourism in the country.

The award was presented by the minister of tourism Zoheir Garranah, to resort manager Charlie Parker. Since opening in 2002, the hotel has won numerous international awards, including a recent prize at the Spa Finder Readers’ Choice Awards.

IHG seeks to net developers
THE InterContinental Hotel Group has launched a new global website for hotel developers, offering investors and developers a chance to learn more about IHG and its brands through the use of video, downloads and creative displays of the operating systems.
The site at www.ihg.com/development, provides information about available licensing arrangements and prototype designs for IHG brands, as well as details about the support owners receive.

MGM Mirage plans Abu Dhabi hotel
MGM Mirage, a US leisure company, plans to build a $3 billion hotel and entertainment complex in Abu Dhabi, a report said. MGM Grand Abu Dhabi will be built in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi government and will have more than 1,200 hotel rooms as well as shops, yacht berths and homes and is set to open in 2012. The project will be owned by Mubadala, an Abu Dhabi government-owned firm.

Solar power at Grand Hyatt Dubai
THE Grand Hyatt Dubai has made the revolutionary decision to convert its main water heating system from diesel oil-fired to solar-powered in a bid to reduce climate change and running costs. With the UAE’s carbon footprint spiralling, causing the country to be the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide per capita in the world, Grand Hyatt Dubai’s new solar panel heating system will reduce its own emissions dramatically.

Nine awards for Bristol Hotel
THE Bristol Hotel, Amman, made a notable presence at the 7th Annual International Hospitality Forum this year, bagging nine different awards including one gold medal. Organised by Jordan’s Events Unlimited and Lebanon’s Hospitality Services and this event is deemed the Middle East’s major trade show for hotel equipment and food services.