Vienna International becomes Vienna House
EFFECTIVE February next year, Vienna International Hotelmanagement (VI), Austria’s largest hotel group, will flip the switch to recreate its brand identity to become Vienna House."Just slightly over a year ago, I took over the helm of VI with the goal of repositioning the company, establishing a clear brand strategy and putting into action all the necessary changes in order to do so," says Rupert Simoner, CEO of VI. "Along the way, we started by repositioning ourselves from the inside out, bringing the staff on board from the beginning, together with Martin Ykema, COO, and Johanna Weichselbaumer, CFO, and so laying the foundation for future growth and continued commercial success." The brand’s 38 hotels, together with a parent company that operates in the background, will form a new company at the turn of the year.
Radisson Blu Doha awarded certification IN December last year, the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group signed an agreement with security consultancy Safehotels, and in less than a year Radisson Blu Doha has completed the Safehotels official certification process, being recently awarded Premium level certification. "It is a great honour to attain the first Safehotels Premium Certificate by Safehotels Alliance AB in Qatar," says Gordon Mackenzie, general manager at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha. "Serving and taking care of guests is our core business. Safety and security is the base of that core, and having an independent certification confirms that our foundation complies with a solid, internationally recognised standard." Safehotels certification confirms that the hotel focuses on key elements of guest security relating to personal property and has appropriate response plans if ever there is an accident or any kind of emergency.
New private dining at The Langham London THE Langham, London announced ‘Private Dining by Roux’, a unique dining concept for corporate meetings and conferences, incentives and social events. The private dining experience will comprise of four distinct menu propositions for Autumn/Winter 2015-2016 including Day Delegate, Breakfast, Canapé, Dinner and Executive Lunch offering the Chez Roux hallmarks of classic French cuisine interpreted with a modern twist, with the level of service experienced in fine-dining Roux at The Landau restaurant. This unique concept brings the private dining experience of Albert Roux OBE to the fore with carefully selected recipes, the highest standard of culinary expertise and produce that is personally selected by Chef Roux himself.
Katara earns green certificationQATAR-based Katara Hospitality has been awarded certification by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification System (ISCC EU) for its efforts in reducing its organisational carbon footprint in an initiative that recycles cooking oil to produce renewable energy.Katara Hospitality hotels in Qatar including Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz Carlton Hotel, Somerset West Bay Doha, Mövenpick Hotel Doha and Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, are actively recycling their used cooking oil for biofuel production in a process approved by the European Commission. This practice is recognised by the ISCC as one that contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, protection of natural biospheres, sustainable land use and social responsibility. Katara Hospitality works closely with GBO, the only ISCC certified company in Qatar approved to collect and recycle oil safely according to ‘Green Restaurants’ standards.
Andalus Al Seef opens doorsThe 210-key Andalus Al Seef Resort & Spa opened in Abu Dhabi last month. "Andalus Al Seef Resort & Spa is located near Khalifa Park and is equipped with recreational facilities, a variety of restaurants and cafes with open terraces, entertainment facilities, even a supermarket; making it the perfect place for long-term stay, staycations and holidays," says the group’s chief executive officer, Nehme Imad Darwiche.