Leisure travel demand has consistently fuelled rooms growth for Hyatt in the Middle East, which is a key market for the brand and where the international hotel chain continues to observe a growing demand.
The diversity of Hyatt’s brands in operation and in the pipeline showcases unique experiences to a variety of travellers, whether seeking the classic luxury travel experience, modern lifestyle, or select-service offerings.
In conversation with Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice-President Development Middle East & Africa for Hyatt International, TTN discusses the steady proliferation of Hyatt’s varied brands into the Middle East and what lies ahead.
“Sustainable growth in strategic markets is a key focus for Hyatt, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the Middle East,” Bouldoukian tells us.
Some 80 per cent of Hyatt’s Middle East growth will be concentrated in Saudi Arabia going forward.
“We have several exciting upcoming projects in Saudi Arabia, including two hotels in The Red Sea Development and one to debut as part of Diriyah Gate. These properties will showcase numerous innovative features, including sustainable water management, smart sensors and electric vehicles to set a blueprint for future projects. Infrastructure developments such as these offer Hyatt additional opportunities to further cement its presence on a global scale.
“We’re incredibly excited to debut our luxury wellness brand, Miraval, with the slated opening of Miraval The Red Sea in 2025, alongside the upcoming Grand Hyatt The Red Sea, which will mark the second Grand Hyatt branded hotel in the Kingdom.”
ANDAZ DOHA
Andaz Doha is preparing for its debut this quarter ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar but Bouldoukian is certain the property has enduring charm that will last long after the football season is over.
“The upcoming season will shine a light on Doha’s thriving hospitality sector and position the city as a cosmopolitan destination for travellers visiting in 2023 and beyond. With demand for luxury and lifestyle hotels continuing to grow in Qatar, Andaz Doha is well-positioned to serve as the ideal destination for the both the domestic and international traveller,” he tells TTN.
“Andaz properties are vibrant boutique hotels and resorts which immerse the guest in the local culture through different touch points from cuisine to design, music and more.
“Andaz Doha will mark the third Andaz branded hotel in the Middle East and the debut of the luxury lifestyle brand in Qatar. The hotel features 256 rooms, 32 suites, 4 Royal suites, and 56 residences in addition to three distinctive dining concepts, The Salt Road, Mr. and Mrs. Hawker and Mumble Jungle, along with spa and recreational facilities. Located in the famed West Bay area, the five-star property captures the best of local design and cuisine, offering distinctively local touches that stimulate the senses while delivering thoughtful, unscripted service.”
JDV BY HYATT
Last month, Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that a Hyatt affiliate entered into an exclusive collaboration agreement with Lindner Hotels, a family-run German hospitality business, focused on hotel developments, management and investments. It is expected that more than 30 hotels across seven European countries will join the Hyatt brand portfolio and will be integrated into the World of Hyatt loyalty programme in the near future. The majority of the properties are slated to transition to the JdV by Hyatt brand.
Bouldoukian tells us, “All Lindner Hotels AG hotels are expected to be listed on the Hyatt website by Dec. 1, 2022. However, until the full integration has been completed, bookings will continue to be made via the Lindner online booking platform. The full transition for the properties to Hyatt’s online booking system is planned for the coming months.
“The properties will also join World of Hyatt, Hyatt’s award-winning guest loyalty programme, enabling members to earn and redeem points on stays, food & beverage and spa experiences when they book directly through Hyatt channels,” Bouldoukian says.
“The JdV by Hyatt brand offers a collection of vibrant, independent hotels that are true reflections of the urban neighbourhoods guests call home. Embracing its namesake (joie de vivre), the JdV by Hyatt brand invites guests and locals alike to connect, live in the moment and celebrate the joy of life. Offering a community for the spirited, the light-hearted, and the young-at-heart, each hotel provides an experience that is inclusive in spirit and space, inviting all to make each stay memorable.”