Category: News & Updates

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings has entered into a partnership agreement with Ethiopian Airlines’ Frequent Flyer Program – ShebaMiles. As part of the agreement that is effective from July 25, 2015 all ShebaMiles members staying at any participating hotel within the HMH portfolio will be entitled to earn 2 Miles per 1 USD spent for their qualifying service.

Making the announcement, Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH, said, “ShebaMiles is one of the most successful frequent flyer programs with over one million members from 200 countries and is stated to grow at an annual rate of 20 per cent. Ethiopian Airlines flies to nearly all destinations that we currently operate in such as Beirut (Lebanon), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Dubai (UAE), Muscat (Oman), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Khartoum (Sudan). We are, therefore, delighted to be a partner in this superb scheme and look forward to welcoming ShebaMiles members to our hotels. At HMH we are committed to reward our valued guests for their loyalty and this new alliance will entitle members to outstanding earnings at our hotels.”

A Star Alliance Member, Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest growing Airline in Africa and is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. Operating to more than 90 destinations (50 in Africa), Ethiopian Airlines flies with the newest and youngest fleet.

Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said, “ShebaMiles is Ethiopian’s Frequent Flyer Program whereby members accumulate miles which entitle them to award tickets, upgrade awards and many other privileges. The more miles the members fly the higher the benefits they get from ShebaMiles. Membership to the program is open to everyone above the age of two years. ShebaMiles has teamed up with several airlines and non-airline partners to create a world of choices for members to accumulate and spend miles.”

He added “We are delighted to partner with HMH and its portfolio of superb properties located in some of the most desirable destination across the MENA region.  Our members have the convenience of selecting hotels which offer true hospitality, luxurious accommodation and the opportunity to earn valuable miles which can be exchanged for travel rewards when staying at any of their properties across the Middle East and North Africa.”

About Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa.  In its operations in the past close to seven decades, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.

Ethiopian commands the lion share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 90 international destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra – modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as the Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter and Bombardier Q-400 with double cabin. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.

Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business centers: Ethiopian Domestic and Regional Airline; Ethiopian International Passenger Airline; Ethiopian Cargo; Ethiopian MRO; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian In-flight Catering Services; and Ethiopian Ground Service.  Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.

For more information about this press release, please contact:

Manager PR & Publications

Ethiopian Airlines

Tel: (251-1) 517-84-07/656/165/913/529

publicrelations@ethiopianairlines.com

www.ethiopianairlines.com

www.facebook.com/ethiopianairlines

www.twitter.com/flyethiopian

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer, alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

or https://www.hmhhotelgroup.com/subscribenow

Hotels under HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings held on strong during the first half of 2015 despite the various market challenges. The group’s hotels were at par – and often out- performed the competition in terms of occupancy and RevPAR.

Commenting on the performance, Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH, said, “HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a robust company with strong brands, highly experienced international team and clearly defined objectives. The economic environment continues to vary dramatically from one region to another. However, our 2015 H1 results demonstrate our capacity to deliver on our objectives with determination and discipline despite very challenging market conditions and a slow summer. The CIS crisis, weakening of Euro, political turmoil and instability in different parts of the Middle East, oversupply of rooms in some key cities, competition from cheaper destinations – all put pressure on demand and rates”.

Laurent added, “We operate across 15 cities in the MENA region. Each destination is unique. This summer has been a rather tough one given the market conditions. Let’s not forget Ramadan fell right in the middle of summer, which traditionally sees a drop in travel in the region. However, we had a strong pick-up during Eid with some hotels closing at 95 per cent”.

In order to boost performance in markets under stress HMH has deployed a series of strategic measures. Laurent stressed, “We have got multiple demand drivers in key source markets. In addition, we are aggressively promoting our properties in emerging markets such as China and India. To drive new markets a series of strategic road shows and sales initiatives are being combined with digital optimization, targeted marketing campaigns and brand partnerships”.

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer, alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

In a complicated and competitive digital marketplace, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings continues to optimize and enhance its digital capability to provide travellers wider online and mobile access. Integrating compelling features and content such as fabulous new photographs, the group’s website provides guests with direct access to live rates and availability that in turn drivers better conversion rates thus increasing online revenues from direct bookings.

Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH, said, “Online engagement is essential for a more personalized and interactive guest experience. Our commitment to improve the way we connect with and serve our guests and hotels lies at the core of our innovation strategy. hmhhotelgroup.com is the heart of our digital ecosystem. Launched in 2014, the multi-brand mobile-friendly reservation website, also available in Arabic, made bookings much faster and easier. Accessible worldwide anytime, anywhere, with both English and Arabic interface, across various distribution channels, it has significantly increased our penetration in key markets by reinforcing our online presence. Moving forward our strategy is to develop and optimize our digital platforms to drive high growth markets in order to unlock our full potential and maximize the top line”.

Laurent added, “Powered by Trust International, our booking channel is one of most advanced, efficient and user-friendly. The ultimate aim is to provide our guests an online service that is consistent with new consumer habits. Over 2 billion people currently have a smart phone and nearly 45% of travel searches are made from mobile phones. Therefore, mobile bookings are an essential aspect of our guest experience – be it before, during or after their stay”.

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer, alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

Nine Chefs from HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings won a series of medals ranging from Gold to Bronze, besides a number of Certificates of Merit, competing against over 100 chefs from 30 hospitality leaders at the East Coast Fujairah Culinary & Cocktail Competition 2015.

The HMH chefs led by the group’s Culinary Director Michel Miraton brought home one Gold Medal, four Bronze Medals, seven Certificates of Merit and the Trophy for Best Hygienic Chef. The team displayed its mastery across a wide range of categories – from preparing Arabic Mezzeh in the Practical Cookery category to Three-Tier Wedding Cake and Practical Fruits & Vegetable Carving.

Michel Miraton expressed satisfaction over his team’s overall performance. “This contest gave our team members a chance to showcase their culinary talent outside the kitchen of their respective hotels where they have been cooking for years and have earned an excellent reputation. Their skills paid off well, getting them to the final round where they were neck and neck up till the very end,” he added

The Ajman Palace Hotel’s Mohammed Asif won Gold Medal for preparing Arabic Mezzeh in the Practical Cookery category. The hotel’s Kitchen Artist Luminda Losaka won two Bronze Medals, one for the Open Showpiece (Chocolate Display) and another for Practical Fruits & Vegetable Carving. Losaka also won a Certificate of Merit for preparing Three-Tier Wedding Cake. Ray Jefferson and Al-Fred Pacis were awarded Certificates of Merit for creating Three Course Menu International. Pacis won another Certificate of Merit for the Presentation of Tapas, Finger Food and Canapés.

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah’s Dumith Kumara won Bronze Medal for creating Three Plates of Dessert (International). Another Bronze Medal was awarded to Harshana Perera in the Practical Cake Decoration category. Rosemarie Prollo bagged the Trophy of Best Hygienic Chef besides a Certificate of Merit in Beef Practical Cookery. In the same category, Allan Garote also received a Certificate of Merit. Another Certificate of Merit was presented to Afyat Sha in Practical Fruits & Vegetable Carving.

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer, alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings announced today the official opening of EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments. The grand inauguration was attended by His Excellency Mohamed Adbul Karim Al-Had, Federal Minister of Tourism, SSIA Chairman and General Commissioner and Mr Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH.

Brilliantly situated at the bank of the Blue Nile, EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments features 70 rooms and apartments equipped with first rate amenities.The hotel has been designed keeping in mind the needs and expectations of modern business and leisure travellers including families as well as short and long-stay guests. Overlooking the Blue Nile, all apartments offer sweeping views of the Nile. On site are excellent corporate and recreation facilities includingan international all-day-dining restaurant, a coffee shop, choice of multi-purpose meeting rooms with natural daylight, business center, fully-equipped gym and two saunas.

The openingis part of HMH’s strategic expansion in Sudan and reinforces the group’s strong presence in the country being its fourth hotel there. Speaking on the occasion, Laurent said, “It gives us great pleasure to unveil EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments. The launch of the hotel isin keeping with our commitment tosupport the development and growth of hospitality and tourism sector in Sudan.EWA Khartoum is the only hotel boasting serviced apartments in Khartoum and we are confident it willquickly establish itself as a preferred address for both domestic and international travellers. There is a strong demand in the country for quality accommodation and being a alcohol-free chain of hotels, our brands are a perfect fit with Sudan’s Sharia-compliant traditions and culture”.

Sudan, with its diverse ecology, rich heritage, unexplored archeological sites, generous hospitalityand strategic geographical location in North East Africaserves as a bridge between the Arab and African regions. It is a country that boasts more pyramids than Egypt. Laurent stressed, “The history of civilisations here goes back millennia. Therefore, Sudan has enormous potential to grow tourism and position itself globally as a unique destination.The world’s first known civilization Karma is located in Sudan as also the Meroe Civilization. In terms of wildlife, Sudan is rated among the world’s top ten countries. Khartoum State in particular offers rare natural sight being situated on the confluence of White and Blue Niles.But sadly, much of the country’s natural and architectural treasures have remained hidden from the world’s tourism industry.”

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is among the few reputable hospitality groups present in the country and has been playing an instrumental role in the development of the industry. The group has deepened its presence in North Sudan since it took over the management of Coral Khartoum Hotel in 2009. The chain has since rapidly expanded its footprint in the country with the addition ofCoral Port Sudan Hotel, Coral Niyala Hotel and now EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments.

The government of Sudan has pledged $1 billion a year to boost the country’s tourism industry.Air transportation in Sudan has grown tremendously over the recent years. Flights to and from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are increasing largely due to the expansion of low-cost carriers in the region. Benefiting from the growing number of flight connections, inbound and outbound tourism to and from the Middle East is growing too. According to a report issued by Ministry of Tourism and Wild Life 591,350 tourists visited Sudan in 2013 spending $735,501 million.

About HMH
Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is eager to have its share of the burgeoning Chinese travellers. Consequently the group is aggressively promoting its various properties in the country by participating in key trade events such as China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTTM) as well as organising a series of strategic road shows and sales initiatives.

HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel observed, “Demand for UAE as a preferred destination among Chinese travellers is no doubt growing. It is vital to increase our brand exposure in China at this point, as it has enormous potential for growth. It could open up significant revenue streams for affordable hotel brands such as ours. We are, therefore, monitoring closely the Chinese market that is proving to be an increasingly lucrative source of visitors and are gearing up to cater for preferences of these travellers by appointing Chinese speaking staff as well as customising menus, entertainment,  etc.”

According to China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, China is the biggest outbound tourism source market in the world with more than 160 US$ spent by 116 million travellers in 2014. Total outbound tourist numbers will reach 200m by the end of the decade, while travel spending will triple. Fuelling this growth are mainly Chinese millennials who make up a large and growing slice of the country’s most affluent citizens. It’s estimated that there are around 300m of these young consumers born between the early 1980s and 2000. Chinese millennials are big spenders on international travel and typically make four trips outside their country per year, twice as many as their Asian peers.

Dubai will remain the most popular choice for Chinese travellers in the Middle East and Africa region (Mena) as tourist arrivals are set to almost double (up by 97 per cent) to more than 540,000 travellers by 2023 as compared to 276,000 in 2013. According to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) China moved from tenth position to seventh, experiencing 24.9 per cent growth in the last 12 months with 344,329 hotel guests compared to 275,675 in 2013.

About HMH
Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer, alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings will be present in the Saudi capital to take part in Riyadh Travel Fair from 14th to 17th April, 2015. Seventh year in running, the exhibition is considered to be one of the largest tourism events in Saudi Arabia attracting leading international and regional travel and tourism companies.

According to industry reports Saudi Arabia is expected to be the source of the third largest group of outbound travellers over 2015-2018. Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia is growing too and soared by 25 per cent in 2013, according to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. Tourism contributed SR75bn to the kingdom’s gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for nearly 3 per cent of the total, making it one of the most important industries for the country. Twenty-five airports are being upgraded, expanded or built and two new airlines have been given approval to start domestic services to help cope with the significant rise in demand.

HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel said, “Saudi Arabia is a land of opportunity both in terms of domestic and outbound tourism and at HMH we are eager to grow our share of the market. Riyadh Travel Fair offers a unique opportunity to meet more than 20,000 travel trade professionals and buyers. We will be present at the Riyadh Travel Fair to showcase and promote all our existing and upcoming properties”.

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia heavily relies on international arrivals; inbound tourism expenditure reached SAR58.5 billion (US$15.6 billion) in 2013, compared to SAR41.6 billion (US$11.1 billion) from domestic travel in the same year. Increasing domestic and international tourist volumes are driving demand for quality accommodations in the country. Therefore, Saudi Arabia, has seen a massive increase in investment in the hotel market. Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina are the hubs of hotel investment in the country due to the high demand in the cities. A key player in the industry is HMH having entered the country with Coral Al Khobar Hotel eight years ago followed by expansion in Riyadh, Jubail, Al Ahsa and most recently Madina.

Laurent stressed, “Being a alcohol-free, alcohol-free international chain of hotels, HMH is the ideal choice for any hotel owner or investor with the same philosophy and principles. For us being alcohol-free is not simply a business decision but is part of our culture and DNA. Saudi Arabia is central to our expansion strategy and is a key growth market for us. And events such as Riyadh Travel Fair allow us to explore opportunities while building our network within the industry.”

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer, alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is the hospitality sponsor for Saudi Aramco’s 2015 Oilman’s Golf Tournament which will be hosted by Rolling Hills Golf Club in Dhahran on 10th April. The tournament is being organised to promote and bolster the business relations between the various contracting entities who work with Saudi Aramco by bringing together top executives on the golf course.

HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel said, “We are pleased to partner with Saudi Aramco as the exclusive hospitality sponsor for this prestigious golf tournament that promises to be an exhilarating contest bringing together golfers from different sectors and industries to compete. It is for the second time that we are participating in this event that is recognised as one of the premier corporate tournaments in the region and gives us a first-rate opportunity to promote our various brands and hotels to this unique gathering.”

HMH will be represented on the golf course by Jean Pierre Simon, Regional General Manager – Northern Emirates, Coral Hotel & Resorts, who is an avid golfer.

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com