Lopesan Hotel Group, in partnership with Stoneweg Hospitality, acquires the iconic Hotel Miguel Angel in Madrid, marking its expansion into urban tourism with plans for extensive renovations to modernize and enhance the property's luxury offerings.
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MADRID – Lopesan Hotel Group, leading hotel company from the Canary Islands, in partnership with the investment firm Stoneweg Hospitality, has acquired the Hotel Miguel Angel, previously owned by General Mediterranean Holding S.A SPF, an iconic luxury hotel in the heart of Madrid’s Paseo de la Castellana.
This transaction represents Lopesan Hotel Group’s entry into Madrid, with the objective of bringing its personalized experiences and signature services to the hotel, while also embarking on a revitalization of its architectural and decorative concept. Thus, this iconic property joins a portfolio of 22 owned and managed hotels with a presence in five countries.
Lobby
The acquisition of Hotel Miguel Angel represents Lopesan Hotel Group’s second venture into the urban tourism segment, following the acquisition of the AC Hotel Iberia in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria earlier this year. With this move, Lopesan Hotel Management, the group’s management arm, will incorporate this landmark Madrid hotel into its brand portfolio and elevate its value proposition with a comprehensive renovation expected to last one year.
The transformation of Hotel Miguel Angel, with its 241 rooms, aims to offer guests a luxurious and cutting-edge experience, turning it into a new attraction in Madrid, with a special emphasis on exclusive gastronomic offerings and services.
Royal Premium room
For its part, Stoneweg Hospitality, already firmly established in the European hotel sector, joins this alliance as a key operational partner. The acquisition of Hotel Miguel Angel strengthens the company’s strategy of adding high-value properties in the most desirable locations of major tourist destinations.
This alliance with Lopesan Hotel Group will modernize this historic building and create a new hotel concept that combines leisure and work segments, offering superior long-term returns through personalized experiences, technology, and sustainability.
Garden
Law Firms Squire Patton Boggs and A&O Shearman advised the Seller and the Purchaser respectively.
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Travel managers take on new challenges: BCD Travel survey reveals evolving roles and responsibilities
BCD Travel’s latest survey highlights expanded duties, increased stakeholder collaboration and rising demand for technology and tools.
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UTRECHT, The Netherlands – BCD Travel recently surveyed 187 travel buyers worldwide to explore their responsibilities, interactions with company stakeholders and industry changes impacting their jobs. The survey reveals key insights into the travel managers’ expanded scope, the teams they work with and the tools they need to succeed.
As travel managers navigate new challenges, their roles have expanded to include travel sourcing (68%) and payment and expense management (51%), with some taking on procurement or management tasks beyond travel.
Their biggest time investments go into managing TMC relationships (53%), followed by working on travel program strategy and communicating with travelers (47% each), as well as reporting and managing suppliers (44% each). In recent years, priorities have shifted toward cost control, data analysis, industry changes (such as NDC) and technology.
To measure program success and prove its value to the C-suite and other stakeholders, travel managers prioritize quantifying savings, aligning travel strategy with corporate objectives and sharing KPIs.
Travel managers collaborate the most with finance and procurement teams, with 58% engaging with procurement and 43% connecting with finance daily or weekly. Cross-departmental collaboration is on the rise, with 71% of travel teams involved in multi-departmental projects, reflecting an expanded, strategic role in company-wide initiatives. In the past years, engagement with finance, sustainability and security teams has increased the most, aligning travel management with cost control, environmental responsibility and duty of care.
“This survey reflects just how essential travel managers are becoming to organizational success,” said Jorge Cruz, executive vice president of Global Sales & Marketing at BCD. “They’re managing complex stakeholder relationships, driving sustainability and making data-informed decisions that align with broader business goals. At BCD, we’re committed to providing travel managers with the tools, technology, research and support they need to meet these new challenges head-on.”
Over two-thirds of travel teams report to procurement (39%), finance (19%) or HR (11%), underscoring the close alignment between travel management and corporate budgeting functions. A third have between four to six people in their travel team globally, while a quarter operate with more than 10 team members. Nearly half (46%) use the service of external consultants to help manage their travel programs, highlighting the need for outside experts.
While six out of 10 travel managers feel they have the necessary tools to do their job, many face budget constraints, with 46% lacking budget for travel technology and services. Despite these challenges, travel managers are most satisfied with their authority level, stakeholder support and work-life balance, though career development remains an area for improvement.
This latest survey highlights the evolving, strategic role travel managers play and underscores the need for advanced tools, technology and services. For companies that need support to navigate the complexities of modern corporate travel, BCD’s digital solutions can help. From business intelligence and spend management automation to experiences that drive traveler engagement and satisfaction to our new sustainability offering to manage carbon reduction goals – BCD’s solutions and expertise can benefit any travel program.
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SHR partners with Saudico to supercharge Saudi Arabia’s hotel loyalty programs
SHR collaborates with Saudico Electronic Systems to revolutionize loyalty programs in Saudi Arabia's hotel sector, aiming to boost direct bookings and reduce OTA dependency.
The article SHR partners with Saudico to supercharge Saudi Arabia’s hotel loyalty programs first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
HOUSTON TX – Global hotel technology specialist SHR has joined forces with Saudico Electronic Systems, one of Saudi Arabia’s top Oracle Hospitality providers, to transform customer loyalty programs across the kingdom’s rapidly growing hotel sector.
In Saudi Arabia, hotel loyalty programs are not widely adopted, leading to a reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and a scarcity of direct bookings despite high levels of repeat business. Recognizing this gap, Saudi hotels are eager to develop robust loyalty programs to harness and reward guest loyalty, reduce dependency on OTAs, and increase direct bookings.
Recognizing this critical need, Saudico has brought in SHR to provide a suite of advanced software solutions, with a particular focus on enhancing loyalty program capabilities.
By integrating SHR’s market-leading technologies – including its Central Reservations System (CRS) for streamlined booking, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools for personalized guest communications, Revenue Management System (RMS) for optimized pricing strategies, and innovative digital marketing solutions – with Saudico’s deep local expertise and Property Management System (PMS) capabilities, the partnership offers a comprehensive approach to managing and enriching the entire guest journey, from initial booking to post-stay engagement.
This alliance is set to empower Saudi hotels to reduce dependency on OTAs by increasing direct bookings through personalized experiences and sophisticated loyalty programs. Hotels will benefit from enhanced operational efficiency and deeper data insights, enabling them to engage repeat guests more effectively.
With Saudi Arabia projected to add 320,000 new hotel rooms across the country by 20301, the partnership presents a fantastic opportunity for hoteliers to leverage the potential revenue opportunities that the country’s annual target of 150 million domestic and international tourists could bring.
Alexander Barder, Senior Director of Business Development at SHR, said: “This partnership marks an exciting chapter for SHR as we expand our footprint into the Middle East. By partnering with Saudico, we’re not just providing Saudi hoteliers with the most comprehensive and integrated technology solutions available today, we’re also bringing innovative loyalty solutions to the Saudi market. Our goal is not just to implement technology, but to help Saudi hotels build lasting relationships with their customers, ultimately enhancing the guest experience and driving sustainable growth.”
Soufyan Al Kabbani, CEO at Saudico Electronic Systems, said: “We are thrilled to partner with SHR, whose innovative hotel technology solutions perfectly complement our PMS expertise. This collaboration will significantly elevate the technology capabilities of the Saudi hotel industry, putting the power back into the hands of hoteliers to deliver exceptional guest experiences while maximizing the revenue potential of customer loyalty.”
Houston based SHR has built a strong reputation globally, offering innovative solutions such as Central Reservations Systems (CRS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Revenue Management Systems (RMS), as well as website and digital marketing services.
Saudico Electronic Systems, known for its expertise in Oracle installations and a trusted partner within the hospitality industry across Saudi Arabia for the last 40 years, has been instrumental in modernizing hotel management systems across the region.
1 ‘Saudi Arabia’s booming hospitality sector to add 320,000 hotel rooms by 2030’, Alarabia News, April 2024.
The article SHR partners with Saudico to supercharge Saudi Arabia’s hotel loyalty programs first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Significant surge in Travel & Tourism businesses’ commitment to Net Zero, reveals WTTC Roadmap
WTTC's second edition of the Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism shows a 27% increase in businesses setting climate targets, with 53% now committed to emissions reduction, highlighting significant sector progress toward sustainability goals.
The article Significant surge in Travel & Tourism businesses’ commitment to Net Zero, reveals WTTC Roadmap first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched the second edition of its groundbreaking Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, revealing the number of global Travel & Tourism businesses setting climate targets has surged by 27% in the past three years, with more than half now actively committed to emissions reduction.
Launched at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan the WTTC report reveals, 53% of the 250 leading Travel & Tourism businesses analysed have now set climate targets, a significant increase from 42% in 2021, when the first Net Zero Roadmap was created.
Among these businesses, one third have committed to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals, underscoring their dedication to meeting rigorous emissions reduction benchmarks. Notably, the number of companies adopting SBTi targets has more than doubled since 2021, signalling an accelerated effort by the sector to align with global climate standards.
Developed in collaboration with Accenture, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and supported by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this second edition of the roadmap underscores the urgency of climate action as the sector works towards net zero by 2050.
Building on the foundation of the original roadmap launched in 2021 at COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland, the latest edition addresses the escalating environmental impacts on tourism. It introduces an enhanced decarbonisation framework, including new target corridors to guide Travel & Tourism businesses in setting ambitious, actionable climate targets. The roadmap highlights that there is no ‘one size that fits all’ solution, as each industry faces its own challenges, with some able to meet their net zero targets earlier than others.
A major focus of the updated roadmap is improving sector alignment and transparency, particularly as demand for sustainable travel options grows, with 75% of global travellers now expressing a desire to travel more sustainably.
The roadmap also draws on Environmental & Social Research (ESR) by WTTC, which reveals a significant decrease in Travel & Tourism’s carbon emissions footprint.
According to the latest ESR data, Travel & Tourism accounted for 6.5% of global emissions in 2023, down from a peak of 7.8% in 2019, representing an 10.2% reduction in the sector’s greenhouse gas intensity, showcasing the sector’s significant strides toward decoupling growth from emissions. Across a number of industries, the roadmap notes significant improvements in carbon intensity.
In 2023, the aviation industry achieved a 6% reduction in carbon intensity from 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, while the cruise and accommodation industries both decreased their carbon intensity by 11%.
These reductions are critical as the sector works to balance growth with a meaningful transition to lower emissions.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said, “The urgency of climate action in our sector has never been clearer. Climate change is not a future threat – it’s here, and we are all facing the consequences. This updated roadmap is a call to action for every business in Travel & Tourism. The sector is moving forward; but we mustn’t rest on the laurels. We must work together with greater ambition and urgency to create a sustainable future for Travel & Tourism. Every step counts towards preserving our planet and the livelihoods of millions.”
Jesko-Philipp Neuenburg, Accenture’s Global Travel and Aviation Sustainability Lead, said, “Global Travel companies have made good progress on emissions targets and measurement. The second edition of the roadmap underscores the importance of moving from commitments to actions and provides pragmatic advice on how to work towards decarbonisation of the Travel & Tourism sector.”
Niclas Svenningsen, UNFCCC Manager, Programmes Coordination said: “Since the first edition of this report was published three years ago, the world has experienced a continued out-of-control climate change with new heat records set across the entire planet. The impact has been devastating, not least in the tourism industry where many destinations have not only been negatively impacted, but in some cases the impact has been enormous. In a world where business-as-usual for Travel & Tourism is no longer an option, acting on the pathways and target corridors presented in this report, is the only way it can maintain its License to Operate.”
Kanan Gasimov, Head of Cabinet, the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan said: “This roadmap serves as both an actionable guide and a vision-setting tool for the industry, helping us set ambitious goals while providing clear steps to reduce emissions across all tourism subsectors, from accommodation to aviation. Azerbaijan is proud to be part of this project. Through our COP29 Presidency, we have successfully advocated for tourism’s inclusion in international climate discussions and committed to embedding sustainable practices in our national policies. Together, we can build a tourism sector that aligns with global climate goals, preserves our natural heritage, and supports the livelihoods of our communities.”
The updated roadmap also highlights the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.
Reducing emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s lifecycle, SAF has emerged as a cornerstone for aviation’s decarbonisation pathway, and the roadmap calls for the expansion of SAF adoption across airlines, supported by investment and regulatory alignment, to accelerate emissions reductions.
It also provides more detailed guidance for small businesses which represent the backbone of Travel & Tourism yet face unique challenges such as defining and following a more strategic decarbonisation approach.
It emphasises the importance of accessible green financing for small to medium enterprises (SMEs), that can often lack the resources to implement sustainability measures.
Despite these advancements, the report identifies ongoing challenges, both internal and external, that require attention. Measuring Scope 3 emissions remains a complex task for many companies, as does achieving regulatory alignment across regions.
WTTC and its Members urge businesses to adopt the roadmap’s target corridors, which suggest specific emissions reduction strategies across various timeframes. These tailored strategies aim to mitigate emissions within the next decade and reinforce long-term climate resilience.
WTTC encourages Travel & Tourism companies, stakeholders, and governments to support and implement the measures outlined in this roadmap. Whilst the global Travel & Tourism sector is making progress, the global tourism body is urging governments to provide further incentives and subsidies to businesses in order to ensure targets are met. By uniting in pursuit of net zero, the sector can achieve meaningful climate action, protect vulnerable destinations, and meet the expectations of environmentally conscious travellers worldwide.
The article Significant surge in Travel & Tourism businesses’ commitment to Net Zero, reveals WTTC Roadmap first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Baymahni Resort selects Aptech’s PVNG accounting solution for seamless financial management
Baymahni Resort in the Bahamas chooses Aptech's PVNG accounting solution for finance management during its renovation and as it prepares to open in 2025.
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EXUMA, BAHAMAS – Aptech, a leading provider of enterprise accounting, business intelligence, financial planning and management solutions for the hospitality industry, announced that Baymahni Resort in the Bahamas has selected its PVNG accounting solution to manage the resort’s finances through its renovation and construction phase, as well as for ongoing operations when the property opens for reservations in summer 2025.
Located on Stocking Island, an out island of Exuma in the Bahamas, Baymahni will occupy the site of the former Kahari Resort, as well as 40 acres of adjacent land. The property is currently undergoing a major transformation, with 14 existing two-bedroom beach bungalows being renovated, along with the addition of a new restaurant, bar, and pool complex slated to open in July 2025. The resort will also feature spa bungalows offering spa services, as well as 13 private two-bedroom villas that are currently under construction.
Baymahni Chief Financial Officer, Karen Quaile, selected PVNG by Aptech after evaluating several competitive solutions. Previously, the company had used a popular off-the-shelf application which she found was not well-suited for the complexities of today’s hotel financial management needs, as it would require significant customization to fit the hospitality industry’s uniform chart of accounts. After considering other solutions on the market, the Baymahni management team ultimately chose PVNG by Aptech. The decision was primarily based on several key factors, including Aptech’s stellar reputation within the hospitality industry for personalized customer service. In addition, PVNG’s preconfigured, hospitality-specific chart of accounts would enable the resort’s finance team to get up and running quickly with minimal setup time. Its efficient, user-friendly interface is designed to streamline workflows and a new dashboard feature provides deep insight into ongoing finances, as the resort prepares for renovation and opening.
“We needed a system that would streamline our financial processes and help us manage the accounting needs of our growing resort business – from the renovation planning, sourcing and construction phase through to daily operations,” said Karen Quaile, CFO of Baymahni Resort. “After experiencing the complexities of previous systems, including a competitor solution that was cumbersome and unintuitive, we found PVNG by Aptech to be the ideal choice. It’s simple, efficient, and intuitive to use, with basic modules like Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable that make our financial management much more straightforward.”
Unlike accounting systems that rely on traditional batch posting, PVNG uses a simplified approach, with real-time transaction processing. Its integration with Cloudbeds, the resort’s property management system (PMS), allows for the seamless import of data, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of errors. With its flexibility and ease of use, PVNG enables Baymahni Resort’s accounting team to manage their finances more effectively, while focusing on the resort’s core business operations.
Steve Harbaugh, the main owner of Baymahni Resort and a seasoned real estate developer, expressed confidence in the partnership with Aptech, saying, “We are committed to creating a world-class destination, and part of that means having the right tools to manage our financial operations smoothly from day one. Aptech’s PVNG solution will help ensure we stay on track with budgeting, forecasting, and day-to-day financial management as we continue our exciting development on Exuma.”
Baymahni’s renovation and construction plans have been carefully developed in collaboration with local builder Rodney Burrows, whose previous projects in the area include February Pointe, a private, master-planned luxury resort development on Exuma. The resort’s expansion into the adjacent 40-acre site was made possible by a fortuitous meeting between Harbaugh and the previous landowner, who agreed to sell the property after a productive four-hour discussion at his home in Philadelphia. Baymahni is expected to become a premier luxury destination in the Bahamas, offering guests an intimate and unique experience amidst the natural beauty of Stocking Island. By choosing PVNG by Aptech, the resort is ensuring that its financial management systems are as forward-thinking and well-executed as the rest of the property.
Aptech’s integrated suite of solutions includes PVNG, Execuvue and Targetvue, which comprise an integrated technology ecosystem designed to help hoteliers at both the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data and provide actionable insights. These solutions focus on enterprise accounting, business intelligence, financial planning and management, and are used by more than 3,500 hotel properties across North America.
The article Baymahni Resort selects Aptech’s PVNG accounting solution for seamless financial management first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Wanderland London releases first-of-its-kind kids hospitality report
Wanderland Think Tank's inaugural Kids Hospitality Report, in collaboration with industry experts, reveals significant insights into how kids and teens influence family travel and hospitality trends, emphasizing the commercial potential for hotels to enhance offerings for young guests.
The article Wanderland London releases first-of-its-kind kids hospitality report first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
LONDON, UK – Wanderland Think Tank, the research and analytics arm of Wanderland London, released the first ever kids hospitality global report featuring over 150 insights on trends as they relate to what kids and teens care about, how they influence travel decisions and how families want to stay, play and pay.
The inaugural Kids Hospitality Report is the brainchild of pioneering kids and teens hospitality consultancy Wanderland London, in partnership with leading experts and market research companies from across the kids and hospitality sectors, such as Data Think Lab and Kids Know Best. It’s the first report that intersects both the hospitality and kids and teens consumer industries, analyzing travel trends as they relate to video gaming, board games, toys, publishing, media and more. The report examines the offerings for kids and teens at city hotels, looking at the good, the bad and the ugly of how the world’s finest hotels welcome younger guests, and how employing tricks-of-the-trade from the game and toy industries can add experiential value to families, and commercial value to hotels.
“Kids and teens should no longer be invisible in the hotel guest journey,” according to Wanderland Co-Founders Alicia Zur-Szpiro and Saar Shai. “They have a major influence on family travel decisions and will one day soon be leisure and business travelers themselves.”
Building generational relationships, brand loyalty, repeat visits, longer stays and higher spend have never been more important to hotels. The report is meant to shed light on this growing kids and teens segment, helping hoteliers understand the importance of investing in this space. Best practices from across the kid’s economy is uncovered and translated into actionable steps for financial and creative impact in the hospitality sector.
Some key findings include:
This is one of the largest and most overlooked, yet lucrative, commercial opportunities for hotels today and going forward. By integrating kids’ hospitality practices into the existing guest experience, the hotel industry can capitalize on this segment that is very influential, growing and in the near future will become autonomous decision makers – kids and teens. Utilizing insights and borrowing tools from these kids’ industries, hotels can add immeasurable (and measurable) emotional and commercial value.
The article Wanderland London releases first-of-its-kind kids hospitality report first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Salterra Resort & Spa announces Executive Committee ahead of grand opening in February 2025
Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, appoints an experienced Executive Committee, gearing up for its grand opening in South Caicos on February 15, 2025.
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SOUTH CAICOS, TURKS & CAICOS – Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa announced the appointment of its Executive Committee, a dynamic team of industry leaders dedicated to delivering unparalleled luxury and unforgettable experiences for guests. With a grand opening set for Feb. 15, 2025, Salterra is poised to become the premier destination in the stunning South Caicos.
“We’ve assembled an authentic dream team ahead of our opening early next year,” said General Manager Santiago Senega. “Our Executive Committee is made up of some of the world’s most talented and experienced hospitality professionals, all of whom have come together to create a truly special place in Salterra Resort & Spa.”
Salterra Resort & Spa’s executive committee includes:
Situated on the pristine beaches of South Caicos, Salterra Resort & Spa offers guests world-class watersports, fine dining and immersive cultural experiences. Travelers will have easy access to the property via a convenient, direct non-stop flight from Miami (MIA) to South Caicos (XSC) on American Airlines (Wednesdays and Saturdays) beginning in February 2025. Meanwhile, same-day connections through MIA are available through 70 U.S.-origin cities.
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Report from bnetwork reveals the top sustainability priorities for event attendees
Sustainable Hospitality: Understanding the Priorities of Today’s Event Attendees report provides insights into what attendees value most when choosing event accommodation.
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LONDON – bnetwork, a leading SaaS accommodation management company specialising in large-scale B2B events across EMEA and globally, has released a new report, “Sustainable Hospitality: Understanding the Priorities of Today’s Event Attendees”, based on insights from nearly 700 respondents (event attendees) across diverse industries, including advertising, media, healthcare, technology and retail.
This research highlights the rising demand for genuine, ethical and sustainable practices in the hospitality sector, particularly in event accommodations. Findings reveal a clear shift towards the ethical treatment of people as a priority, actionable ecological measures and transparent communication, as the industry seeks to move beyond superficial greenwashing.
“Today’s event attendees expect more than promises — they are looking for meaningful commitments and integrity from the hospitality sector,” says Stéphane Filone, Co-Founder of bnetwork. “The findings make it clear that prioritising people, taking actionable steps towards environmental responsibility and providing transparent communication are not only ethical imperatives but also strategic opportunities for hotels and venues.”
The survey respondents were reached through bnetwork’s own channels and their affiliations with prominent industry organisers including RX Global, EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver), Vitafoods Europe, Integrated Systems Europe, Diversified Communications and TFWA (Tax Free World Association).
The report reveals three core issues that matter most to event attendees:
Key Recommendations for Hospitality Leaders: For venues and hotels seeking to align with the priorities of event attendees, the report recommends a focus on transparent CSR communication, genuine ecological action with measurable impacts, cost-effective sustainable practices and prioritising comfort for guests while implementing sustainable initiatives.
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Ryanair and Erasmus Student Network extend partnership for 8th year
Ryanair extends its partnership with Erasmus Student Network for the eighth year, offering exclusive travel discounts and benefits to students.
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Ahead of the Christmas travel season, Ryanair announced that they will continue their partnership with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) for an eighth year, further helping European students to travel at the lowest fares during their educational exchange. Through this partnership, Erasmus students can avail of a dedicated ESN booking platform on the Ryanair.com website, where they will be provided with a 10% discount on four one-way flights (or 2 round-trips) and a free 20kg checked-in bag with every flight booked.
Since 2017, ESN students have benefited from this exclusive partnership which has seen over 800,000 bookings to date.
ESN students can now book their low fare Ryanair flights across the airlines industry-leading network of 235+ destinations with these exclusive Erasmus Student Network travel discounts through the dedicated platform at Ryanair.com.
Ryanair’s Head of Comms Jade Kirwan, said: “Ryanair is pleased to announce our exclusive partnership with ESN for the 8th year running, promoting student mobility by offering third level students across Europe a range of exclusive flight offers, including generous discounts and free baggage options. As Ryanair continues to grow and invest in Europe, we are delighted to support the EU flagship Erasmus programme and the incredible opportunities offered to their student members.”
The article Ryanair and Erasmus Student Network extend partnership for 8th year first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Aleph Hospitality announces two luxury resorts in Morocco
Aleph Hospitality has commenced Morocco operations with the takeover of the five-star Marchica Lagoon Resort and Michlifen Resort & Golf.
The article Aleph Hospitality announces two luxury resorts in Morocco first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
UAE, DUBAI – Aleph Hospitality, the independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, has signed management agreements with the owners of two luxury resorts: Marchica Lagoon Resort in Nador and Michlifen Resort & Golf in Ifrane, Morocco. Aleph Hospitality has assumed operations of the two luxury resorts, bringing its world-class hospitality management expertise to both hotels.
Located on the pristine shores of the Mediterranean in the north of Morocco, only a 45-minute drive from Nador International Airport, the luxury Marchica Lagoon Resort features a sophisticated Moroccan-inspired décor throughout the 93 elegantly appointed rooms and suites and its seven restaurants and bars. With the spectacular Marchica Lagoon on its doorstep, the five-star resort’s extensive leisure and recreational facilities include outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a beach club, extensive water sports options, a luxury spa with hammam, a fully equipped fitness centre, kids club, and tennis courts. In addition, the resort offers and idyllic setting for weddings and events with its stunning views of the lagoon and expansive gardens, as well as state-of-the-art meeting salons and lounges opening out onto a convertible terrace, also suitable for marquees.
The five-star all-suite Michlifen Resort & Golf, located in Ifrane with the majestic mountains of the Middle Atlas as its natural backdrop, is designed as a luxurious Alpine chalet. At an altitude of 1,650 metres, the luxury resort enjoys snow in winter and offers a cool mountain climate in summer. Only a one-hour drive from Fes Sais International Airport, the resort comprises 72 suites with four distinct choices of luxury décor, seven food and beverage outlets, a golf and country club with a signature mountain course by Jack Nicklaus, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a kids club, as well as an exceptional mountain spa with two hammams and a dedicated Balneotherapy Centre. In addition, Michlifen Resort & Golf offers extensive meeting and events facilities, a fully-equipped business centre, an indoor multi-purpose sports hall and a Royal Theatre.
Morocco received a record-breaking 14.5 million tourists in 2023, an increase of 34% compared with 2022, breaking 2019’s pre-pandemic record of 13 million arrivals. The surge in tourism is in line with the government’s USD 580 million plan to boost the tourism sector in an effort to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026. The government’s road map includes the introduction of new airline routes in preparation for 2030 when Morocco will co-host the World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality says: “We are thrilled to have been trusted with the management of these two exceptional luxury resorts in Morocco. We have been waiting for the right partners and properties to enter Morocco with and we could not have asked for a better way for us to commence our operations in the Kingdom. This is an interesting time with the unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals and the government’s ambitious plans to boost the sector. We look forward to working with the owners to uplift the operations of the resorts and to make the most of the promising conditions in Morocco.”
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