Hotel

CAIRO: Marriott International has announced the opening of the St. Regis Cairo. Rising tall on the banks of the River Nile; the hotel is an illustrious icon weaving a powerful story of luxury in the region.

Located at the north end of the corniche, the 39-story hotel offers easy access to the magnificent monuments of a city steeped in history.

“Egypt has historically been one of our key markets and strategically significant to our growth in the region,” said Satya Anand, president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.

“Cairo is a storied destination that has long mesmerised the global traveller with its incredible energy offering a vibrant mix of history, culture, tradition and glamour.

“The St. Regis Cairo is an exciting addition to our fast-growing brand portfolio and is set to elevate Cairo’s luxury hospitality landscape with its remarkable design, uncompromising service, and exceptional culinary venues.”

With its striking architecture, created by renowned architect Michael Graves, the St. Regis Cairo firmly establishes itself as a pivotal landmark in the city and beyond, carefully balancing opulence with refinement and elegance to evoke a profound sense of grandeur.

The St. Regis Cairo boasts 286 lavishly appointed rooms and suites and 80 luxurious apartments, that offer unmatched indulgence.

Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, chief executive of Qatari Diar, added: “We are delighted to strengthen our global portfolio of hospitality developments with the opening of the St. Regis Cairo.

“This luxury landmark will introduce higher standards of hospitality to this beautiful destination with its unparalleled levels of luxury and exceptional service – both of which the iconic St. Regis brand is renowned for.”

DUBAI: Marriott International has launched Marriott Bonvoy Business Ready, a new travel programme designed exclusively for small to medium size businesses (SMBs) across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

 This new offering enables SMBs to book business travel easily and efficiently, whilst accessing preferential rates – when the time is right for them to travel again.

 “The global pandemic has had significant impact on business travel this year.  However, just like the pent-up demand for leisure travel, there is pent up demand for business travel – while we have all had to get used to working remotely this year, people are keen to get back to meeting partners, suppliers and colleagues and connect face to face. There is no virtual replacement for doing business in person. Marriott Bonvoy Business Ready offers a great new opportunity for small and medium size businesses to efficiently book business travel, earn Marriott Bonvoy points and access great rates across our across Europe, Middle East & Africa portfolio of over 950 hotels and 24 brands across 75 countries and territories.” said Neal Jones, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International, EMEA.

 Marriott Bonvoy Business Ready provides SMB travel bookers a one stop platform, enabling customers to efficiently book business travel across multiple destinations at trusted hotel brands with preferential rates and a commitment to stringent cleaning and health protocols in the current travel environment.  The programme has been developed with SMB’s specific travel needs in mind, taking the hassle and risk out of booking business travel.

KARACHI: To facilitate the travel trade partners in the present and unparallel difficult time, United Insurance Company (UIC) and Bukhari Travel Sialkot (GSA flynas-Pakistan) singed an important agreement last week here in Karachi.

The agreement was inked by Sardar Rafiq Khan, Group Chairman Bukhari’s and by Shakil Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director, United Insurance Company (UIC). The agreement signing ceremony was witnessed by Country Manager flynas-Pakistan, Mr. Manzoor Thanvi, TAAP delegates, senior trade partners along with Bukhari Travel GSA management. 

flynas, a domestic and international budget airline based in Saudi Arabia adopted two business models in Pakistan i.e. selling through GDs and Debit I.Ds since its very inception in Pakistani Market.

However due to certain defaults flynas had sustained huge losses which couldn’t be recovered due to prorated settlement by BSP.

So flynas management has decided to withdraw the capping on GDS but continued on debit I.Ds for which all agents are required to top up their I.Ds.

Keeping in view the difficulties being faced for arranging cash by the travel trade partners especially during covid-19, the flynas GSA management discussed the matter with another business partner i.e. UIC to help the travel trade partners once again and resolve the issue. while providing UIC guarantee to the supporting agents so that flynas can release the ticket stock either through GDS or Debit I.Ds in accordance To UIC guaranteed amount.

The agreement signed between UIC and Bukhari Travel Sialkot, GSA flynas-Pakistan will facilitate the travel trade partners to solve their cash problem to great extent.

KARACHI:  Imperial Builders are restoring the heritage building of Cecil Hotel in Murree, which dates back to the British Era to its past glory, in collaboration with Hashoo Group who will manage the completed hotel

Hashoo Group are the owners and operators of Pearl-Continental Hotels, Marriott Hotels, and Hotel One in Pakistan, whereas Imperial Builders are recognised in the construction industry for completing outstanding structures around Pakistan.

In this connection, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Hashoo Group and Imperial Builders at Pearl-Continental Hotel Karachi on Monday, 26th October 2020.

“In line with the Prime Minister’s vision to promote tourism in Pakistan, we are delighted to collaborate with Imperial Builders to restore and manage this historical, prestigious hotel,” expressed Mr. Murtaza Hashwani – Hashoo Group Deputy Chairman and CEO, at the MoU signing ceremony.

“It makes us immensely proud to partner with Hashoo Group for restoring the historical Cecil Hotel, and developing it to modern-day construction standards, to welcome travellers and tourists to this area,” expressed Mr. Hunaid Hussain Lakhani – Imperial Builders CEO.

Cecil Hotel, dating back to 1851, is one of the oldest hotels in Pakistan, and has a rich history almost as old as the discovery of the region. Located in the scenic surroundings of The Murree Hills, this hotel has always been the favourite of millions for decades.

The historical hotel building is now being completely restored to its former glory, and will be operated as a luxury Pearl Continental (PC) Hotel. In addition to the PC hotel, Imperial Builders will also be constructing an additional, contemporary Hotel One close by, with the first wing due for completion in Spring 2021.  This dual branding development is the first of its kind in Pakistan, and will ensure that travellers from all walks of life can find accommodation according to their affordability and taste. The final facilities will also include unique tree houses so that guests may have one of a kind stay experience.

This private sector investment in Murree district will not only provide excellent, first-class tourism and resort services in the area, but also boost the local employment and add value to the domestic tourism infrastructure of the country.