AFRICAN & MIDDLE EAST NEWS

Kenya will chair the Tourism and Competitiveness Committee, serve as Africa’s Regional Representative on the Tourism and Sustainability Committee, and participate in the Programme and Budget Committee.

Among upcoming openings are Four Points by Sheraton Casablanca Bouskoura in 2026, Moxy Casablanca and Residence Inn by Marriott Casablanca slated for 2027, and the Autograph Collection’s Amerruk Marrakech expected in 2026.

The developments include Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, Mysk Residences Riyadh, and Mysk Al Haramain Hotels – 3 & 4 in Makkah.

Under the new process, travelers undergo all exit protocols before departure, and on arrival, they are treated as domestic arrivals, bypassing repeated inspections.

Lighthouse Director of Hospitality Research Blake Reiter explained this as a “two-speed market,” with luxury hotels maintaining rates due to resilient high-net-worth demand, while mid-tier hotels face pressure from currency volatility, inflation, and visa restrictions impacting intra-African travel.

Hotel revenues jumped 20%, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 24% to AED 446 (around US$121.60), accompanied by steady 80% occupancy rates.

The fund also announced a financing deal worth SAR 700 million (US$187 million) with Modern Choice Development to bring Earth Hotels to Riyadh, featuring 86 rooms on 11,762 sqm.

Saleh’s data-driven strategies and commercial foresight substantially boosted the hotel’s topline, positioning it among Dubai’s strongest luxury hospitality performers.

Crowne Plaza Multan will join IHG’s portfolio of over 415 open hotels and nearly 150 in development worldwide.

The climb in passenger numbers reflects collaborative efforts by stakeholders and ACSA’s commitment to upgrading airport facilities, optimizing passenger processing, and improving overall traveler experience.