The voodoo priest and all his powders were as nothing compared to espresso, cappuccino, and mocha, which are stronger than all the religions of the world combined, and perhaps stronger than the human soul itself. Mark Helprin Rich and powerful, espresso is a nitro-boost to your day and a go-to for coffee drinkers looking for a way to get through those long hard days and nights. It is a refinement of coffee, distilled down to its most potent elements and delivered in special cups that should have a warning label that reads “High Vibration and Caffeine Jitters Ahead”. Espresso day celebrates the history of this delicious and powerful solution to an otherwise dreary day. History Of Espresso Day In Turin, in 1884 an incredible new innovation was developed that would change the way work would be done for all of history. No more would tired laborers have to rely on pure willpower to get them through the day or lean on the watered-down attempt at caffeination that was normal coffee and tea. Instead, thanks to the innovative methods of Angelo Moriondo coffee had seen a new age of enlightenment, as his new machine found a way to separately control the passing of steam and water through the coffee. This innovation made it possible to extract the fullest possible potential from the humble coffee bean. Espresso Day was created to honor this invention and the wonderful man who made it all possible. True, the machine has undergone multiple upgrades and innovations since then, with homemade espresso machines now being available, and the latte is now one of the most popular methods of imbibing this drink. From Turin, Italy this beverage spread throughout the world, earning a place of prominence in Europe, the USA, and eventually the world at large. How To Celebrate Espresso Day Celebrating Espresso Day is as simple as skipping on down to your local caffenation station, be it a Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, or whatever your local flavor of coffee shop is. Order yourself the strongest drink on the menu, a triple-shot espresso if they have them, and raise a small ceramic glass of high-powered octane the those in attendance. Toast Angelo Moriondo and his works, and let all who will listen know that it is he who drives the modern worker and increases production. Then stop on the way home and buy yourself your own personal espresso machine, because weekends need coffee too.
Create: Nov 23, 2019 Edit: Nov 23, 2019 Coffee ShopCreate: Nov 5, 2019 Edit: Jan 26, 2020 TV
Property features one of Dubai’s highest infinity pools on the 64th level, at 235 metres high Damac Properties’ has topped out its Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences, a 64-storey mixed-use development property on Sheikh Zayed Road. The project, features one of Dubai’s highest infinity pools on the 64th level. Currently, more than 80% of the tower’s external façade and casting work of the infinity pool has been completed. The design and décor of the hotel rooms comprises features such as in-room home theatre systems and access to a library of Paramount films. The residences feature multiple bedrooms and spacious interiors with separate dining and living areas. Speaking about the topping out, Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president, DAMAC Properties, said, “The topping out of Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences with one of Dubai’s highest infinity pools overlooking Downtown Dubai is testament to our commitment to bringing the most differentiated living experiences to the region. We are thrilled with the progress on this project, which stands tall as a distinctive addition to Dubai’s iconic skyline. Our vision resonates with Dubai’s growing relevance as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.” In addition to the infinity pool, Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences features multiple floors of amenities such as restaurants and lounges, a rooftop terrace fitness and wellness centres, and a business centre, among others.
Create: Nov 3, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International NewsThe recent signing of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston also marks the African debut for Hampton by Hilton. Hilton recently announced the signing of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston, which marks the first for the brand in Africa. That’s not all it marks, however, with the agreement also meaning that the company now has reached the 100-hotel-milestone as far as properties trading or under development on the African continent. It is truly a year of many 100s for Hilton, which is celebrating its 100th birthday. “With this being our 100th year, reaching the milestone of 100 hotels allows us to reflect on our rich legacy of pioneering tourism on the African continent but also to look to the future,” Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton said. “We continue to step up the pace of our growth, especially in the mid-market segment which presents a tremendous opportunity as evidenced by the rapid expansion of Hilton Garden Inn on the continent since its debut in 2016.” Hilton’s agreements in Africa Recently, Hilton signed a franchise agreement with Afrirent Pty through its Indalo Hotels & Leisure subsidiary, a level one Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) third party operating company. Indalo will be the operator of the 158-room Hampton by Hilton hotel in Sandton, which is the financial capital of South Africa. This mid-market property will join Hilton’s flagship upscale Hilton Sandton, offering additional choice for travellers to the district commonly known as ‘Africa’s richest Square Mile’. Construction is scheduled to begin at the site on Grayston Drive in early 2020 with first guests set to be welcomed by mid-2021. Hilton Garden Inn is crucial to the company’s footprint in Africa, with the brand having operational hotels in six African markets and a further ten under development. Hampton by Hilton is expected to compliment this growth and provide owners and customers with greater choice. Other noteworthy Hilton properties in Africa There is, of course, more to Hilton’s growth story in the African market. 2019 has seen Hilton open four properties in Africa, entering three new markets whilst also further strengthening its multi-brand pipeline. Highlights include: Bringing its lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brand to Africa, through the signing of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof Confirming the signing of two landmark flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Uganda and DR Congo, the Hilton Kampala and Hilton Kinshasa. Accelerating its growth in the focused service segment, opening Hilton Garden Inn hotels in three new countries: Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, Botswana Hilton Garden Inn Kampala, Uganda Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, Eswatini Continuing to establish its footprint in Morocco with the opening of Hilton Tanger Al Houara Golf Resort & Spa with the Hilton Taghazout Bay due to open in 2020
Create: Oct 26, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International NewsAn organization structure where elements of a system are united and consolidated under a single center. This type of organization can be applied to computer systems, networks, employees, accounting operations, and business facilities, as well. Centralization arose in the 1980s, when computers became able to establish better control in organization departments. The advantages of centralization are: increased organization of a system, cost reduction due to standardization of equipment and procedures, and increased efficiency. The downside is inflexibility and slow implementation of structural changes. Hotel reservation systems are sometimes made for smaller individual hotels, while for hotel chains they have centralized reservation facilities. When several reservation systems should be integrated, their infrastructure could be organized according to the decentralization principles.
Create: Oct 22, 2019 Edit: Oct 23, 2019 Hotel ManagementAccor’s portfolio covered 24,512 rooms as of 31 July 2019 Hospitality groups Accor and Marriott International account for the largest hotel supply and pipeline counts in Africa, according to data from STR. Accor’s portfolio covered 24,512 rooms as of 31 July 2019, while Marriott accounted for 24,508 rooms. The groups also lead the development pipeline with 19,745 and 15,219 rooms under contract (in construction, final planning and planning phases of the pipeline) respectively. “Over recent years, there has been increased investment interest across Africa with international groups leading the expansion,” said Thomas Emanuel, a director for STR. “There are now just seven countries in Africa with no internationally branded properties present, compared to 18 just six years ago. Accor and Marriott continue to lead the way in Africa, not just in terms of supply, but also pipeline. We look forward to seeing the continued development of the hotel industry across the continent as more supply goes into rapidly developing destinations,” he added. Protea Hotels by Marriott is the continent’s second-largest brand with 8,374 rooms, just behind Hilton that has 8,617 rooms.
Create: Oct 21, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International NewsKimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach is set to welcome its first guests in late 2019. The chic property will be located in the heart of South Beach, a popular international and local destination in Miami Beach. It will be the boutique hotel company’s fifth in the Sunshine State, complementing its existing hotels in Miami Beach, Downtown Miami and Vero Beach. Altamarea Group, the New York restaurant Hospitality Group, will run the hotel’s food and beverage program, and bring its highly popular Osteria Morini brand from Soho to the Kimpton Palomar. “We’re thrilled to be opening our doors in South Beach this fall, and excited to partner with the Altamarea Group,” said Fernando Rivera, the property’s newly appointed general manager. “At the Palomar, guests will not only be surrounded by world-class restaurants, shopping and other great amenities, but they will also enjoy state-of-the-art design, technology, luxury and the unparalleled service that embodies the Kimpton ethos.” Located at the gateway of the locally loved Sunset Harbour neighbourhood, Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach is a sophisticated retreat just steps away from the city’s newest and most exciting restaurants, shops, wellness experiences and nightlife. Featuring striking design by Miami architect and designer Kobi Karp, Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach is set to become an iconic addition to the South Beach scene. Karp’s design takes its cues from the waterfront. The hotel spans five stories with 96 rooms surrounding a spacious central atrium. Meant to resemble the hull of a private luxury yacht lilted on its side, the lobby excites the senses with its custom-built light installations and is peppered with art displays, including light panels, abstracted shapes, and large format fabrics meant to resemble the ripples of the Atlantic Ocean. Guest rooms feature private balconies available for nearly every guest and design that is inspired by the oceanic environs.
Create: Oct 16, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International NewsThe project is expected to bring 271 luxury rooms and 170 branded residences to Muscat Marriott International will debut the St Regis brand — St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort — in Oman after it signed an agreement. The resort is expected to open in 2022. The 271-room resort will come up in Al Mouj Muscat and will include plans for 170 branded residential units, including a mix of apartments, penthouses and townhouses. The residences are also expected to be completed by 2022. “The signing of St. Regis in Oman is a natural progression for the brand’s portfolio, as the brand continues to become one of the most recognised and sought-after luxury hotel brands in the region,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East & Africa for Marriott International. “We are thrilled to bring this significant project to Oman, especially to this strategic location in one of the most desired waterfront masterplans in the city of Muscat.” Guests are expected to have access to a portfolio of leisure amenities in the Al Mouj Muscat community, including a planned 360-berth marina with retail and dining options, as well as a clubhouse with watersport activities. Guests could be allowed to access the Al Mouj Golf – an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Greg Norman. Plans for the resort also include a 1,100-square-metre ballroom for corporate gatherings, special events or weddings.
Create: Oct 13, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International NewsThe Assila Hotel features 210 guestrooms Hospitality giant Marriott International will be introducing its Luxury Collection in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia after it signed an agreement with Assila Investments to launch the Assila Hotel. The property is expected to join The Luxury Collection’s portfolio of more than 100 hotels and resorts in 2020. Assila Hotel features 210 guestrooms, including a royal suite, and 94 apartments. It comprises multiple food and beverage venues, including a Café Lounge and Argentinian and Mediterranean specialty restaurants. Speaking about the agreement, Bader Alissa, CEO, Assila Investments said: “We are thrilled to have Marriott International manage the beautiful Assila Hotel, under the Luxury Collection brand. This only affirms Assila Hotel’s position as a premier luxury hotel in Jeddah.” The hotel also includes a ballroom and nine meeting rooms, as well as full-service recreational facilities such as a spa, fitness centre and squash courts. “This deal signing supports our plans to further diversify our footprint in the Kingdom while enhancing our overall luxury portfolio in the region,” Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said. The hotel is situated close to planned ‘New Jeddah Downtown’ development, a mixed-used project on Jeddah’s five million square metre waterfront anticipated to launch in 2022.
Create: Oct 12, 2019 Edit: Nov 3, 2019 International News