The devaluation of the Rubble has determined Russian tourists to avoid traveling to Europe and this has been beneficial for the domestic tourism in the country. While it was more affordable to go to Turkey and Egypt before the devaluation of the Rubble, right now it is cheaper to choose a Russian destination. Oleg Safonov, who leads the Federal Tourism Agency, feels optimistic. He declared that the change can lead to the growth of domestic tourism in Russia and many other people in the industry agree. [read more]
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s leading hotel companies today announces the launch of its Holiday Inn Express® brand in Russia, the CIS and Georgia. In cooperation with Regional Hotel Chain (RHC), Russia’s rapidly growing hotel property developer, IHG is pleased to introduce Holiday Inn Express® Voronezh – Kirova which marks the debut of the brand in the region and will open its doors in just a few weeks’ time. [read more]
Jumeirah Group, the global hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement with IFG Basis Proect LLC to manage a luxury hotel on Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg, Russia. The hotel is currently under development and is expected to open within the next three years. [read more]
The Four Seasons has reopened a historic landmark in Moscow that carries a storied and interesting past as both an unofficial home base for the former USSR and as an important strategic command post during WWII. What used to stand as Hotel Moskva has reopened as the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow, steps from the Red Square in Manezhnaya Square, with views of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theater. [read more]
Carlson Rezidor, one of the largest and most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, extends their network in Russia/CIS & Baltics and adds a new country to their growing portfolio: Belarus. The very first Radisson Blu hotel in the capital city Minsk will enjoy a prime location on a main axis leading from the centre to the airport. Featuring 200 rooms with signature services such as free high speed internet access, the upper upscale property will open its doors in Q2 2017. [read more]
A decade or so ago, there were few facilities other than in Muslim countries, where Muslims could have a holiday according to strict Islamic conditions. That’s changing as non-Muslim countries around the globe recognise the massive potential in ‘halal tourism’ – safe places for Muslims where they know they’ll get food and service that meet the requirements of their religion and cultural traditions. Russia is the latest, with a hotel in Moscow that offers certified halal cuisine, and 20 rooms with a copy of the Quran, a prayer mat, basin for ritual washing, and a small compass that indicates the direction of Mecca. Even the shampoo and soap in the rooms are certified as halal – without any animal fats or alcohol. It’s not just respectful, it’s a good business decision, given the world’s estimated 1.4billion Muslim population. [read more]
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Sochi, the third Hyatt-branded hotel in Russia. The 198-room hotel offers stunning panoramic city and sea views and caters to business and leisure guests.“The opening of Hyatt Regency Sochi marks a significant step forward in expanding our brand presence in Russia, a country that is rapidly becoming a burgeoning business and leisure destination,” said Peter Norman, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions and Development for Hyatt in the Europe, Africa, and Middle East region. “The new hotel will help to redefine the standard for hotels in Sochi, bringing an unprecedented level of quality, service and innovation to the city.” [read more]
David Jenkins, Head of JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Russia & CIS, said: “The only two cities in Russia that have been able to successfully develop a luxury hotel market are the ‘two capitals’ of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Interestingly the market of each city is quite different. Moscow is the business centre of the country with little in the way of high-end luxury leisure travel. St. Petersburg has a light corporate market and a very strong summer leisure business – especially in the luxury market. Both markets suffer from the visa regime. For Moscow this would bring valuable weekend city break business from Europe – helping to boost not only annual occupancy but ADR too. In St. Petersburg it would help spread seasonality from only the summer months to weekend break business throughout the year – bringing valuable additional occupancy to the city. It would also certainly help boost MICE business to both cities.” [read more]