Tourexpi
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the
world’s leading hotel companies, is significantly expanding its UAE presence
through a strategic partnership with Aldar, the country’s leading real estate
developer, investor, and manager.
Through this landmark collaboration, IHG and Aldar will undertake a
major repositioning project on Yas Island to transform six hotels within the
Yas Plaza complex into a single integrated Vignette Collection resort. The
franchise agreement involves the refurbishment and conversion of the current
hotels into distinct properties within the newly named Straylight Yas, Vignette
Collection. A key element of the project is to open private beach access to the
complex for the first time.
The ultimate transformation will add 1,389 keys to IHG’s expanding UAE
portfolio. The single operator model is designed to streamline and consolidate
the property’s reputation as a premier integrated resort destination that
provides diverse experiences under one unified identity.
Additionally, the partnership will also see the conversion of Aldar’s Al
Dhafra region hotel, formerly known as Tilal Liwa, into a world-class Vignette
Collection resort. Scheduled for soft opening later this year, followed by full
opening in Q2 2025, the upcoming Vignette Collection hotel will be a unique
luxury retreat experience in the Abu Dhabi desert, adding 110 keys to IHG’s
portfolio.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG,
said: “This is a significant milestone in our journey and we are delighted to
join forces with Aldar for this game-changing project at one of the world’s
most sought-after luxury, leisure, and sports destinations. Through this
landmark franchise agreement, we are demonstrating our commitment to support
Abu Dhabi’s efforts to further enhance its leading position as a world-class
family tourism destination. Being selected to upgrade the existing Yas Plaza
hotels and Aldar’s desert resort in the Al Dhafra region under the Vignette
Collection brand underscores IHG’s unique ability to provide exceptional
hospitality that meets the diverse needs of today’s travellers, while
supporting our partners’ wider tourism sector ambitions to stimulate broader
economic growth.”
Inaugurated in 2009, Yas Island is a premier leisure and entertainment
hub that is key to Abu Dhabi’s global tourism appeal. Spanning 25 sq. km, the
island is renowned for its world-class attractions and hosting major sporting
and entertainment events, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Set to open during Q4 2025, the new resort will feature an underground
tunnel to facilitate direct beach access, a retail and F&B strip, and
connections to the prestigious Yas Links Abu Dhabi golf course. Additionally,
the project will introduce a range of new facilities, including golf and beach
villas, a beach club, an open-air theatre, standalone F&B venues, and
various other new leisure amenities.
With its design inspired by local heritage, the Vignette Collection
hotel in the Al Dhafra region will feature tented villas with private pools
alongside rooms and suites, three restaurants, a world-class spa, swimming
pool, four meeting rooms, children’s play area and a gift shop.
Vignette Collection, as part of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio,
offers the next generation of travellers one-of-a-kind stays in memorable
destinations, enriched with authentic experiences. The brand has achieved
significant growth since its launch in 2021 and has plans to expand globally to
more than 100 properties within the next decade.
IHG currently operates 33 hotels across four brands in the UAE, with 9
additional hotels scheduled to open in the coming years.
Image
Credit: © IHG Hotels
The most interesting news
Booking.com: Growing Awareness of Tourism’s Impact on Communities
Booking.com has released the 10th edition of its annual Sustainable Travel Research, highlighting the increasing awareness among travellers regarding the social and ecological impacts of tourism.
Radisson Hotel Group Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report
Radisson Hotel Group has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing the company’s commitment to responsible business practices through transparent and accountable reporting.
Lufthansa shareholders approve all agenda items at the Annual General Meeting
Around 1,500 shareholders attended the Annual General Meeting online.
Türkiye Celebrated as Global Tourism Hub Bridging Asia and Europe
Türkiye has been praised as a leading global tourism destination, uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Condor and Emirates officially activate reciprocal codeshare agreement
Condor and Emirates have officially activated their reciprocal codeshare partnership ahead of the 2025 summer travel season.
Emirates expands footprint into Eastern China with launch of daily Dubai-Hangzhou flights
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou from 30 July*.
International Tourism in Spain Sets New Record in Q1 2025: €23.5 Billion Spent
International tourists spent a record €23.5 billion in Spain during the first quarter of 2025, marking a 7.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE).
TUI Airways Launches Direct Flights from Newcastle to Agadir
TUI Airways has launched its inaugural direct flight from Newcastle International Airport to Agadir, Morocco, offering travellers in the North East a convenient new route to Morocco’s stunning Atlantic coast.
Condor Launches New Flights to Milan, Paris, and Prague
As of May 1, 2025, Condor has expanded its network of European destinations with the launch of new daily flights to Milan (MXP), Paris (CDG), and Prague (PRG).
Turkey Welcomes 8,9 Million Tourists in Q1
2025 Culture Route Festival Promises World-Class Highlights.
Hilton Announces NoMad’s Debut in Asia Pacific with First Hotel in Singapore
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced its first NoMad hotel in Asia Pacific, set to open in Singapore in early 2027. In collaboration with UOL Group, a leading property and hospitality company in Singapore, this marks NoMad’s entry into the region's fas
Delta Tops J.D. Power’s Premium Economy Segment for Third Consecutive Year
For the third year running, Delta has claimed the top spot in the Premium Economy Passenger Satisfaction category of the J.D. Power 2025 North America Airline Satisfaction Study. The recognition highlights Delta’s commitment to exceptional service,
Disney and Miral Announce Plans for New Disney Theme Park and Resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
The Walt Disney Company and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, have announced a groundbreaking partnership to develop a landmark Disney theme park resort on Yas Island. T
ASTA Calls on US Department of Transportation to Reform Airline Refund and Disclosure Rules
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), representing over 190,000 travel professionals across the United States, has formally submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding regulatory reform.
Marriott International Announces the Return of the Luxury Dining Series in 2025
Marriott International's acclaimed Luxury Dining Series is making a much-anticipated comeback in 2025, expanding from six to seven luxury properties across the Asia Pacific. Set to take place from July to September, the series will showcase a gastron
Radisson Hotel Group accelerates growth in Australasia with strategic projects
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce a series of major developments across its Australasia portfolio, underscoring its commitment to market expansion, enhanced guest experiences, and increased owner profitability through innovative technology an
Empowering Innovation and Inclusion: UN Tourism Leads Global Dialogue at Expo 2025 Japan
At Japan’s Expo 2025, UN Tourism highlighted the key role of innovation and education for driving transformation and female empowerment in the sector.
Turespaña Releases May 2025 Air Capacity Forecast
According to the latest data released by Turespaña, nearly 12 million international air seats are scheduled to arrive in Spain during May 2025. This represents a 6.3% year-on-year increase compared to May 2024, which saw 11.3 million seats offered.
Radisson Hotel Group unveils Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa
With a strategic focus on strengthening its presence in India’s leisure destinations, Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the debut of Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats.
Agoda Unpacks the Ultimate Family Travel Bucket List in Asia
With school breaks and summer holidays just around the corner, there's no better time to pack up the kids and hit the road. Digital travel platform Agoda reveals its top family travel destinations in Asia for 2025, based on search data from January t
