Latest news with #ElieYounes
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Radisson doubles down on Saudi Arabia with aggressive hotel expansion
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia now accounts for half of Radisson Hotel Group's Middle East portfolio, as the Kingdom cements its role as a global priority for the hospitality giant. The company currently has 100 hotels either open or under development across the region, with 50 of them located in Saudi Arabia, revealed Radisson's top executive in an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh. The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's fast-growing hotel sector, as the Kingdom plans to add more than 362,000 new hotel rooms by 2030, backed by a $110 billion investment. Elie Younes, executive vice president and global chief development officer at Radisson, said: 'Saudi Arabia sits in one of the top five countries for us globally.' He said that of the 50 hotels in Saudi Arabia, 30 are open and 20 are under construction. Providing details and a timeframe for their planned 20 hotels in Saudi Arabia, Younes said the projects will be rolled out over the next three to four years, with an additional 30 hotels expected to open in the following three to four years. The new wave of properties will translate into approximately 4,000 to 5,000 rooms. 'If you multiply 20 by 200 to 250, you will get 4,000 to 5,000 rooms currently planned under construction in Saudi Arabia, which will eventually also make an economic impact because that will create job opportunities for approximately 5,000 people,' said Younes. Radisson is also ramping up its presence in the capital. The company recently opened Radisson Blu Minhal in Riyadh and plans to launch its third Radisson Collection hotel in the city soon. The Mansard Hotel, part of its urban portfolio, was noted as the brand's first resort in Riyadh. Service apartments under the Radisson Collection brand are expected to open in the next four months. The group sees strong potential across multiple segments. 'There is room for another 10 to 15 Radisson Blu hotels. As for Radisson Collection, which is our entry-level luxury brand, there will be fewer opportunities to grow it because of its luxury nature — maybe four or five more hotels. We already have three in Riyadh alone,' he said. Younes highlighted the scalability of the core four-star Radisson brand, particularly in smaller Saudi cities. 'We recently opened three of them here in Riyadh alone, and I think we could open at least or sign another 20 or 30 of them in the Kingdom across the next four to five years, focusing on places like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah… to some extent, and specifically, after that, in some of the secondary regional cities, where we also see opportunities for business development,' he explained. Commenting on global tariffs, Younes said it is difficult to assess the impact of what he described as a 'semi-political, semi-non-political' decision. 'We don't see that to have a direct impact in Saudi Arabia because — you have to remember that — over 50 percent of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia is domesticated in terms of traveling, and over 90 percent of investments in Saudi Arabia comes from Saudi Arabia,' he added. Younes also spoke about broader trends in the hospitality industry, including growing traveler volumes and a heightened focus on sustainability. 'I think we are very lucky and should be grateful to work in this industry because it is one of those ever-growing industries,' he said. He noted shifts in travel behavior as business and leisure increasingly merge: 'People going for a long business trip but integrating into that trip a little bit of fun, bringing the wife, bringing the kids, spending the extra day. Wanting to have fun.' The executive noted that operational challenges are mounting, driven by rising costs and technological disruption. 'The cost of labor going up. Inflation going up. The influence of artificial intelligence. All of these elements will push us and will result in us becoming more efficient,' he said. While artificial intelligence will likely shape back-end operations, Younes emphasized the enduring value of human service: 'The human touch will never go away. We all know that.' Looking ahead, he sees the convergence of hospitality and residential real estate as a key evolution in the sector. 'I see more integration and fusion between the conventional hospitality and residential real estate as we move forward to try and achieve all of these efficiencies and economies,' he concluded.
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year with over 300 new signings and openings in 2024
Radisson Hotel Group ( reported a record-breaking year in 2024 after adding almost 40,000 keys to its global brand portfolio, thereby achieving significant milestones and further strengthening its footprint around the world. Radisson Blu remained the leading upper upscale brand in Europe for the 13 th consecutive year and the Group is now leading the upscale resort segment in EMEA. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, comments: 'Despite global geopolitical shifts in 2024, we had a successful year thanks to our relentless efforts to serve our two key customers: the guest and the owner. In 2025, we will continue creating more possibilities and opportunities for all our stakeholders through building on existing segments and partnerships as well as seeking new business avenues. We are grateful to our owners, partners, shareholders, and dedicated teams, whose trust and support enable our joint success." With a clear vision for growth and development set out by Radisson Hotel Group's transformation plan, the Group has been able to achieve the following successes across its portfolio in 2024: Since its launch in 2018, the Radisson Collection brand grew in 2024 to nearly 70 hotels and achieved significant portfolio growth across key destinations. This included the signing of the first Radisson Collection properties in Paris and Madrid, the signing of the Group's third Radisson Collection property in Riyadh, and the opening of flagship hotels in Rome (Italy), and Srinagar (India). The Radisson Collection hotel in the heart of Paris is located in the iconic and heritage-protected Haussman building — just steps away from the Louvre Museum and Le Marais neighborhood. In Madrid, the Radisson Collection hotel is set to debut in the iconic Generali building located on Alcala Street — one of Madrid's most prominent avenues in the prestigious Canalejas area. In collaboration with PPHE Hotel Group, Radisson Hotel Group opened the doors to art'otel London Hoxton in May. The hotel is in the vibrant Hoxton neighborhood and combines captivating artwork by Signature Artist D*Face with cutting-edge design. In early 2025, the Group is also set to open an art'otel property in Rome, marking the brand's Italian debut. Radisson Blu achieved remarkable success last year, as the brand counted over 20 additions to its portfolio, reflecting strong momentum in EMEA and APAC. This growth included openings and signings which redefined the skyline of some of the world's most renowned cities such as Casablanca (Morocco), where the property is nestled in the city's new financial district. The recently opened hotel in Conakry is a landmark addition to Guinea's vibrant capital and is not only a new market entry, but also a significant expansion of the Group's footprint in West Africa. Radisson RED expanded into several new markets including Danang (Vietnam), Berlin (Germany), Auckland (New Zealand), Vientiane (Laos), and Abuja (Nigeria). Notable highlights are the debut of the brand in Ireland, with the opening of Radisson RED Galway, located in Galway's newest neighborhood, Crown Square, and close to Galway's city center. Whereas Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach – located just 200 meters from the iconic Patong Beach – marks the debut of the brand in Thailand. The hotel takes the guest experience to new levels with its own RED radio station. First launched in 2020, Radisson Individuals is now one of the fastest-growing brands in APAC with almost 15 additions to the portfolio in the region in 2024, including openings in Udaipur as well as Saket in South Delhi (India). In EMEA, the brand expanded with new properties in Oman, Sardinia, Turkey, France, and the UK with openings in Surrey, as well as Bolton where the hotel is attached to the home of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, located in the heart of North West England. Towards the end of the year, the Group rebranded its midscale lifestyle brand, prizeotel, to Prize by Radisson. New hotels under the rebranded name were announced in Gdansk (Poland) and Berlin (Germany), which marked a pivotal moment in the brand's growth strategy. With over 150 properties in operation and under development, Radisson Hotel Group is now the industry leader in the upscale resort segment. New openings and signings were announced in breathtaking destinations, including an addition to the Group's existing portfolio of hotels in Mauritius. This stunning property is nestled along the east coast of Mauritius, on a prime location on one of the island's most pristine beaches. Stepping into 2025, Radisson Hotel Group will continue to focus on expansions in strategic geographies, with the right brand and solution for every market, creating more possibilities and opportunities for stakeholders. Watch the full video of the Business Development Update here: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group. Media Contact: Saadiyah Hendricks, Director, PR&Social Media, MEA, Mediterranean and South East Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group Connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: TikTok: Radisson Hotel Group: Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,460 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn&Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards ( is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting over 17 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings ( provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet ( and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. For more information, visit our corporate website:
Associated Press
05-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year with over 300 new signings and openings in 2024
BRUSSELS, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Hotel Group reported a record-breaking year in 2024 after adding almost 40,000 keys to its global brand portfolio, thereby achieving significant milestones and further strengthening its footprint around the world. Radisson Blu remained the leading upper upscale brand in Europe for the 13th consecutive year and the Group is now leading the upscale resort segment in EMEA. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, comments: 'Despite global geopolitical shifts in 2024, we had a successful year thanks to our relentless efforts to serve our two key customers: the guest and the owner. In 2025, we will continue creating more possibilities and opportunities for all our stakeholders through building on existing segments and partnerships as well as seeking new business avenues. We are grateful to our owners, partners, shareholders, and dedicated teams, whose trust and support enable our joint success.' With a clear vision for growth and development set out by Radisson Hotel Group's transformation plan, the Group has been able to achieve the following successes across its portfolio in 2024: Since its launch in 2018, the Radisson Collection brand grew in 2024 to nearly 70 hotels and achieved significant portfolio growth across key destinations. This included the signing of the first Radisson Collection properties in Paris and Madrid, the signing of the Group's third Radisson Collection property in Riyadh, and the opening of flagship hotels in Rome (Italy), and Srinagar (India). The Radisson Collection hotel in the heart of Paris is located in the iconic and heritage-protected Haussmann building — just steps away from the Louvre Museum and Le Marais neighborhood. In Madrid, the Radisson Collection hotel is set to debut in the iconic Generali building located on Alcala Street — one of Madrid's most prominent avenues in the prestigious Canalejas area. In collaboration with PPHE Hotel Group, Radisson Hotel Group opened the doors to art'otel London Hoxton in May. The hotel is in the vibrant Hoxton neighborhood and combines captivating artwork by Signature Artist D*Face with cutting-edge design. In early 2025, the Group is also set to open an art'otel property in Rome, marking the brand's Italian debut. Radisson Blu achieved remarkable success last year, as the brand counted over 20 additions to its portfolio, reflecting strong momentum in EMEA and APAC. This growth included openings and signings which redefined the skyline of some of the world's most renowned cities such as Casablanca (Morocco), where the property is nestled in the city's new financial district. The recently opened hotel in Conakry is a landmark addition to Guinea's vibrant capital and is not only a new market entry, but also a significant expansion of the Group's footprint in West Africa. Radisson RED expanded into several new markets including Danang (Vietnam), Berlin (Germany), Auckland (New Zealand), Vientiane (Laos), and Abuja (Nigeria). Notable highlights are the debut of the brand in Ireland, with the opening of Radisson RED Galway, located in Galway's newest neighborhood, Crown Square, and close to Galway's city center. Whereas Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach – located just 200 meters from the iconic Patong Beach – marks the debut of the brand in Thailand. The hotel takes the guest experience to new levels with its own RED radio station. First launched in 2020, Radisson Individuals is now one of the fastest-growing brands in APAC with almost 15 additions to the portfolio in the region in 2024, including openings in Udaipur as well as Saket in South Delhi (India). In EMEA, the brand expanded with new properties in Oman, Sardinia, Turkey, France, and the UK with openings in Surrey, as well as Bolton where the hotel is attached to the home of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, located in the heart of North West England. Towards the end of the year, the Group rebranded its midscale lifestyle brand, prizeotel, to Prize by Radisson. New hotels under the rebranded name were announced in Gdansk (Poland) and Berlin (Germany), which marked a pivotal moment in the brand's growth strategy. With over 150 properties in operation and under development, Radisson Hotel Group is now the industry leader in the upscale resort segment. New openings and signings were announced in breathtaking destinations, including an addition to the Group's existing portfolio of hotels in Mauritius. This stunning property is nestled along the east coast of Mauritius, on a prime location on one of the island's most pristine beaches. Stepping into 2025, Radisson Hotel Group will continue to focus on expansions in strategic geographies, with the right brand and solution for every market, creating more possibilities and opportunities for stakeholders. Watch the full video of the Business Development Update here: RADISSON HOTEL GROUP Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,460 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting over 17 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year with over 300 new signings and openings in 2024
BRUSSELS, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Hotel Group reported a record-breaking year in 2024 after adding almost 40,000 keys to its global brand portfolio, thereby achieving significant milestones and further strengthening its footprint around the world. Radisson Blu remained the leading upper upscale brand in Europe for the 13th consecutive year and the Group is now leading the upscale resort segment in EMEA. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, comments: "Despite global geopolitical shifts in 2024, we had a successful year thanks to our relentless efforts to serve our two key customers: the guest and the owner. In 2025, we will continue creating more possibilities and opportunities for all our stakeholders through building on existing segments and partnerships as well as seeking new business avenues. We are grateful to our owners, partners, shareholders, and dedicated teams, whose trust and support enable our joint success." With a clear vision for growth and development set out by Radisson Hotel Group's transformation plan, the Group has been able to achieve the following successes across its portfolio in 2024: Since its launch in 2018, the Radisson Collection brand grew in 2024 to nearly 70 hotels and achieved significant portfolio growth across key destinations. This included the signing of the first Radisson Collection properties in Paris and Madrid, the signing of the Group's third Radisson Collection property in Riyadh, and the opening of flagship hotels in Rome (Italy), and Srinagar (India). The Radisson Collection hotel in the heart of Paris is located in the iconic and heritage-protected Haussmann building — just steps away from the Louvre Museum and Le Marais neighborhood. In Madrid, the Radisson Collection hotel is set to debut in the iconic Generali building located on Alcala Street — one of Madrid's most prominent avenues in the prestigious Canalejas area. In collaboration with PPHE Hotel Group, Radisson Hotel Group opened the doors to art'otel London Hoxton in May. The hotel is in the vibrant Hoxton neighborhood and combines captivating artwork by Signature Artist D*Face with cutting-edge design. In early 2025, the Group is also set to open an art'otel property in Rome, marking the brand's Italian debut. Radisson Blu achieved remarkable success last year, as the brand counted over 20 additions to its portfolio, reflecting strong momentum in EMEA and APAC. This growth included openings and signings which redefined the skyline of some of the world's most renowned cities such as Casablanca (Morocco), where the property is nestled in the city's new financial district. The recently opened hotel in Conakry is a landmark addition to Guinea's vibrant capital and is not only a new market entry, but also a significant expansion of the Group's footprint in West Africa. Radisson RED expanded into several new markets including Danang (Vietnam), Berlin (Germany), Auckland (New Zealand), Vientiane (Laos), and Abuja (Nigeria). Notable highlights are the debut of the brand in Ireland, with the opening of Radisson RED Galway, located in Galway's newest neighborhood, Crown Square, and close to Galway's city center. Whereas Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach – located just 200 meters from the iconic Patong Beach – marks the debut of the brand in Thailand. The hotel takes the guest experience to new levels with its own RED radio station. First launched in 2020, Radisson Individuals is now one of the fastest-growing brands in APAC with almost 15 additions to the portfolio in the region in 2024, including openings in Udaipur as well as Saket in South Delhi (India). In EMEA, the brand expanded with new properties in Oman, Sardinia, Turkey, France, and the UK with openings in Surrey, as well as Bolton where the hotel is attached to the home of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, located in the heart of North West England. Towards the end of the year, the Group rebranded its midscale lifestyle brand, prizeotel, to Prize by Radisson. New hotels under the rebranded name were announced in Gdansk (Poland) and Berlin (Germany), which marked a pivotal moment in the brand's growth strategy. With over 150 properties in operation and under development, Radisson Hotel Group is now the industry leader in the upscale resort segment. New openings and signings were announced in breathtaking destinations, including an addition to the Group's existing portfolio of hotels in Mauritius. This stunning property is nestled along the east coast of Mauritius, on a prime location on one of the island's most pristine beaches. Stepping into 2025, Radisson Hotel Group will continue to focus on expansions in strategic geographies, with the right brand and solution for every market, creating more possibilities and opportunities for stakeholders. Watch the full video of the Business Development Update here: RADISSON HOTEL GROUP Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,460 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting over 17 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Radisson Hotel Group Sign in to access your portfolio
