Latest news with #PhilipBarnes
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rotana boosts sustainability with Ecolab, Stella Hospitality
Rotana, one of the region's leading hotel management companies, has announced a new multi-faceted sustainability partnership with Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, and Stella Hospitality, a provider of sustainable guest amenity packaging. The partnership builds on a renewed agreement with Ecolab, marking 20 years of collaboration, and introduces Stella Hospitality into Rotana's supplier ecosystem for the first time. The partnership was formalised through individual agreements with Ecolab and Stella Hospitality, following leadership-level engagements with representatives from all parties. Together, the three organisations will support Rotana in advancing its sustainability objectives across operations and guest touchpoints — from reducing water and energy consumption to phasing out single-use plastics and enhancing in-room product design. 'This renewed partnership with Ecolab, and the addition of Stella Hospitality, reflects our determination to make a meaningful and lasting impact,' said Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer at Rotana. 'It's about moving beyond intention to action — reducing resource use where it matters and making conscious choices that shape a better guest experience.' Scaling Measurable Sustainable Impact Across Operations and Guest Experience As part of the renewed partnership, Ecolab will continue to implement technologies that help Rotana reduce water, energy, and chemical use while maintaining high standards of hygiene and operational efficiency. These outcomes are tracked using Ecolab's eROISM (Exponential Return on Investment) proprietary tool, which measures both environmental and financial impact — enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making across hotel operations. This approach directly supports findings from Ecolab's global Watermark Study, which shows that consumers remain very concerned about climate change and are increasingly willing to support businesses that prioritise sustainability. By applying smart systems that optimise water and energy use, the partnership ensures Rotana remains ahead of these challenges. 'This partnership shows how data-driven collaboration can deliver measurable environmental progress at scale,' said Stefan Umiastowski, Senior Vice President & Market Head IMEA, Ecolab. 'By combining advanced technologies with our proprietary tool eROI , we're helping Rotana make smarter operational decisions — reducing resource use while upholding the highest standards of hygiene and guest experience.' In parallel, Stella Hospitality will supply recyclable amenity bottles, replacing single-use plastics across select properties. Purpose-built for hospitality, these solutions are designed to reduce environmental impact, enhance the in-room experience, and align with Rotana's operational needs and brand identity. A Foundation Built on Long-Term Collaboration Rotana's renewed agreement with Ecolab builds on a 20-year partnership that has delivered measurable and lasting environmental outcomes. Through Ecolab's proprietary value measurement approaches — including Total Value Delivered (TVD) and Exponential Return on Investment (eROI) — the collaboration has helped optimise hotel operations and reduce environmental impact across multiple Rotana properties. In the UAE alone, the partnership has supported: 51 million litres of water savings annually 636,000 kWh of energy conserved each year, equivalent to powering 1,800 homes 130 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided annually 24,000 kilograms of plastic eliminated annually 'Sustainability works best when it's built into how we operate every day — not treated as a separate initiative,' said Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana. 'Ecolab's data-driven approach has helped us turn sustainability into a process of continuous improvement. Together, we've achieved meaningful reductions in water and energy use, plastic waste, and emissions — all while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and delivering safer, more thoughtful guest experiences.' The impact of the partnership was highlighted at the Rotana 2025 Leadership Conference in Al Ain, where Ecolab delivered a keynote titled 'Sustainability Can Be Measured.' The presentation outlined how analytics, tools, and proven methodologies are enabling hospitality leaders to track and improve sustainability performance across their operations. This collaboration has also contributed to Rotana achieving Green Key certification across several of its properties — a globally recognised standard for excellence in sustainable hotel management. 'Together, we've enabled Rotana to reach internationally recognised sustainability credentials by embedding responsible practices into every operational detail — a foundation we're proud to continue building on,' added Arzu Alibaz, Vice President, Institutional Division, Ecolab.
Tourism Breaking News
17-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Rotana expands sustainability commitment across operations and guest experience with Ecolab and Stella Hospitality
Post Views: 36 Rotana announced a new multi-faceted sustainability partnership with Ecolab and Stella Hospitality. Together, the three organisations will support Rotana in advancing its sustainability objectives across operations and guest touchpoints — from reducing water and energy consumption to phasing out single-use plastics and enhancing in-room product design. The partnership builds on a renewed agreement with Ecolab, marking 20 years of collaboration, and introduces Stella Hospitality into Rotana's supplier ecosystem for the first time. The partnership was formalised through individual agreements with Ecolab and Stella Hospitality, following leadership-level engagements with representatives from all parties. 'This renewed partnership with Ecolab, and the addition of Stella Hospitality, reflects our determination to make a meaningful and lasting impact,' said Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer at Rotana. 'It's about moving beyond intention to action — reducing resource use where it matters and making conscious choices that shape a better guest experience.' Scaling Measurable Sustainable Impact Across Operations and Guest Experience As part of the renewed partnership, Ecolab will continue to implement technologies that help Rotana reduce water, energy, and chemical use while maintaining high standards of hygiene and operational efficiency. These outcomes are tracked using Ecolab's eROISM (Exponential Return on Investment) proprietary tool, which measures both environmental and financial impact — enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making across hotel operations. This approach directly supports findings from Ecolab's global Watermark Study, which shows that consumers remain very concerned about climate change and are increasingly willing to support businesses that prioritize sustainability. By applying smart systems that optimise water and energy use, the partnership ensures Rotana remains ahead of these challenges. 'This partnership shows how data-driven collaboration can deliver measurable environmental progress at scale,' said Stefan Umiastowski, Senior Vice President & Market Head IMEA, Ecolab. 'By combining advanced technologies with our proprietary tool eROISM , we're helping Rotana make smarter operational decisions — reducing resource use while upholding the highest standards of hygiene and guest experience.' In parallel, Stella Hospitality will supply recyclable amenity bottles, replacing single-use plastics across select properties. Purpose-built for hospitality, these solutions are designed to reduce environmental impact, enhance the in-room experience, and align with Rotana's operational needs and brand identity.
Trade Arabia
14-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Rotana appoints new VP for Saudi operations
Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality management company, has appointed Khaled Al Jamal as Area Vice President (VP) – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain & Jordan. Al Jamal, with over 37 years of experience, will lead Rotana's growing Saudi operations, oversee new openings, and develop local capabilities across a portfolio set to double in size by 2027. Rotana's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals and strengthening its operations in one of its fastest-growing markets is reflected in his strategic leadership. Al Jamal has held senior leadership roles across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Europe. Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer at Rotana, said: 'Saudi Arabia is evolving fast, and it's important we grow in step with the market. Al Jamal brings a deep understanding of the Kingdom and a leadership style that reflects our values — people-focused, purpose-driven, and committed to making a lasting impact.'
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rotana expands into Africa, Iraq with six new hotels
Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality management company, has announced a strategic expansion into Africa and emerging markets, with six new properties set to open in Ghana, Kenya, Benin, and Iraq. Unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, this announcement reflects Rotana's commitment to growing its footprint in underserved, high-potential destinations. The new properties include full-service hotels, branded residences, and midscale concepts — all aligned with Rotana's asset-light, partner-driven development model, which facilitates sustainable growth across diverse markets. 'Africa is incredibly important to us,' said Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana. 'It's a region full of opportunity, energy, and untapped potential. We're entering these markets with confidence and care, ready to build lasting partnerships and deliver the kind of hospitality people can count on.' Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana, added: 'What sets us apart in these markets is not just our systems or our brand portfolio — it's our approach. Our teams and I work closely with our partners throughout the entire development lifecycle, from concept to opening. This hands-on commitment, combined with our regional expertise, gives owners confidence and ensures we deliver not only consistency but local relevance and long-term value.' In support of these openings, Rotana will extend its enhanced loyalty program, Rotana Discovery, across all new markets. Expected to be fully integrated with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) by the end of 2025, the platform will connect Rotana guests to a global network of over 30 million members, delivering increased reach, recognition, and value for both travellers and owners. Ghana – Accra: Rotana will debut in Ghana with the launch of Rotana Accra, a 220-key, full-service hotel situated in the city's diplomatic and commercial district. This flagship opening will serve business travellers, international organisations, and regional visitors in one of West Africa's most important capital cities. Additional projects in Ghana are currently under discussion, reinforcing Rotana's long-term commitment to the country as a key market in its Africa growth strategy. Benin – Cotonou: Rotana's first Francophone West Africa project, the 185-key Rotana Cotonou, will cater to business and MICE segments in Benin's commercial capital. Kenya – Nairobi: Two properties in Upper Hill, Rotana Nairobi (200 keys) and Arjaan Nairobi (100 keys), will cater to corporate, diplomatic, and healthcare-related travellers in East Africa's economic powerhouse. Iraq: A Reinvestment in Regional Growth Rotana is furthering its investment in Iraq with two midscale hotels designed to serve domestic and regional business travellers: • Centro Baghdad (Miraj) – 210 keys • Centro Green Zone Baghdad – 150 keys Both properties reflect Rotana's confidence in Iraq's evolving hospitality landscape and the brand's ability to deliver consistent performance in complex markets. Looking Ahead Rotana's global expansion strategy emphasises agility, local relevance, and commercial resilience. Each of these six projects is developed in partnership with trusted local stakeholders and tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community. 'This is the future of Rotana,' added Barnes. 'Agile, ambitious, and built around the real needs of our partners and our guests. We're growing in the places that matter most.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
06-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Rotana expands into Africa, Iraq with six new hotels
Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality management company, has announced a strategic expansion into Africa and emerging markets, with six new properties set to open in Ghana, Kenya, Benin, and Iraq. Unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, this announcement reflects Rotana's commitment to growing its footprint in underserved, high-potential destinations. The new properties include full-service hotels, branded residences, and midscale concepts — all aligned with Rotana's asset-light, partner-driven development model, which facilitates sustainable growth across diverse markets. 'Africa is incredibly important to us,' said Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana. 'It's a region full of opportunity, energy, and untapped potential. We're entering these markets with confidence and care, ready to build lasting partnerships and deliver the kind of hospitality people can count on.' Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana, added: 'What sets us apart in these markets is not just our systems or our brand portfolio — it's our approach. Our teams and I work closely with our partners throughout the entire development lifecycle, from concept to opening. This hands-on commitment, combined with our regional expertise, gives owners confidence and ensures we deliver not only consistency but local relevance and long-term value.' In support of these openings, Rotana will extend its enhanced loyalty program, Rotana Discovery, across all new markets. Expected to be fully integrated with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) by the end of 2025, the platform will connect Rotana guests to a global network of over 30 million members, delivering increased reach, recognition, and value for both travellers and owners. Ghana – Accra: Rotana will debut in Ghana with the launch of Rotana Accra, a 220-key, full-service hotel situated in the city's diplomatic and commercial district. This flagship opening will serve business travellers, international organisations, and regional visitors in one of West Africa's most important capital cities. Additional projects in Ghana are currently under discussion, reinforcing Rotana's long-term commitment to the country as a key market in its Africa growth strategy. Benin – Cotonou: Rotana's first Francophone West Africa project, the 185-key Rotana Cotonou, will cater to business and MICE segments in Benin's commercial capital. Kenya – Nairobi: Two properties in Upper Hill, Rotana Nairobi (200 keys) and Arjaan Nairobi (100 keys), will cater to corporate, diplomatic, and healthcare-related travellers in East Africa's economic powerhouse. Iraq: A Reinvestment in Regional Growth Rotana is furthering its investment in Iraq with two midscale hotels designed to serve domestic and regional business travellers: • Centro Baghdad (Miraj) – 210 keys • Centro Green Zone Baghdad – 150 keys Both properties reflect Rotana's confidence in Iraq's evolving hospitality landscape and the brand's ability to deliver consistent performance in complex markets. Looking Ahead Rotana's global expansion strategy emphasises agility, local relevance, and commercial resilience. Each of these six projects is developed in partnership with trusted local stakeholders and tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community. 'This is the future of Rotana,' added Barnes. 'Agile, ambitious, and built around the real needs of our partners and our guests. We're growing in the places that matter most.' -TradeArabia News Service
