Latest news with #SimonLeigh
Trade Arabia
21-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Premier Inn celebrates stellar year at Moon & Stars Awards
Premier Inn Middle East has celebrated its 2025 Moon & Stars Awards, held at the Hard Rock Café in Dubai. The event honored team members from the regional hub and 11 hotels across the UAE and Qatar, recognising their outstanding commitment and positive impact on the business and brand. Premier Inn has received 20 prestigious awards, including the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp and the Business Traveller Award for Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East. The brand has also been featured in influential power lists, cementing its leading position in the mid-market hospitality sector. Premier Inn introduced its Next Evolution Style room concept, combining a refreshed design with signature comfort. The company made significant strides in digital transformation through a strategic partnership with The Digital Hotelier, a redesigned website, and a targeted Book Direct campaign. Premier Inn strengthened its Force for Good sustainability programme with engaging hotel roadshows and community initiatives. The brand will continue to invest in technology to enhance guest experiences and boost business performance, including the rollout of its new room design at Abu Dhabi Capital Centre and the regional launch of the elevated Premier Plus product. Simon Leigh, Managing Director, Premier Inn Middle East, said: 'The past 12 months represent another smashing year for Premier Inn Middle East. We have traded brilliantly and outperformed our competitors in Dubai and Doha, generated over 1 million room nights, and delivered an impressive 57% year-on-year increase in profit. Customer satisfaction also reached new heights with consistently strong guest feedback and a record-breaking number of reviews. 'Our team members deserve all the credit – they are at the heart of our business and the driving force behind our continued success. We are massively proud to celebrate their achievements and dedication at our annual Moon & Stars Awards. A special congratulations goes to Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart, named Hotel of the Year for exceeding expectations across financial performance, team engagement, and responsible business practices.
Trade Arabia
29-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Premier Inn, The Digital Hotelier partner for sustainability
Premier Inn Middle East and The Digital Hotelier have signed a strategic digital partnership to promote environmentally responsible innovation in the hospitality industry. The partnership, announced during Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, aims to digitise key guest services and back-end operations, reduce paper use, and enhance resource efficiency across its hotels in the Middle East. Premier Inn becomes the first hotel group in the region to implement several of The Digital Hotelier's sustainability-focused digital features, including a real-time environmental impact dashboard. This tool enables hotels to track key sustainability metrics such as tree savings, CO2 emissions avoided, water and energy conservation, and overall waste reduction. This data-driven decision enables hotel teams to enhance operational efficiency and significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Simon Leigh, Managing Director Premier Inn Middle East, said: 'We are excited to partner with The Digital Hotelier in a collaboration that truly reflects Premier Inn's ongoing commitment to being a Force For Good - making a positive, lasting impact on our planet, people, and communities. Together, we are driving sustainability while creating a seamless digital experience for our guests. As a key player in the UAE's mid-market hotel sector, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable growth of the country's tourism industry.'
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Premier Inn and The Digital Hotelier sign strategic sustainability-focused digital partnership across the GCC
Dubai: In alignment with the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and shared sustainability goals, Premier Inn Middle East and The Digital Hotelier have signed a strategic digital partnership across the GCC. The agreement, announced during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, marks a major step forward in promoting environmentally responsible innovation in the hospitality industry. This partnership supports Premier Inn Middle East - a joint venture between the Emirates Group and Whitbread, known for its high-quality, high-value accommodation - in its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. By joining forces with The Digital Hotelier - one of the region's leading pioneers in guest experience and hospitality technology - Premier Inn aims to digitise key guest services and back-end operations, reduce paper use, and enhance resource efficiency across its hotels in the Middle East. As part of the agreement, Premier Inn becomes the first hotel group in the region to implement several of The Digital Hotelier's sustainability-focused digital features, including a real-time environmental impact dashboard. This tool enables hotels to track key sustainability metrics such as the number of trees saved by reducing paper use, estimated CO2 emissions avoided, water and energy conservation from digital operations, and overall waste reduction. These insights empower hotel teams to make data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency while significantly reducing their environmental footprint. Simon Leigh, Managing Director Premier Inn Middle East, said: 'We are excited to partner with The Digital Hotelier in a collaboration that truly reflects Premier Inn's ongoing commitment to being a Force For Good - making a positive, lasting impact on our planet, people, and communities. Together, we are driving sustainability while creating a seamless digital experience for our guests. As a key player in the UAE's mid-market hotel sector, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable growth of the country's tourism industry.' Qutaiba Alali, Founder & CEO of The Digital Hotelier, added: 'We are proud to partner with an internationally respected brand like Premier Inn to support their digital transformation journey across the region. This collaboration is particularly meaningful to us given Premier Inn's global influence in the hospitality industry and their strong commitment to sustainability. Together, we are creating a smarter, greener, and more guest-centric future - one where technology enhances operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.' This partnership not only reflects both companies' commitment to shaping the future of hospitality but also reinforces their alignment with the UAE's national and regional efforts to build a smarter, more sustainable tourism ecosystem. Media contacts: Premier Inn Middle East Sabrina Schouw The Digital Hotelier Jessica Oska About Premier Inn Middle East Premier Inn Middle East is owned by the Emirates Group and leading UK hospitality company, Whitbread, and has 11 hotels across the Middle East. The brand was established in the region with the opening of Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park in 2008, and now operates seven hotels in Dubai, two in Abu Dhabi and two in Doha, with more locations in the pipeline. Premier Inn's vision is to ensure that every guest enjoys a warm welcome from our friendly team members, flexible rates, tasty food and a great night's sleep. The hotel group has more than 800 hotels in the UK, Ireland and Germany, and has been named the UK's Best Budget Hotel Brand at the Business Traveller Awards 2024. Book direct at call +971 600 500 503, or follow @premierinngulf on social media. About The Digital Hotelier The Digital Hotelier is a leading SaaS platform transforming the hospitality industry by digitising both guest experiences and hotel operations. Currently active in seven countries. TDH empowers hotels, hotel apartments, and holiday homes to offer seamless digital services—from in-room dining and housekeeping to spa bookings and concierge requests. On the operations side, TDH streamlines internal workflows across departments such as housekeeping, maintenance, and guest services, enabling teams to respond faster, improve task management, and reduce operational inefficiencies. With built-in sustainability features and integrations with major PMS and POS systems, The Digital Hotelier helps properties reduce environmental impact, increase revenue, and deliver consistent, high-quality service.
Trade Arabia
08-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Premier Inn launches book direct campaign
Premier Inn Middle East, a joint venture between Emirates Group and Whitbread, has launched its new Book Direct campaign. This initiative is set to accelerate Premier Inn's online performance, boost direct bookings, and provide guests with value across its hotels in the UAE and Qatar. With ambitious plans for regional growth, Premier Inn is focused is on increasing direct bookings from both GCC residents and international travellers seeking high-quality, high-value accommodation. By strengthening its digital presence and adopting the UK's successful Book Direct strategy, the brand aims to increase customer engagement and brand awareness across the Middle East. Guests who book directly through Premier Inn will receive the same attractive rates available on all third-party websites, plus a host of exclusive benefits from the brand and its partners. Benefits include free early check-in from 11.00am and late check-out until 3.00pm, 25 per cent off on in-house restaurants and bars including Mr Toad's Pub & Kitchen, Nuevo, Omnia and Lounge One, 30 per cent off on sights and attractions with Arabian Adventures and 30 per cent off on taxi rides with Zed. Simon Leigh, Managing Director of Premier Inn Middle East, said: 'As we enter the next phase of our growth, we are focused on enhancing our digital performance and driving a strong direct booking strategy. By converting demand into direct reservations, we not only create a seamless experience for our guests but also strengthen customer relationships, build loyalty, and drive long-term profitability.'
Tourism Breaking News
13-03-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism Signs Strategic MoU with Premier Inn to Further Diversify Dubai's Destination Offering
Post Views: 111 The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Premier Inn Middle East to further diversify the city's tourism offering and enhance the overall visitor experience. A joint venture in the Middle East between Emirates and Whitbread PLC, Premier Inn is known for its high-quality, high value service and accommodations, and shares DET's vision to cater to the needs and preferences of all international travellers. DET and Premier Inn will work together to boost tourism growth, enhance hospitality training, and develop unique travel experiences, underlining DET's commitment to drive industry momentum through stakeholder collaborations. Aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, the agreement establishes a framework for DET and Premier Inn to showcase Dubai's diverse destination proposition to global audiences. One of the key focuses of the MoU is joint marketing campaigns. Through targeted advertising, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and dynamic social media strategies, Premier Inn will actively promote Dubai as a must-visit travel destination. These efforts will target both B2C and B2B markets, ensuring maximum reach and impact. In addition to marketing, the two organisations will work together to develop unique tourism products that highlight Dubai's cultural heritage, seasonal attractions, and other distinctive features. These offerings will be incorporated into tailored packages aimed at specific markets, providing travellers with memorable and personalised experiences. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: 'Guided by the city's visionary leadership, this strategic alliance with Premier Inn supports our broader efforts to meet the diverse needs of today's global travellers. As we work in close collaboration with our stakeholders to drive Dubai's tourism growth, partnerships will play a crucial role in expanding our offerings while guaranteeing accessibility across all segments. Supporting the objectives of the D33 Agenda, this agreement underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering a dynamic, inclusive destination experience that caters to all budgets and preferences, ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of the world's widely recommended travel destinations.' To ensure exceptional service standards across its portfolio, Premier Inn's team members will have access to specialised training programmes and courses offered by DET's Dubai College of Tourism. Underlining the partners' shared commitment to excellence in hospitality, these include workshops, certification courses, and expert-led sessions focused on customer service, cultural awareness, destination knowledge, and revenue management. Simon Leigh, Managing Director, Premier Inn Middle East, said: 'This strategic collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism marks a significant milestone in promoting mid-market hotels in Dubai. With our high-quality, high-value offerings for all travellers, we are proud to support the continued growth of the city's tourism sector. The partnership reinforces our commitment to strengthening Dubai's position as a leading global destination, and we look forward to participating in DET's training and marketing programmes to drive our shared vision for the future of hospitality in Dubai.' Premier Inn operates 11 hotels in the Middle East, with seven located in Dubai, including its newest property, Dubai Barsha Heights, and its largest, Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall. The group continues to explore opportunities for expansion in both new and existing markets. Through innovative ventures, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and strategic alliances such as the one between DET and Premier Inn, Dubai continues to attract millions of visitors, bolstering the emirate's dynamic economy. Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors from January to December 2024, a 9% YoY increase that surpassed the previous record of 17.15 million in 2023, marking back-to-back record-breaking years for the city. Last year, Dubai's hotel sector also continued to perform well across all hospitality metrics. Average occupancy stood at an impressive 78.2%, with Dubai's hotel inventory consisting of 154,016 total available rooms across 832 establishments at the end of December 2024, compared to 150,291 rooms at 821 establishments in 2023.
