Hotel Pulse
Dubai Hosts Hotelier Middle East Awards 2025, Driving Tourism and Hospitality Excellence Across the Region: Latest Event Update
Sunday, July 20, 2025
The sun down over the glass towers of Business Bay in Dubai and across the Middle East, hoteliers are gearing up for a tradition of excellence – the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2025 on September 2 at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. The awards night, in its 21 years, has not only become an event in its own rights, but a recognition of superior standards in the up and coming region’s industry of tourism and hospitality.
With the nominations deadline fast approaching on 21 July, the enthusiasm throughout the industry is evident. Chefs, housekeepers, HR managers, safety coordinators, banquet supervisors, and as of now, hotel managers, and now, sustainability champions—all of these have a place where to be celebrated. It’s not just a feather in individual caps; it’s a marketing shot in the arm for the region’s stature on the global tourism stage.
Behind the Glitz: A Check on the Pulse of Middle East Tourism
Over the past years, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman is increasingly taking the helm to become global tourism and hospitality giants. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, tourism made up 11.6% of the country’s GDP in 2023, and additional statistics suggest that Dubai alone welcomed more than 17 million international guests during that period. Despite the current crisis, Saudi’s Vision 2030 programme remains committed to diversifying tourism; the country has a target of 100 million annual visits by 2030.
And the engine of this amazing growth? The hotelier – that man and woman behind the front desk, preparing five-star meals, managing guest experiences and ensuring the safety of those under their care – was something to celebrate at the Hotelier Middle East Awards. As cities in the region invest billions in hotel infrastructure, heritage tourism, smart cities and events, the awards provide the perfect platform to shine the light on the human power steering the regional hospitality rush.
Unlike many other awards, which focus solely on brands or buildings, the Hotelier Middle East Awards are about people. It is about time that a service-oriented sector like ours shouldered this kind of responsibility. For example, at the awards this year, two new categories have been introduced: Hotel Manager of the Year and Sustainability Initiative of the Year. These inclusions are indicative of shifting industry values—leadership, resilience, and the environment.
From the sparkling lobbies of Abu Dhabi’s beachfront hotels to the secluded retreats on Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, the men who will be honored at this event have sculpted how millions experience the Middle East. The UAE’s 750,000 plus hospitality workforce in 2024 is predominantly composed of non-nationals, enhancing the guest experience and shaping the character of the region’s unique blend of cultures.
Dubai: The International Centre for Awards and Events
That the awards will return to the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is not a fluke. For years Dubai has marketed itself as the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) capital of the Middle East. The initiative to achieve AED 100 billion of further investment in tourism and to raise the numbers of foreign tourists to 40 million annually by 2031 is a key target in the UAE’s national tourism point for 2031.
And events like the Hotelier Middle East Awards plug directly into that vision. They fill hotel rooms, plane seats and worldly coffers from hotel and restaurant taxes and the like while adding to the city’s image as a place of ingenuity, acclaim and cultural delectation. Transport companies, florists, event organisers and media organisations for example benefit from the increase in visitors and attention.
In addition, because award shows have global appeal, they’re everywhere. The world takes notice when excellence is recognized in Dubai. The reach is not confined to the UAE: it affects recruitment and development in the rest of the GCC and Levant.
Nurturing Talent, Encouraging Retention
The hospitality industry has an issue — a never-ending battle with attracting and keeping the best talent. It is one of the toughest professions the world over thanks to long hours, heavy physical labour and extremely high guest expectations. But recognition events like this are a source of pride, a reminder of a purpose and public service.
Award programs create aspirations. They have rewarded not just those who lead but those who serve – cleaners, security guards, kitchen staff – the people rarely visible to guests but whose work is exerted in every stay. That kind of recognition boosts morale and has its own, ripple effect, encouraging investments in training employees, sustaining mental well-being and developing leadership.
In fact, increased investment in the reskilling of hospitality staff has been shown to lead to higher levels of guest satisfaction and better staff retention, according to the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. When workers have a future in their careers, they are more likely to stay, develop and innovate within them.
Regional Unity Through Recognition
Note: The Hotelier Middle East Awards are not just specific to the UAE. Winners in the past were from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This interregional cooperation gives real depth to a shared aspiration for excellence and collaboration. As GCC travel becomes increasingly interconnected, with the emergence of unified visa regimes being studied, regional tourism synergy is picking up traction.
Mega-projects, such as NEOM, the Diriyah Gate, and The Red Sea Project, have also increased the demand for qualified hospitality professionals in the kingdom. Featured with AwardsRecognition in the form of awards can help showcase the Kingdom as a contender in the world-class service market. Likewise, Qatar’s post-World Cup hospitality developments, and Bahrain’s boutique tourism strategy, is all helped by events that elevate the regional benchmark.
The Impact Beyond September 2
And while the event itself spans only one evening, its influence is boundless. The narratives of the recipients are often disseminated through the media, internal newsletters and recruiting efforts. These narratives humanize brands and transform the staff into local ambassadors.
Winning participants frequently advance in their career, mentor peers or pioneer new training programs. More important, they are proof positive that Middle East is not just about putting up the most luxurious hotels, it is also at work raising those to staff them in style.
Final Reflection: Beyond an Award
In the run-up to the 2025 Hotelier Middle East Awards, the hospitality universe is under no illusion that this is a night of just claps and hand-clasps. It is a regional party about dignity, resilience, ingenuity and heart. There’s a story of hard work and dedication behind every award, of early mornings and late nights, and a commitment to hospitality despite all the odds.
This ceremony is a reflection for Dubai, for the U.A.E., and for the Middle East in the larger sense, a reflection not only of where we are but where we’re headed. And for each one of these nominees sitting on the edge of their seat, it is a moment to not just be seen but to be heard and celebrated.
Tags: Abu Dhabi, arabian peninsula, bahrain, Business Bay, Doha, Dubai, Dubai hospitality awards, GCC, GCC hospitality recognition, Hotelier Middle East Awards 2025, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, kuwait, Manama, Middle East, Middle East tourism growth, Muscat, NEOM, Oman, QATAR, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, saudi arabia, Sharjah, UAE, UAE hotel industry, United Arab Emirates
Hotel Pulse
Sports Hospitality Market to Reach USD 74,318.43 Million by 2036, Growing at a CAGR of 14.12%: Credence Research
PUNE, India, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to a new market research report published by Credence Research, the global Sports Hospitality Market was valued at USD 8,345.70 million in 2018, rose to USD 15,233.39 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 74,318.43 million by 2036, growing at a CAGR of 14.12% during the forecast period.
The market is witnessing strong momentum owing to the increasing global appeal of high-profile sporting events and the growing appetite for premium, immersive experiences among both corporate clients and affluent consumers. Demand for VIP suites, exclusive access packages, gourmet catering, and behind-the-scenes privileges continues to surge at major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Formula One Grand Prix. The sports industry’s ongoing shift toward experiential offerings and revenue diversification is further propelling investments in hospitality infrastructure and services.
Technological innovation and international expansion are reshaping the market dynamics. Enhanced digital ticketing, real-time fan engagement, and smart stadium integrations are elevating the guest experience. Additionally, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are playing an increasingly vital role, driven by infrastructure upgrades and growing sports tourism. Strategic collaborations between sports federations, hospitality brands, and travel operators are expected to unlock new revenue streams and sustain market growth across geographies.
Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy – https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/sports-hospitality-market
Key Growth Determinants – Sports Hospitality Market
Rising Demand for Premium Sports Experiences
The growing preference for exclusive, high-end experiences among affluent consumers and corporate clients is a major driver of the sports hospitality market. Demand for VIP boxes, luxury suites, fine dining, meet-and-greet opportunities, and personalized concierge services continues to surge at major sporting events worldwide. Corporations are increasingly leveraging hospitality packages to build client relationships and enhance brand visibility, while fans seek more immersive and memorable ways to engage with their favorite teams and athletes.
Expansion of Global Sports Events and Commercialization
The increasing frequency and scale of international sporting events—such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, ICC tournaments, and Formula One races—are fueling market growth. Sports organizations are heavily investing in hospitality infrastructure to diversify revenue streams and enhance audience engagement. Coupled with the globalization of sports leagues and the rise of sports tourism, these developments are significantly expanding the market footprint across developed and emerging economies.
Hotel guests are increasingly feeling like they’re getting more bang for their buck, according to the 2025 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study from J.D. Power.
Redesigned for 2025, the study measures overall hotel guest satisfaction based on performance in seven core dimensions—including value, guest room, staff services, facilities, communications and connectivity and food and beverage—across nine segments ranging from luxury to economy.
Despite the average daily rate for a U.S. hotel room reaching a record high of $158.67 in 2024, clean and well-designed rooms, omnipresent amenities such as smart TVs and user-friendly mobile apps are helping boost traveler satisfaction.
Hotel guest perceptions of value received for nightly rate paid increases in every hotel segment in this year’s study, with the most significant year-over-year gains coming in the upscale, midscale and economy segments.
Dogs enjoying a Home2 Suites by Hilton guest room. (photo courtesy of Hilton)
“We’re at an important inflection point in the travel marketplace where several years of record-high hotel demand and the pace of room rate increases is starting to slow,” Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead at J.D. Power, said in a statement.
“Hotel owner and operator investments in guest room décor and furnishings, in addition to bathroom updates, are paying off in higher satisfaction. One area in which hotels can significantly influence guest satisfaction without massive capital expense is with technology like smart TVs and updated room temperature controls,” she added.
“Travel is becoming more complex with the potential for flight delays or increased road traffic, so guests want hotels to provide the comforts of home.”
Key Takeaways for 2025
In the era of streaming, it’s no surprise that hotel guests want to be greeted by a smart TV, with 40 percent of surveyed travelers selecting “smart TV/ability to stream my entertainment” as a need to have versus nice to have, up from 21 percent in 2019.
What’s more, 72 percent of respondents indicated their room included a smart TV. That figure is up from 39 percent in 2019. Additionally, six out of 10 said they used the smart TV during their stay.
A premier king room inside the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. (Photo Credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts)
J.D. Power also found that guest satisfaction significantly improved year over year in areas such as furnishings and décor (+.05 points), condition of bathroom fixtures (+.05). and comfort of bed (+.04).
The study also shows that hotel app users report higher satisfaction, earning an average score of 699 (on a 1,000-point scale), which is 68 points higher than those who do not use their hotel brand’s mobile app.
It’s no secret that problems ranging from odors and loud noise to check-in issues can lower satisfaction. Nonetheless, this year’s study shows that they are relatively rare, occurring just 12 percent of the time across all hotel stays evaluated. In those incidents, however, guest satisfaction fell dramatically, plummeting 217 points to 460 from 677.
Highest-Ranking Hotel Brands for Guest Satisfaction
The Ritz-Carlton ranks highest in the luxury segment for 2025 with a score of 779, surpassing The Luxury Collection, which ranked first in 2024.
Meanwhile, Omni Hotels & Resorts conquered the upper upscale segment with a top satisfaction score of 731. Drury Hotels (738) ranked highest in the upscale segment, while Hyatt House (705) finished first in the upper extended stay category for a fourth consecutive year.
The exterior of a Tru by Hilton hotel. (Photo Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts)
Other repeat segment winners for 2025 include Home2 Suites by Hilton (upper midscale/midscale extended stay), Tru by Hilton (midscale), Microtel by Wyndham (economy) and WoodSpring Suites (economy extended stay). All four brands won their respective categories for a third consecutive year.
Finally, Hampton by Hilton (694) ranked first among upper midscale brands.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
Help your clients take advantage of reduced rates, room upgrades and more, while earning up to 7X STAR Points on all eligible bookings this July under Sunwing Vacations Partner of the Month program.
Canadians looking to embark on a value-packed summer or winter escape will love this promotion. Meliá Hotels and Resorts offers a range of comfortable and upscale properties in sought-after sun destinations.
On every booking made by July 31, 2025, for travel by December 20, 2026, travel advisors will earn up to 7X STAR Points and will be automatically entered for their chance to win one of five hotel stays at Paradisus La Perla Adults Only Riviera Maya, Paradisus Palma Real Golf and Spa Resort, Meliá Las Dunas, Meliá Las Antillas and Meliá Trinidad Peninsula.
Clients looking to escape to a participating property in Mexico or the Dominican Republic can enjoy a wide range of limited-time perks including resort credits and spa discounts, reduced rates and kids stay free pricing.
Cuba Promotions
In addition to reduced rates, here are the offers available at the Cuban properties:
Meliá Las Antillas: Complimentary upgrade from Junior Suite Economy to Deluxe Room.
Meliá Las Americas: Complimentary upgrade from Classic Room to Classic Golf View Room.
Meliá Varadero: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Meliá Jardines del Rey: First child free (aged 3-12).
Meliá Trinidad Peninsula: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Paradisus Princesa del Mar: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Paradisus Los Cayos: Complimentary upgrade from Paradisus Junior Suite to The Reserve Junior Suite.
Paradisus Rio de Oro: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Sol Caribe Beach: First child free (aged 3-12).
Group Booking Bonus
Meliá is also offering group perks for those who book with Sunwing this month. Travel advisors who book their clients a group getaway for travel between November 1, 2025 and December 20, 2026, will earn 11X STAR Points at Meliá’s Mexico and Dominican Republic properties* and 6X STAR Points with Meliá Cuba, while their clients will be awarded instant group savings of up to $400 per pair.
Please note terms and conditions apply. For additional information on Meliá Hotels & Resorts’ Partner of the Month offerings, travel advisors are encouraged to visit the Sunwing Agent Portal.
Related: Sunwing Announces Winter Destinations and Perks
Topics From This Article to Explore
-
AI in Travel18 hours agoAI Travel Revolution: Must-Have Guide to the Best Experience
-
Brand Stories1 week agoHow Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
-
Brand Stories2 weeks agoVoice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Asia Travel Pulse2 weeks agoLooking For Adventure In Asia? Here Are 7 Epic Destinations You Need To Experience At Least Once – Zee News
-
AI in Travel2 weeks ago‘Will AI take my job?’ A trip to a Beijing fortune-telling bar to see what lies ahead | China
-
Brand Stories2 weeks agoChatGPT — the last of the great romantics
-
Destinations & Things To Do18 hours agoUntouched Destinations: Stunning Hidden Gems You Must Visit
-
The Travel Revolution of Our Era1 month agoCheQin.ai Redefines Hotel Booking with Zero-Commission Model
-
Brand Stories2 weeks agoHumans must remain at the heart of the AI story
-
Brand Stories2 weeks agoChildproofing the internet is a bad idea
You must be logged in to post a comment Login