Applied to:
This award celebrates the creativity and the enthusiasm of an opening or reopening party of a hospitality site (including hotel). This includes both the party itself and the communication around it.
The project:
The grand opening of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort on February 22, 2024, was a spectacular event that successfully introduced the resort’s luxury offerings to key stakeholders, media, and the community. Overseen by General Manager Ramsey Saarany and executed by a dedicated team, the event highlighted the resort’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.
The event featured an elaborate program with live performances, including a four-piece orchestra, sway pole dancers, a DJ, a skyscraper violist, fire shows, and a flair bartender. Guests enjoyed an interactive culinary experience with signature dishes from the resort’s restaurants, including Mediterranean cuisine at the Beach House, Asian specialties at Mekong, and Arabic and Indian flavors from Sea Breeze. Locally sourced ingredients and live cooking stations underscored the resort’s dedication to sustainability and guest engagement.
To reflect the resort’s environmental ethos, no single-use plastics were used, and guests received keepsakes made from recycled materials and locally sourced honey. The event also included educational sessions about the mangroves surrounding the property, emphasizing their ecological importance.
The launch generated significant buzz, with a carefully curated guest list of royalty, media representatives, tour operators, and stakeholders. The event’s promotion through strategic PR and social media campaigns resulted in extensive media coverage, creating excitement about the resort.
The economic impact was immediately evident, with the resort exceeding its operational budget by over 30% within its first six months. Exceptional performance metrics, such as a Revenue Generation Index (RGI) of 145 and a rate positioning of over 220 ARI, solidified its market leadership.
The grand opening not only celebrated the resort’s unique offerings but also set a benchmark for luxury hospitality, combining cultural richness, sustainability, and innovative guest experiences.
The Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation and excellence and highlight the most creative initiatives in a sector that is constantly and rapidly changing hospitality.
