Press Release

Thomas Kurian, General Manager at Leva Hotels discusses the potential benefits of ChatGPT,  for the hospitality industry in the MENA region. The challenges faced by the industry, such as fragmented customer service and the need for operational efficiency, can be addressed by ChatGPT.   In his feature with Arabian Business, Thomas discusses how ChatGPT can provide speedy responses to customer inquiries, work as a concierge to improve hotel operations, personalize guest experiences, assist with online marketing and sales strategy, and reach a wider global audience.   He further states that while there are multiple benefits, accuracy and data privacy concerns need to be addressed and prioratised. Overall, ChatGPT has the potential to transform the industry and enhance customer satisfaction.

It is such an honor to be shortlisted as the Leading Hospitality Group and having our Founder and CEO, JS Anand nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award from the recent Leaders In Hospitality Awards 2023 by Hotel & Catering News Middle East! Read the full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/leva-hotels-resorts_shortlist-announced-leaders-in-hospitality-activity-7043626787972464640-BKaO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios #HospitalityRedesigned #LEVAHotels #stayLEVA #HCNAwards2023

The potential of ChatGPT is huge and the boundaries of what it can do are still being discovered ChatGPT has taken the world by storm. Launched in late 2022, it has already started to be adopted by various business models, schools and professionals, including the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) which announced it would enrich its services using ChatGPT. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/opinion/how-will-chatgpt-impact-the-hospitality-industry-in-the-mena-region

Are you ready to get inspired? For those who have been curious about the person behind LEVA’s brand identity, interior designs, and the creative genius behind LEVA’s vibrant and fun vibe, let’s tune in to the recent interview of LEVA’s Brand Director/Designer, NONI with RJ Muriel’s Mama Mia episode at TALK 100.3 FM In this live on-air conversation, Noni shares LEVA’s brand philosophy and vision, her sources of inspiration, and insights on how she brings her creative vision to life, resulting in the fun and vibrant environment that we all love at LEVA. In addition to sharing her creative process, Noni also provided some valuable insights and advice during the interview. This is a must-listen episode, as it provides a wealth of knowledge on design expertise, personal growth, and empowerment. A huge shoutout to Muriel and #Talk100.3FM for having us on your show! Listen to the full interview here: https://on.soundcloud.com/6eMMp #HospitalityRedesigned #stayLEVA #LEVAHotels #talk100.3 #hoteinteriordesign #interiordesigners #thoughtleader #art #design #technology

With residential rental rates in the city surging, hotel apartments have emerged as an increasingly popular option for business visitors seeking short-term accommodation. Thomas Kurian, an expert in the hospitality industry, said, “Dubai’s surging residential rents of up to 27.7% have made hotel apartments an increasingly attractive option for business visitors looking for short-term accommodation solutions. These hotel apartments offer all the conveniences of a traditional apartment rental, including additional amenities but with more flexible monthly payment options. For business and long-stay visitors, these short-term monthly options from hotels are especially appealing, as they avoid the hassles of long-term leases and rental brokerage fees. Additionally, hotel apartments located close to downtown Dubai and metro stations provide convenient access to the city’s business districts, making them a popular choice for corporate and long-stay travellers. With the summer months traditionally being a lean season for the hospitality industry, the rising demand for hotel apartments is a welcome change. These short-term rental options could potentially drive an increase in hotel occupancy rates for long-stay visitors and residents alike. Overall, the outlook for the hotel industry in Dubai remains positive, with hotels restructuring their rates to meet source market demands and expectations of staycations and long stays.” https://menews247.com/hotel-apartments-have-emerged-as-an-increasingly-popular-option-for-business-visitors/

The sheer number of influencers on the market right now is making it tricky for hotels to find the right people to work with, said Dubai-based hotelier Thomas Kurian. “While influencers continue to be impactful in the hospitality industry, the process of collaborating with the right people to reach the desired target audience has changed to become more challenging,” said Mr. Kiran, hotel manager with Leva Hotels. “A big reason for this is the increasing number of influencers, their scope and a number of other commercial aspects that have come to prominence. https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2023/03/06/do-influencers-still-have-the-same-sway-in-uaes-hospitality-industry/

Leva Hotels, the UAE’s homegrown hospitality brand, has announced the launch of six new properties across the GCC and Africa as part of its expansion plan. The new properties are part of an ongoing exercise that will see the dynamic lifestyle hotel brand modernize and manage a total of eight properties spanning Middle East and Africa by the end of 2023. “We are thrilled to be announcing the opening of six new distinct properties across key regions that we not only consider to be strategic to the overall growth of the company but also crucial to a growing segment in the hospitality sector that’s increasingly demanding for affordable yet comfortable experiences,” said J.S. Anand, founder and CEO, Leva Hotels and Resorts. In Saudi Arabia, Leva Hotels has inked two hotel management agreements with Jeddah-based Ekono by Leva Al Shati and three-star Ekono by Leva Jeddah Airport Hotel. As part of the deal, Leva Hotels will be responsible for overseeing the two properties’ service offering transformation which is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to attract 100 million visitors by 2030.Both properties are located at less than an hour from Makkah, and are perfect for pilgrims looking for comfortable and convenient hotel accommodation. In Nigeria, which has mostly lacked luxury hotels, Leva Hotels will be responsible for the transformation and management of Reiz Continental Hotel — a project under construction in partnership with Kostarget Projects and owned by Reiz Continental Hotels. As part of the partnership, the Lagos-based property will be positioned as an upscale five-star luxury lifestyle hotel with unique, contemporary, and cost-effective aesthetics including of five distinct food and beverage concepts and Leva’s F&B partner, Sven’s Baker’s Kitchen. Once fully operational, the new property is expected to serve as a key business and leisure destination. In Uganda, Leva Hotels has taken over the management of Kampala’s first boutique hotel, Emin Pasha Leva. Owned by The Emin Pasha Ltd, this property is now under renovation and will include Leva’s design infused with the region’s aesthetics, two important metrics that is expected to boost the hotel’s bookings. Leva’s foray into Africa’s hospitality industry will be boosted by its debut in Ethiopia with two strategic partnerships with Afrotsion Semera Resort and Harsade Harbour Resort. Ethiopia is globally known for its natural scenery including some of Africa’s less-known wildlife — an attribute that attracts scores of tourists to the region. The 60-key Harsade Harbour Resort will incorporate Leva’s key brand design elements and include five restaurants and three well-equipped conference halls. It is set to launch this year. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/uaes-leva-hotels-announce-ambitious-expansion-drive

Thomas Kurian, hotel manager at Leva Hotels, said occupancy rates were currently the highest the year so far. “Due to the heightened demand for hotel accommodation during this period, our hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road close to the World Trade Centre has experienced a significant surge in prices, amounting to 40-50 per cent on previous weeks,” he said. “Similarly, a comparable trend in occupancy and rates has been observed across many other hotel areas around World Trade Centre, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai. "There has been a noticeable uptick in both occupancy rates and booking trends." Upcoming public holidays Mr. Kurian said bookings for Ramadan, Easter and Eid showed the positive trend was likely to continue. Dubai’s hospitality sector enjoyed a strong 2022 as tourism rebounded after the Covid pandemic. To keep pace with demand, an extra 48,000 new rooms will become available in the UAE by 2030, with Dubai providing 76 per cent of total supply. Last year, 14.36 million international visitors arrived in the emirate, according to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism data, with The Palm Jumeirah a popular destination. Several new hotels have opened recently on the man-made island, including a new Marriott and Hilton on Palm West Beach. With public holidays due to begin in a few weeks, the busy period is expected to continue. “During the holy month of Ramadan, we expect our hotels to be busy, as well as benefit from strong group demand and family leisure business during some of the best weeks for weather in the year,” said Aligi Gardenghi, vice president, operations, Arabian Peninsula, Hilton. “We expect continued strong performance at our 35 hotels in the UAE in the coming months." https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2023/02/23/dubai-room-rates-soar-as-hotels-hit-capacity/

All out of rooms​ Thomas Kurian, Hotel Manager at Leva Hotel Dubai, said, “We don’t have any rooms available. We are recording 100 per cent occupancy until February 23. I think most hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road are booked out. “Many of our guests are attending Gul food. Overall, February occupancy levels have been very healthy for us. Exhibition-driven businesses and MICE events have seen excellent levels.” https://gulfnews.com/business/tourism/in-dubai-hotels-hit-100-occupancy-and-rates-zoom-past-dh10000-a-night-1.1677037095207

Breaking barriers and making waves! Proud to have our Founder and CEO, JS Anand as part of the Top 100 personalities at Arabian Business, placing him among the most prominent names in Dubai. This recognition placed him among the most influential and dynamic leaders shaping the future of Dubai and we couldn’t be more hyped! 🤩

"Post the pandemic, Dubai has probably been one of the fastest cities to open up in terms of trade and travel alike,” explained Thomas Kurian, Hotel Manager at Leva Hotels. Dubai hotels are expecting a 20% - 30% increase in occupancy soon after Ramadan, as the long weekend ties in with the peak travel period from Europe, said an industry expert." Post the pandemic, Dubai has probably been one of the fastest cities to open in terms of trade and travel alike. This quick action was further boosted by the Expo which resulted in an increase in tourism and a subsequent increase in hotel occupancy in 2022,” explained Thomas Kurian, Hotel Manager at Leva Hotels. “Dubai hotels ended 2022 with strong room revenue in December when occupancy hit 91 percent and the industry has managed to maintain these rates in the new year too. “, the talks of a looming inflation and subsequent recession is sure to change these dynamics as customers will become more conscious about their expenses and spending,” he added. “Further into the year, especially post-April as we enter the warmer months, we restructure our rates based on certain source market demands and expectations of staycations and long stay. “For now, hotels will maintain their rates up until Ramadan 2023. Outlook for Ramadan is very positive as the period is falling during the peak travel period from Europe and the extensive cultural experience planned for Ramadan in Dubai,” Kurian continued. “We are expecting a 15% - 20% spike in occupancy rates soon after Ramadan for the long weekend. This should be driven through the staycation and GCC travel demands. A subsequent small decline in rates and occupancy during the summer is expected. However, the positive changes in travel restrictions for certain source markets like China and the traditional summer source market will keep the positive momentum." https://www.zawya.com/en/business/hospitality/dubai-hotels-to-see-surge-in-occupancy-during-eid-says-expert-ytt0j6f8

Dubai hotels are expecting a 20% - 30% increase in occupancy soon after Ramadan, as the long weekend ties in with the peak travel period from Europe, said an industry expert. "Post the pandemic, Dubai has probably been one of the fastest cities to open up in terms of trade and travel alike. This quick action was further boosted by the Expo which resulted in an increase in tourism and a subsequent increase in hotel occupancy in 2022,” explained Thomas Kurian, Hotel Manager at Leva Hotels. “Dubai hotels ended 2022 with strong room revenue in December when occupancy hit 91 percent and the industry has managed to maintain these rates in the new year too. “, the talks of a looming inflation and subsequent recession is sure to change these dynamics as customers will become more conscious about their expenses and spending,” he added. "Further into the year, especially post-April as we enter the warmer months, we restructure our rates based on certain source market demands and expectations of staycations and long stay. "For now, hotels will maintain their rates up until Ramadan 2023.  Outlook for Ramadan is very positive as the period is falling during the peak travel period from Europe and the extensive cultural experience planned for Ramadan in Dubai,” Kurian continued. "We are expecting a 15% - 20% spike in occupancy rates soon after Ramadan for the long weekend.  This should be driven through the staycation and GCC travel demands.  A subsequent small decline in rates and occupancy during the summer is expected.  However, the positive changes in travel restrictions for certain source markets like China and the traditional summer source market will keep the positive momentum. https://www.tradearabia.com/news/TTN_406186.html