Joakim Velinder Explains How Hilton Is Positioning Barr Al Jissah as a Scalable, Multi-Property MICE Destination
February 10, 2026
As destinations across the Middle East compete to attract higher-yield
Explore news and features on hotels, resorts, and hospitality brands, including openings, renovations, partnerships, and guest experience innovations.
As destinations across the Middle East compete to attract higher-yield
Hilton has announced the signing of five new hotels across Türkiye, strengthening its presence across Antalya, Istanbul, and Kocaeli. The additions span four brands, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and two Tapestry Collection by Hilton properties, with lifestyle brands now accounting for nearly 20% of Hilton’s Turkish pipeline.
In an interview with Javanshir Bayramov, Cluster Director of Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton, Baku and JW Marriott Absheron Baku, the story explores how Baku’s strategic location, growing luxury hotel infrastructure, and culture of hospitality are driving its rise as a preferred destination for MICE and destination events.
As meetings and events grow larger, more global, and more
Fairmont Baku is seeing strong MICE and association demand from India and the GCC, driven by its landmark Flame Towers location, large-scale banquet facilities, and service-led approach, according to Jeyhun Shukur, Assistant Director of Sales.
Luxury hospitality is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. As
Diriyah Company has announced new luxury hotel developments as part
Luxury hospitality is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation —
Sofitel has officially opened the Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention
Radisson Hotel Group, in partnership with BNW Developments, has announced