Selling Travel Connect

Agents connect with Rotana Hotels and Resorts

Stuart Forster

Rotana Hotels and Resorts took centre stage during a dedicated series of Selling Travel Connect events in the UK this June.

Held at three key locations — DoubleTree Edinburgh City Centre (June 23), The Old Library in Birmingham (June 24), and The Derby at Derbyshire House in London (June 25) — the sessions drew 150 travel agents eager to strengthen their knowledge of one of the Middle East’s most established and forward-looking hospitality brands.

Properties in attendance were Al Bandar Dubai, Fujairah Rotana, Al Jaddaf Rotana, Grand Rotana Sharm El Sheikh, Rose Rayhaan Dubai, Media Rotana Dubai, Amwaj Rotana and Tower Rotana. Emirates was also present.

A portfolio built on regional strength and brand diversity

With more than 114 properties in operation and under development across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye, Rotana has built a reputation for delivering consistent quality and localised service. The group welcomes over six million guests annually and operates six distinct brands that cater to the varied needs of today’s travellers:

Rotana Hotels and Resorts

Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana

Centro Hotels, Resorts and Hotel Apartments by Rotana

Rayhaan Hotels and Resorts by Rotana

Edge by Rotana

The Residences by Rotana

From city breaks and long-stay apartments to premium beachside resorts, the group’s portfolio offers travel agents the flexibility to match clients with the right product — all with the backing of a trusted regional brand known for its operational excellence and guest-first approach.

“At Rotana, we believe time well spent is a life well lived. This thought sits at the heart of every stay, whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or a little of both,” said Anthony Vale, Key Account Manager – Leisure Sales at Rotana Hotels and Resorts.

Seamless global loyalty: GHA DISCOVERY

Rotana’s recent integration into the Global Hotel Alliance represents a significant milestone in the group’s global loyalty offering. Through the GHA DISCOVERY programme, guests can now earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) across nearly 950 hotels in over 100 countries — including at all Rotana properties.

As part of the transition, Rotana Rewards Select members are migrating to GHA DISCOVERY, unlocking a host of exclusive benefits:

D$ earning and redemption across a global network
Room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out
VIP recognition and welcome amenities from the first stay
Member-only access to hotel facilities without an overnight booking

This integration enhances the value proposition for UK-based agents booking high-frequency or high-value travellers seeking rewarding, flexible, and globally connected loyalty benefits. Integration is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

Pipeline momentum across key markets

As the Middle East’s hospitality landscape continues to expand, Rotana remains a leading developer across both emerging and mature markets. The group is set to open several new properties in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Georgia and more over the next 18 months, deepening its presence in fast-growing destinations while maintaining the brand consistency and service standards Rotana is known for.

Notable upcoming openings include:

Yasmina Rayhaan by Rotana – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2025)
71 rooms and suites, three dining outlets, and a flexible meeting and events space in the heart of Riyadh.
Mangrove Rotana – Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (2025)
240 rooms overlooking the creek, with 10 meeting rooms, a ballroom, four dining venues, and a bridal suite. This full-service hotel blends eco-tourism, wellness, and leisure, capitalising on Ras Al Khaimah’s emergence as a nature-driven tourism destination.
Bloom Arjaan by Rotana – Abu Dhabi, UAE (2025)
A new upscale property offering leisure and wellness-focused stays in the heart of Saadiyat Island’s cultural district, featuring 217 serviced apartments and a floating infinity pool.

These openings reflect Rotana’s ability to bring locally attuned hospitality to high-demand destinations, offering travel agents a reliable, high-standard product backed by deep regional expertise.

A trusted brand for UK travel agents

Rotana’s growing engagement with the UK travel trade underscores its confidence in the market and the value it places on agency partnerships.

The group continues to invest in trade-facing education, marketing, and support to help agents match the right Rotana brand to every client need — whether it’s a beach holiday in the UAE, a city break in Qatar, or a cultural escape in Turkey.