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Read the latest news from around the Middle East and Africa regions.
Wyndham Looks Into Report of LGBTQ Discrimination Ahead of Qatar World Cup
A recent investigation by Norway news outlet NRK showed multiple hotels in Doha, Qatar, were refusing to sell rooms to gay tourists heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Bloomberg Reports Wyndham Hotels & Resorts officials are investigating one of their properties in the wake of that news.
The Wyndham Grand Regency in Doha was one of three hotels that refused to book a room when journalists from NRK called posing as a gay couple looking to book their honeymoon in connection with the World Cup, along with The Torch Doha and Magnum Hotel & Suites Westbay.
In a statement, Wyndham officials said they will “look into this immediately as the actions taken do not reflect of our core values including being inclusive.”
The company added “being welcoming and inclusive to all is simply part of who we are and how we do business.”
CDC Says COVID Risk High for South African Travel
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning that the risk of contracting COVID-19 is especially high in South Africa, which received the Level-3 risk distinction Monday along with Antigua and Barbuda, Lesotho and Taiwan, CNN reports.
There are roughly 110 destinations that carry the Level 3 designation, including several European countries.
Vacation Rentals Gain Steam in the Middle East
CNBC reports vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular across the Middle East as more platforms look to establish a presence in the region to capitalize on revenge tourism.
Hotel brands are among the vacation rental competitors, with the news outlet noting Marriott is looking to grow its Homes & Villas platform there.
Tourism Expected To Create 14 Million Jobs in Africa Over Next Decade
The latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council projects the travel and tourism sector in Africa to add 1.4 million new jobs each year over the next decade, with travel-related GDP expected to grow at twice the rate as the broader economies for the continent, BizCommunity reports.
"Africa is clearly bouncing back and is set to experience a significant recovery over the next couple of years and looking ahead over the next 10 years, the sector could create almost 14 million jobs," WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said.
Deals, Developments, People on the Move
- The JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea opened in the Atakoy district of the Turkish capital.
- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announced the signing of the Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Muscat, Oman. The property — with 200 rooms and 100 private residences — is under development by the Oman Tourism Development Company.
- Marriott International announced the opening of the 318-room W Dubai — Mina Seyahi.
- Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of the 49-room Royan Hotel Hagia Sophia Istanbul, which is part of the company's Radisson Individuals collection.
Radisson also announced changes to the company's leadership team in Africa, appointing Sandra Kneubuhler as country director of sales and district director for South Africa and Bert Fol as regional director for Africa. Joseph Chalfoun was named area restaurants and bars director for Middle East and Africa.