Episode Notes

Marriott International announced on Tuesday that it’s expanding its City Express by Marriott brand into the U.S. and Canada, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.

O’Neill reports the expansion represents Marriott’s foray into the “affordable midscale” category in the two countries. Marriott bought the City Express brand in Mexico in May 2023, and has run properties under the City Express by Marriott brand in the Caribbean and Latin America. The company hasn’t yet revealed how many deals it’s signed for the brand in the U.S. and Canada.

However, one Marriott executive said the company is optimistic about hotel openings in both countries in the near future.

Next, the Routes World 2024 conference featured several heavy hitters of the Middle East’s aviation industry sharing their plans for 2025. Airlines Editor Gordon Smith provides highlights.

Tony Douglas, the CEO of new Saudi carrier Riyadh Air, said the airline is “well advanced” in obtaining its Air Operator Certificate, a key regulatory milestone required to start commercial operations. He added Riyadh Air would be up and running next year.

Air Arabia CEO Adel Abdullah Ali said the carrier is looking to grow outside its traditional markets in the Middle East, citing Egypt as an example. And Steven Greenway, CEO of Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal, revealed plans to more than double its fleet size over the next four years.

Finally, Wynn Reports has upped its budget, financial projections and ambitions for its casino project in the United Arab Emirates. Middle East Reporter Josh Corder lists several takeaways from a presentation Wynn gave to investors and analysts on Tuesday.

Corder notes the project is targeting very wealthy consumers. Wynn expects 37% of its gross gaming revenues to come from what it considers ultra-high-net-worth international customers. India and Europe will be among Wynn’s core markets, with CEO Craig Billings noting India is home to a lot of wealth.

Wynn also said it expects the gaming market in the UAE to be worth between $3 billion and $5 billion.

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