Accor has announced the appointment of Ammar Hilal to the role of managing director of Raffles Dubai and Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk. He will take up the post with immediate effect.

Sofitel Dubai the Palm is offering guests the chance to indulge in a lavish pool-day or some fantastic spa treatments this season, with a great-value midweek offer for the month of September.

Breaking Travel News catches up with Christophe Schnyder, general manager of Sofitel Dubai the Palm, to discuss the mood in Emirati hospitality in late 2019. Also on the agenda are the latest developments at the hotel and plans for the upcoming Expo 2020.

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese has re-opened following a complete redesign by French architect and interior designer, Jean-Philippe Nuel. The 78-room hotel lies on a quaint street in the centre of the city, just moments from iconic landmarks including the Villa Medici, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Marie-Paule Nowlis has been appointed general manager of Sofitel London St James. Nowlis, who brings with her 30 years’ experience with the Sofitel brand, and a career shaped by international roles, joins at the start of a new chapter for the hotel and will be integral to its transformation.

Accor is seeking to fast-track its development plans in Africa, leveraging its expanded portfolio to consolidate its leadership position in the north and west of the continent. The France-based group is taking a leading role in Africa’s evolving hospitality landscape.