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Webex by Cisco Announces AI-Powered Solutions to Empower Contact Center Agent Potential and Reduce Burnout

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Webex by Cisco Announces AI-Powered Solutions to Empower Contact Center Agent Potential and Reduce Burnout

Webex by Cisco Announces AI-Powered Solutions to Empower Contact Center Agent Potential and Reduce Burnout

News Summary:

  • New AI-powered innovations in Webex Contact Center are focused on promoting agent efficiency and well-being, resulting in reduced turnover, exceptional customer experiences and real business outcomes.
  • New Webex Customer Experience Essentials package extends agent and supervisor functionality to employees outside traditional contact centers for faster resolution of customer needs.
  • Webex and Thrive Global deepen their partnership to solve customer service challenges with Thrive Reset integration into Webex Contact Center.
  • Thrive Reset for Webex Contact Center integrates well-being breaks into contact center agents’ days using real-time insights from Webex, helping agents do their best work and reduce burnout.

Dubai, United Arabic Emirates, 22 November 2023: Stress and burnout are common in the workplace, and even more so within contact center employees. In fact, a study found agent turnover is twice that of any other profession and that burnout causes 50% of agent turnover within contact centers. This costs businesses with 100 agents $4.8M each year on average. To combat this, Webex by Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), a leading provider of collaboration and contact center technologies powering hybrid work and customer experience, today announced new AI-powered capabilities in Webex Contact Center. These new capabilities aim to help improve agent well-being and productivity, resulting in exceptional customer experiences.

“At Webex, we are embracing agent wellness as a core value to contribute to a more compassionate, inclusive and progressive business culture,” said Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Security and Collaboration, Cisco. “Our commitment to nurturing the well-being of agents means that businesses can build a foundation for growth, empower innovation and provide exceptional experiences to their customers.”

Purpose-Built AI in Webex Contact Center Helps Agents and Customers
For over two decades, Webex has provided contact center solutions that power the customer service function of some of the world’s largest customer-centric brands. Within Webex Contact Center, new AI-powered capabilities that aim to improve agent well-being and productivity, while simultaneously improving customer experiences, will include: 

  • AI-powered agent burnout detection allows businesses to proactively address agent well-being by enabling automated breaks, such as a Thrive Reset, and real-time coaching after challenging customer interactions.
  • Suggested responses uses generative AI to automatically suggest responses to increase agent productivity when responding to customer inquiries on digital channels.
  • Conversation summaries and wrap-ups provide agents with a clear summarization of issues and resolutions already explored via self-service and a summary of the call or chat to both the agent and customer once it ends. Agent wrap ups automatically generate wrap up codes and actions following every customer interaction, eliminating an average of five minutes for the agent.
  • Coaching highlights generates a dashboard for supervisors showing highest and lowest customer-rated interactions. It then automatically summarizes the interactions with the best ratings and provides supervisors with coaching tips based on those findings to train fellow employees. Conversely, highlights from the lowest-rated interactions are captured to then coach lower-performing agents to foster improvement across the board.

Introducing Webex Customer Experience Essentials
Great customer experiences are essential for businesses of all sizes. As employees beyond the contact center become increasingly critical to resolve customer needs, organizations are challenged with how to connect these answer-holding employees to the customer experience journey. Also critical is ensuring every interaction is exceptional and personalized. To help solve this, Webex is introducing Webex Customer Experience Essentials to help employees throughout the organization deliver the best possible customer experience. Webex Customer Experience Essentials brings the core fundamental capabilities of the Webex Contact Center to Webex Calling users, enabling:

  • Employees outside the contact center to become specialized agents, leading to faster issue resolution and improved customer satisfaction (removing the potential need for a call back)
  • A better understanding of customer issues that need escalation outside of the contact center
  • A streamlined contextual engagement from back-office employees during issue escalation

Webex Customer Experience Essentials is designed specifically for customer service-oriented industries and is available for purchase for Webex Calling users. 

Integrating Thrive Reset to Empower Contact Center Agents and Reduce Burnout
Webex is expanding its partnership with Thrive Global, the behavior-change technology company founded by Arianna Huffington, to bring Thrive Reset into the agent flow of work, reducing agent attrition and enabling greater agent productivity with Thrive Reset for Webex Contact Center.

Thrive Reset allows agents to break the cycle of cumulative stress and move from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the rush of cortisol through the body. Thrive’s library consists of hundreds of 60-second Reset videos— stretching, breathing, mindfulness and gratitude breaks along with calming visuals, awe-inspiring natural landscapes and the latest stress-relief techniques—each with a guided breathing bubble that helps users inhale, exhale and bring themselves back to center before their next customer interaction. Thrive Global’s partnership with Universal Music Group to license Universal music for Thrive Reset makes them even more engaging, personalized and effective.

Webex and Thrive Global will use insights from real-time AI technology built by Webex to offer agents an opportunity to reflect, recharge and break the cycle of cumulative stress. Once Webex’s AI-based agent burnout analysis detects situations that lead to burnout, the agent is automatically set up for a break and served a 60-second Thrive Reset video to help them reset and relax before their next call. As a result, the next customer in line is handled by an agent who is recharged and better prepared to deliver great service, instead of one coming directly from a stressful experience.

About Cisco 

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals.  Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.  

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.    

SITA STEPS CLOSER TO NET CARBON ZERO VISION AS SCIENCE-BASED EMISSION REDUCTION TARGETS APPROVED – PRWire

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SITA STEPS CLOSER TO NET CARBON ZERO VISION AS SCIENCE-BASED EMISSION REDUCTION TARGETS APPROVED – PRWire

The Science Based Targets initiative, a global collaboration that provides expert guidance and the resources organizations need to achieve net zero, has validated SITA’s near-term and long-term targets 

Global aviation IT company SITA announced its near-term and long-term emission reduction targets were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The move is in line with efforts to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and SITA’s own commitment, made in 2022, to cut emissions and actively work to achieve a net zero carbon balance.

The validation of SITA’s targets is a key step towards becoming carbon net zero by 2050. The stringent SBTi validation ensures that SITA’s climate action targets align with climate science and SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard, which affords companies a clear framework through which to develop and achieve their net zero targets. 

SITA’s commitment to achieving net zero can be broken down into the following areas:

  • Reduce emissions: SITA is targeting near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 46.2% by 2030 and a minimum 90% long-term reduction across all scopes by 2050, working from a 2019 base. While scope 1 emissions are in SITA’s direct control, scope 2 and 3 emissions indirectly form part of the company’s emissions footprint across its value chain. 
  • Responsible sourcing: SITA will ensure that 50% of its suppliers by spend covering purchased goods and services have science-based targets in place by FY2027 and that new suppliers are selected based on SITA’s required environmental criteria. 
  • Renewable energy: SITA is committed to transitioning to 80% renewable energy usage by 2025, rising to 100% by 2030. This will be achieved through interventions such as optimizing energy consumption at SITA offices and sourcing renewable energy wherever and whenever possible. 

SITA will report annually and transparently on climate targets and on the progress being made to achieve them.

David Lavorel, CEO, SITA, said: “SITA’s sustainability position is clear: we regard climate change as the most pressing issue facing our planet. We stand firmly behind SBTi’s call for urgent action on the part of businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets, in line with the latest climate science, in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”

Lavorel said: “We are keenly aware that climate change is a monumental, global challenge that requires countries, companies, and individuals to come together and act decisively. As a trusted partner in the aviation industry, we continue to play an active role in helping industry measure and meet emission reduction targets. Limiting climate warming is a global task that can only be accomplished with transparency, commitment, and cooperation.”

SBTi defines and promotes best practice in target setting based on the latest climate science, it offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves company targets.

SITA STEPS CLOSER TO NET CARBON ZERO VISION AS SCIENCE-BASED EMISSION REDUCTION TARGETS APPROVED

0
SITA STEPS CLOSER TO NET CARBON ZERO VISION AS SCIENCE-BASED EMISSION REDUCTION TARGETS APPROVED – PRWire

The Science Based Targets initiative, a global collaboration that provides expert guidance and the resources organizations need to achieve net zero, has validated SITA’s near-term and long-term targets 

Global aviation IT company SITA announced its near-term and long-term emission reduction targets were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The move is in line with efforts to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and SITA’s own commitment, made in 2022, to cut emissions and actively work to achieve a net zero carbon balance.

The validation of SITA’s targets is a key step towards becoming carbon net zero by 2050. The stringent SBTi validation ensures that SITA’s climate action targets align with climate science and SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard, which affords companies a clear framework through which to develop and achieve their net zero targets. 

SITA’s commitment to achieving net zero can be broken down into the following areas:

  • Reduce emissions: SITA is targeting near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 46.2% by 2030 and a minimum 90% long-term reduction across all scopes by 2050, working from a 2019 base. While scope 1 emissions are in SITA’s direct control, scope 2 and 3 emissions indirectly form part of the company’s emissions footprint across its value chain. 
  • Responsible sourcing: SITA will ensure that 50% of its suppliers by spend covering purchased goods and services have science-based targets in place by FY2027 and that new suppliers are selected based on SITA’s required environmental criteria. 
  • Renewable energy: SITA is committed to transitioning to 80% renewable energy usage by 2025, rising to 100% by 2030. This will be achieved through interventions such as optimizing energy consumption at SITA offices and sourcing renewable energy wherever and whenever possible. 

SITA will report annually and transparently on climate targets and on the progress being made to achieve them.

David Lavorel, CEO, SITA, said: “SITA’s sustainability position is clear: we regard climate change as the most pressing issue facing our planet. We stand firmly behind SBTi’s call for urgent action on the part of businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets, in line with the latest climate science, in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”

Lavorel said: “We are keenly aware that climate change is a monumental, global challenge that requires countries, companies, and individuals to come together and act decisively. As a trusted partner in the aviation industry, we continue to play an active role in helping industry measure and meet emission reduction targets. Limiting climate warming is a global task that can only be accomplished with transparency, commitment, and cooperation.”

SBTi defines and promotes best practice in target setting based on the latest climate science, it offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves company targets.

Beyond the Racetrack: Your Formula to Surviving Race Week at Yas Bay Waterfront – PRWire

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Beyond the Racetrack: Your Formula to Surviving Race Week at Yas Bay Waterfront – PRWire

Beyond the Racetrack: Your Formula to Surviving Race Week at Yas Bay Waterfront

Extended brunches, drink deals and roaming entertainment for everyone heading to Yas Island, whether you’re there for Race Week or not!

Since its opening two years ago, Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island has been popular for its irresistible offers. So, whether you’re an F1 fan wanting to explore pre- and post-race hours or you’re just looking to enjoy your week away from the overflow of crowd – here’s why you should be heading to Yas Bay Waterfront.

Now, first step is heading there, if you’re going by car, don’t worry about the parking nightmare, just book a reservation at any of the 19 venues on Yas Bay Waterfront and enjoy free parking. Then hop on a buggy that will drop you right at your destination, because who wants to walk in killer heels right? If you don’t have a car, Yas Bay Waterfront has got you covered! You can book a Careem and get 15% off your trip using the code YASBAY. You can also find plenty of free shuttle services with Yas Express and Abu Dhabi Bus dropping you right at your desired locations at Yas Bay Waterfront. But if you ask us what’s our favourite way to get there, then it has got to be the water taxi, to make sure you arrive at your destination in style.

Every evening for race weekend from 24-26 November, you will be greeted by roaming entertainment and live music performances all over the boardwalk from 4:00pm onwards. Expect to bump into some magic acts, stilt walkers and buskers turning up the fun factor for kids and adults alike.

First pitstop is at Artmarket, fuelling up on their special F1 brunch offer that comes with their signature breakfast dishes combined with bottomless bellinis, Bloody Mary’s and other selected cocktails starting at AED 199 from 9:00am till 1:00pm all race weekend from November 24 – 26.

For more information and reservations, please call 052 917 1523

The UAE’s most awarded and loved party bar, Lock Stock & Barrel is bringing its biggest and wildest brunch parties on Saturday November 25 and Sunday November 26. Join the fun and treat yourself to live music from 2:00pm to 5:00pm as they unleash confetti cannons, giant balloons and even a spot of bandeoke, all while feasting on unlimited food and drinks starting from AED 225. If you are just looking for a chilled evening of drinks with your friends, you can still enjoy their ‘happy hour’ offer with buy one get one free on selected beverages.

For more information and reservations, please email reservations@lsbabudhabi.com

Rev up your tastebuds for this culinary masterpiece and the country’s most awarded Pan-Asian restaurant Asia Asia. Inspired by the ancient Spice Route and famed for its iconic waterfront views and stunning interiors, the Asian-themed restaurant is a checkpoint not to be missed during Race Week. Feast on their special ‘Spice Route’ brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 2:00pm – 5:00pm, where an eclectic four-course menu of chef’s favourites is paired with bottomless cocktails, grape and spirits, starting from as low as AED 275.

For more information and reservations, please call 055 327 0430

If you have a soft spot for flavours from Italy, then let’s pull over the buggy at Paradiso and enjoy a unique experience based on love and passion for traditional Italian cuisine. During Race Week, you can enjoy any dish of your choice from their exquisite menu with a slashed priced in a special buy one, get one free offer. Additionally, a 20% discount on the lounge menu allows you to sip away without worrying about breaking the bank. For F1 ticket holders, an exclusive set menu offer will be waiting for you for as low as AED 100 for the soft drinks package and AED 250 for the alcoholic beverages package. If you’re not about the F1 hype and just here for business, invite your clients during Paradiso’s ‘Business Lunch’ every Monday to Friday from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, starting at just AED110 per person.

For more information and reservations, please call 050 437 2869

We hope you brought your swimming suits because we’ll be taking a dive into Café Del Mar’s endless pool overlooking the mesmerising waters of the Arabian Gulf, perfect during sunset. Enjoy their poolside vibes with sizzling BBQ, live entertainment and endless selected bevvies during their F1 weekend ‘Brunch by the Pool’ offer at AED 499.

For more information and reservations, please call 050 402 2283

Our next stop is the vibrant Central, best known for their burgers, beats and bowling. With an interior inspired by the bustling streets of New York City, Central is home to a huge arcade section loaded with epic games ranging from retro to futuristic. During Race Week, you can treat yourself with their special buy one, get one deal on selected beverages from 12:00pm – 8:00pm. For a casual family outing, ask about their ‘Ready, Set Brunch’ offer happening on Saturday November 25 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm with packages starting at just AED 150 for kids and AED 250 for adults, and for the cherry on top, kids under five eat for free!

For more information and reservations, please call 058 587 1765 or email reservations@central-uae.com

Next in line is our beloved hangout spot The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. You can enjoy a fresh breeze of air at their newly opened terrace while enjoying two bar bites and two drinks from their special pitstop menu for Race Week for only AED120.

For more information and reservations, please email connect@thelighthouse.ae

What about a fine rooftop dine overlooking the crystal blue waterfront? Siddhartha Lounge by Buddha-bar is IT. Step into the enchanting world of boho as Darko De Jan spins the decks on Saturday, November 25 and get a chance to catch the F1 fireworks and show from Yas Island.

For more information and reservations, please call 050 601 1194

If you are still tagging along, this last stop will deplete all your energy as WHITE Abu Dhabi, the region’s number one indoor night club is bringing in two very special guests during F1 weekend with JaRule bringing in his OG hip-hop style performance to the stage on Friday November 24. The following day will be as thrilling with the Grammy award winning artist Black Coffee gracing the stage with his house beats.

For more information and reservations, please call 050 639 8934

Beyond the Racetrack: Your Formula to Surviving Race Week at Yas Bay Waterfront

0

Beyond the Racetrack: Your Formula to Surviving Race Week at Yas Bay Waterfront

Extended brunches, drink deals and roaming entertainment for everyone heading to Yas Island, whether you’re there for Race Week or not!

Since its opening two years ago, Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island has been popular for its irresistible offers. So, whether you’re an F1 fan wanting to explore pre- and post-race hours or you’re just looking to enjoy your week away from the overflow of crowd – here’s why you should be heading to Yas Bay Waterfront.

Now, first step is heading there, if you’re going by car, don’t worry about the parking nightmare, just book a reservation at any of the 19 venues on Yas Bay Waterfront and enjoy free parking. Then hop on a buggy that will drop you right at your destination, because who wants to walk in killer heels right? If you don’t have a car, Yas Bay Waterfront has got you covered! You can book a Careem and get 15% off your trip using the code YASBAY. You can also find plenty of free shuttle services with Yas Express and Abu Dhabi Bus dropping you right at your desired locations at Yas Bay Waterfront. But if you ask us what’s our favourite way to get there, then it has got to be the water taxi, to make sure you arrive at your destination in style.

Every evening for race weekend from 24-26 November, you will be greeted by roaming entertainment and live music performances all over the boardwalk from 4:00pm onwards. Expect to bump into some magic acts, stilt walkers and buskers turning up the fun factor for kids and adults alike.

First pitstop is at Artmarket, fuelling up on their special F1 brunch offer that comes with their signature breakfast dishes combined with bottomless bellinis, Bloody Mary’s and other selected cocktails starting at AED 199 from 9:00am till 1:00pm all race weekend from November 24 – 26.

For more information and reservations, please call 052 917 1523

The UAE’s most awarded and loved party bar, Lock Stock & Barrel is bringing its biggest and wildest brunch parties on Saturday November 25 and Sunday November 26. Join the fun and treat yourself to live music from 2:00pm to 5:00pm as they unleash confetti cannons, giant balloons and even a spot of bandeoke, all while feasting on unlimited food and drinks starting from AED 225. If you are just looking for a chilled evening of drinks with your friends, you can still enjoy their ‘happy hour’ offer with buy one get one free on selected beverages.

For more information and reservations, please email reservations@lsbabudhabi.com

Rev up your tastebuds for this culinary masterpiece and the country’s most awarded Pan-Asian restaurant Asia Asia. Inspired by the ancient Spice Route and famed for its iconic waterfront views and stunning interiors, the Asian-themed restaurant is a checkpoint not to be missed during Race Week. Feast on their special ‘Spice Route’ brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 2:00pm – 5:00pm, where an eclectic four-course menu of chef’s favourites is paired with bottomless cocktails, grape and spirits, starting from as low as AED 275.

For more information and reservations, please call 055 327 0430

If you have a soft spot for flavours from Italy, then let’s pull over the buggy at Paradiso and enjoy a unique experience based on love and passion for traditional Italian cuisine. During Race Week, you can enjoy any dish of your choice from their exquisite menu with a slashed priced in a special buy one, get one free offer. Additionally, a 20% discount on the lounge menu allows you to sip away without worrying about breaking the bank. For F1 ticket holders, an exclusive set menu offer will be waiting for you for as low as AED 100 for the soft drinks package and AED 250 for the alcoholic beverages package. If you’re not about the F1 hype and just here for business, invite your clients during Paradiso’s ‘Business Lunch’ every Monday to Friday from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, starting at just AED110 per person.

For more information and reservations, please call 050 437 2869

We hope you brought your swimming suits because we’ll be taking a dive into Café Del Mar’s endless pool overlooking the mesmerising waters of the Arabian Gulf, perfect during sunset. Enjoy their poolside vibes with sizzling BBQ, live entertainment and endless selected bevvies during their F1 weekend ‘Brunch by the Pool’ offer at AED 499.

For more information and reservations, please call 050 402 2283

Our next stop is the vibrant Central, best known for their burgers, beats and bowling. With an interior inspired by the bustling streets of New York City, Central is home to a huge arcade

section loaded with epic games ranging from retro to futuristic. During Race Week, you can treat yourself with their special buy one, get one deal on selected beverages from 12:00pm – 8:00pm. For a casual family outing, ask about their ‘Ready, Set Brunch’ offer happening on Saturday November 25 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm with packages starting at just AED 150 for kids and AED 250 for adults, and for the cherry on top, kids under five eat for free!

For more information and reservations, please call 058 587 1765 or email reservations@central-uae.com

Next in line is our beloved hangout spot The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. You can enjoy a fresh breeze of air at their newly opened terrace while enjoying two bar bites and two drinks from their special pitstop menu for Race Week for only AED120.

For more information and reservations, please email connect@thelighthouse.ae

What about a fine rooftop dine overlooking the crystal blue waterfront? Siddhartha Lounge by Buddha-bar is IT. Step into the enchanting world of boho as Darko De Jan spins the decks on Saturday, November 25 and get a chance to catch the F1 fireworks and show from Yas Island.

For more information and reservations, please call 050 601 1194

If you are still tagging along, this last stop will deplete all your energy as WHITE Abu Dhabi, the region’s number one indoor night club is bringing in two very special guests during F1 weekend with JaRule bringing in his OG hip-hop style performance to the stage on Friday November 24. The following day will be as thrilling with the Grammy award winning artist Black Coffee gracing the stage with his house beats.

For more information and reservations, please call 050 639 8934

United Hospitality Management (UHM) Launches with Renowned Hotels and Resorts Across the Middle East and Europe – PRWire

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United Hospitality Management (UHM) Launches with Renowned Hotels and Resorts Across the Middle East and Europe

  • The newly founded global hospitality management company, UHM, backed by United Investments Portugal (UIP) aims to redefine luxury hospitality.
  • The announcement of two Middle East signings reinforces the company’s growth plans to manage 100 hotels by 2030.
United Hospitality Management (UHM) Launches with Renowned Hotels and Resorts Across the Middle East and Europe – PRWire
A beach with buildings and a body of water

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DUBAI, UAE – November, 2023 – United Hospitality Management (UHM), a hospitality management company backed by investment firm United Investments Portugal (UIP), has now officially launched with a strategic focus on expansion in the Middle East and Europe. UIP has previously managed hotels for 30 years and plans to redefine the art of hospitality through UHM, with ambitious growth plans to have in excess of 100 hotels and resorts globally under management in the next 5 years.

Founded in 1985, UIP owns Pine Cliffs – The Luxury Collection Resort and the Sheraton Cascais Resort in Portugal, as well as brands such as Hyatt Regency, and Yotel. In 2021, the company moved their assets from management agreements to franchise agreements with each brand, setting up their own management structure leading to the creation of the dedicated hospitality arm of UIP.

UIP are a pioneering company in the development and management of branded residences and mixed-use resorts, introduced the innovative Pine Cliffs Resorts and Residences in Europe under the Marriott brand. This concept marked a significant milestone as one of the first of its kind in Europe.

As United Hospitality Management (UHM), the company successfully manages hospitality concepts worldwide from asset development, operationalisation, and management. With an increased focus on the Middle East, UHM ensures excellence at every touchpoint, from strategic planning and comprehensive team development to seamless guest experiences. The company’s portfolio is currently made up of hotels, resorts, branded residences, and vacation homes with almost 3,000 rooms including leading industry brands such as the Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Hyatt Regency, Movenpick, Vignette Collection, Yotel and Bespoke residences and holiday homes, as well as asset management of Fairmont branded resorts. Through UHM’s entrepreneurial driven approach backed by an experienced hospitality team, the company is to be agile in their owner and customer-centric business model. Open to innovations and fully adaptive to guests’ needs, UHM stands out from competitors for their pioneering vigour and ability to make quick changes and improvements with the guest and partner front-of-mind, managing hotels and resorts from an owner’s perspective and value add.

UHM also owns the award-winning wellness concept, Serenity Spa, which is currently operatorial in Europe. In January 2024, the first Middle East location will open at Fairmont the Palm. Notably, Serenity Spa has recently earned prestigious accolades at World Luxury Spa Awards.

Serenity – The Art of Well Being in Lisbon, situated at the Hyatt Regency Lisbon, emerged as the winner in the categories of “Luxury City Hotel Spa” in Portugal and “Best Spa Design Theme” globally. Additionally, the Serenity Spa located at Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve was honored as a “Luxury Destination Spa” in Europe and “Luxury Wellness Center” in Southern Europe. It is also noteworthy that in the recent results of the Merco – Companies and Leaders 2023 study presented Maria d’Orey, the Regional Director of Serenity, recognized as among the top 100 leaders with the best reputation in Portugal. This marks the third consecutive year of recognition by the esteemed monitor that evaluates corporate reputation.

UHM places a huge emphasis on long term partnerships and cultivating relationships. The team globally have been chosen for their hospitality experience and passion to make sure UHM’s relationships always add value. The board members include industry veterans and hospitality heavyweights such as Carlos Leal, the Executive Chairman of UIP, spearheading the overall strategy and operations. His experience spans more than 30 years including vast international knowledge and expertise in the investment, development, and asset management of major leisure industry projects such as Pine Cliffs Resort by Luxury Collection and Hyatt Regency Lisbon.

Speaking of the company’s vision Carlos Leal said: “We aspire to shape the future of hospitality through exceptional relationships that are at the heart of everything we do. United Hospitality Management is all about memorable and meaningful hospitality to create lasting impressions to our guests and optimum value to our investors. We believe that through strategic collaborations and creating these lasting impressions, we can achieve our vision to be the world’s best and most inspiring full-service upscale hospitality operator.”

The announcement of UHM’s two recent signings, Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, and Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, both under the Vignette Collection brand by IHG is just the start of the company’s presence in the Middle East, with additional signings planned for the final quarter of the year and beyond. UHM continues to uphold its promise to deliver exceptional guest experiences and unparalleled service in the world’s leading tourist destinations. With head offices located in both Dubai and Lisbon, UHM is primed for continuous growth in the Middle East and Europe.

***************************************

About United Hospitality Management

United Hospitality Management (UHM) is a global hospitality management company with over 30 years of luxury hospitality expertise. A leader in hospitality asset development, operationalisation, and management, UHM has partnered with world-class brands from IHG, Marriott, Accor, Hyatt, Wyndham, Yotel and Bespoke Residences and Holiday Homes and has over USD 1 Billion in assets under management.

UHM offers innovative services and concepts, all dedicated to amplifying value and success in the hospitality industry. With a legacy that spans Europe and the Middle East, the company has cultivated a reputation with strong relationships, a distinguished leadership team and a track record of developing winning hospitality concepts across the world.

For more information visit unitedhospitality.com

United Hospitality Management (UHM) Launches with Renowned Hotels and Resorts Across the Middle East and Europe

0
United Hospitality Management (UHM) Launches with Renowned Hotels and Resorts Across the Middle East and Europe

United Hospitality Management (UHM) Launches with Renowned Hotels and Resorts Across the Middle East and Europe

  • The newly founded global hospitality management company, UHM, backed by United Investments Portugal (UIP) aims to redefine luxury hospitality.
  • The announcement of two Middle East signings reinforces the company’s growth plans to manage 100 hotels by 2030.
United Hospitality Management (UHM) Launches with Renowned Hotels and Resorts Across the Middle East and Europe – PRWire
A beach with buildings and a body of water Description automatically generated

DUBAI, UAE – November, 2023 – United Hospitality Management (UHM), a hospitality management company backed by investment firm United Investments Portugal (UIP), has now officially launched with a strategic focus on expansion in the Middle East and Europe. UIP has previously managed hotels for 30 years and plans to redefine the art of hospitality through UHM, with ambitious growth plans to have in excess of 100 hotels and resorts globally under management in the next 5 years.

Founded in 1985, UIP owns Pine Cliffs – The Luxury Collection Resort and the Sheraton Cascais Resort in Portugal, as well as brands such as Hyatt Regency, and Yotel. In 2021, the company moved their assets from management agreements to franchise agreements with each brand, setting up their own management structure leading to the creation of the dedicated hospitality arm of UIP.

UIP are a pioneering company in the development and management of branded residences and mixed-use resorts, introduced the innovative Pine Cliffs Resorts and Residences in Europe under the Marriott brand. This concept marked a significant milestone as one of the first of its kind in Europe.

As United Hospitality Management (UHM), the company successfully manages hospitality concepts worldwide from asset development, operationalisation, and management. With an increased focus on the Middle East, UHM ensures excellence at every touchpoint, from strategic planning and comprehensive team development to seamless guest experiences. The company’s portfolio is currently made up of hotels, resorts, branded residences, and vacation homes with almost 3,000 rooms including leading industry brands such as the Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Hyatt Regency, Movenpick, Vignette Collection, Yotel and Bespoke residences and holiday homes, as well as asset management of Fairmont branded resorts. Through UHM’s entrepreneurial driven approach backed by an experienced hospitality team, the company is to be agile in their owner and customer-centric business model. Open to innovations and fully adaptive to guests’ needs, UHM stands out from competitors for their pioneering vigour and ability to make quick changes and improvements with the guest and partner front-of-mind, managing hotels and resorts from an owner’s perspective and value add.

UHM also owns the award-winning wellness concept, Serenity Spa, which is currently operatorial in Europe. In January 2024, the first Middle East location will open at Fairmont the Palm. Notably, Serenity Spa has recently earned prestigious accolades at World Luxury Spa Awards.

Serenity – The Art of Well Being in Lisbon, situated at the Hyatt Regency Lisbon, emerged as the winner in the categories of “Luxury City Hotel Spa” in Portugal and “Best Spa Design Theme” globally. Additionally, the Serenity Spa located at Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve was honored as a “Luxury Destination Spa” in Europe and “Luxury Wellness Center” in Southern Europe. It is also noteworthy that in the recent results of the Merco – Companies and Leaders 2023 study presented Maria d’Orey, the Regional Director of Serenity, recognized as among the top 100 leaders with the best reputation in Portugal. This marks the third consecutive year of recognition by the esteemed monitor that evaluates corporate reputation.

UHM places a huge emphasis on long term partnerships and cultivating relationships. The team globally have been chosen for their hospitality experience and passion to make sure UHM’s relationships always add value. The board members include industry veterans and hospitality heavyweights such as Carlos Leal, the Executive Chairman of UIP, spearheading the overall strategy and operations. His experience spans more than 30 years including vast international knowledge and expertise in the investment, development, and asset management of major leisure industry projects such as Pine Cliffs Resort by Luxury Collection and Hyatt Regency Lisbon.

Speaking of the company’s vision Carlos Leal said: “We aspire to shape the future of hospitality through exceptional relationships that are at the heart of everything we do. United Hospitality Management is all about memorable and meaningful hospitality to create lasting impressions to our guests and optimum value to our investors. We believe that through strategic collaborations and creating these lasting impressions, we can achieve our vision to be the world’s best and most inspiring full-service upscale hospitality operator.”

The announcement of UHM’s two recent signings, Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, and Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, both under the Vignette Collection brand by IHG is just the start of the company’s presence in the Middle East, with additional signings planned for the final quarter of the year and beyond. UHM continues to uphold its promise to deliver exceptional guest experiences and unparalleled service in the world’s leading tourist destinations. With head offices located in both Dubai and Lisbon, UHM is primed for continuous growth in the Middle East and Europe.

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About United Hospitality Management

United Hospitality Management (UHM) is a global hospitality management company with over 30 years of luxury hospitality expertise. A leader in hospitality asset development, operationalisation, and management, UHM has partnered with world-class brands from IHG, Marriott, Accor, Hyatt, Wyndham, Yotel and Bespoke Residences and Holiday Homes and has over USD 1 Billion in assets under management.

UHM offers innovative services and concepts, all dedicated to amplifying value and success in the hospitality industry. With a legacy that spans Europe and the Middle East, the company has cultivated a reputation with strong relationships, a distinguished leadership team and a track record of developing winning hospitality concepts across the world.

For more information visit unitedhospitality.com

Meet Kaspersky’s updated VPN: new Double VPN features and empowering protocols – PRWire

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Kaspersky has announced a new updated version of Kaspersky VPN, delivering enhanced privacy features and new functionality across Windows and Mac® for the first time. Offering enhanced cryptography, Kaspersky VPN includes state-of-the-art protocols such as Hydra and WireGuard®, for more protected, faster, and reliable transparent connections. The new release also includes a new Double VPN, strengthening privacy protection, making it impossible to read traffic content, or detect user’s IP address or second location. In addition, more than 100 new server locations are available to users, which can be saved as favorites for more convenient and easy access on Windows®, Android® and iOS®

A recent study How and Why People Use Virtual Private Networks shows that respondents use VPNs more for security and privacy, and tend to use VPNs continually. Most participants were primarily concerned about organizations collecting their personal data, as well as governments being aware of private emails, and websites planting malware. Survey results also show protecting and keeping personal data private and secure still is one of the key concerns for users.

With this in mind, key Kaspersky VPN updates include faster reliable protocol capabilities, using Hydra – one of the most powerful protocols available – for industry leading speeds, and now available on any Android-Windows or Mac®-iOS device. The team is also extending use of another important protocol – WireGuard – available on Android, iOS in Q4 2023. 

In addition to OpenVPN, WireGuard also adds more than 100 supported locations worldwide to routers. My Kaspersky also now supports improved flow routing, increases routing efficiency, making online experiences faster and more convenient for users. 

Meet Kaspersky’s updated VPN: new Double VPN features and empowering protocols – PRWire

Double VPN is another significant new feature strengthening privacy protection. When enabled, traffic between the client and the output server is twice encrypted, adding an extra layer of security, thanks to the additional of an intermediate server. As a result, it becomes impossible to read traffic content or detect user’s IP address on the second location. 

Kaspersky VPN users can now select servers in more than 100 locations worldwide, including Bangladesh, China, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, and Russia-Novosibirsk. 

For everyday tasks such as streaming or torrenting, Android, iOS and Windows users have the ability to save their favorite locations for more convenient and easy access, while Kaspersky teams have upgraded available locations by adding 10 Gbps servers.

“We understand that there is always a trade-off between connection speed and privacy protection when using a VPN on a regular basis, which is never convenient – especially noticeable when streaming, gaming or just surfing. We have further developed and improved Kaspersky VPN to answer this and other users’ demands. According to a recent AV-TEST, Kaspersky VPN was first in the most tested categories, and showed outstanding download capabilities and torrenting speeds in both local and overseas testing. With ongoing improvements and increased privacy levels, we aim to deliver best VPN for consumers. We are also glad this is proven by independent tests,” comments Marina Titova, Vice-President, Consumer Product Marketing at Kaspersky.

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and specialized security solutions and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

Meet Kaspersky’s updated VPN: new Double VPN features and empowering protocols

0

Kaspersky has announced a new updated version of Kaspersky VPN, delivering enhanced privacy features and new functionality across Windows and Mac® for the first time. Offering enhanced cryptography, Kaspersky VPN includes state-of-the-art protocols such as Hydra and WireGuard®, for more protected, faster, and reliable transparent connections. The new release also includes a new Double VPN, strengthening privacy protection, making it impossible to read traffic content, or detect user’s IP address or second location. In addition, more than 100 new server locations are available to users, which can be saved as favorites for more convenient and easy access on Windows®, Android® and iOS®

A recent study How and Why People Use Virtual Private Networks shows that respondents use VPNs more for security and privacy, and tend to use VPNs continually. Most participants were primarily concerned about organizations collecting their personal data, as well as governments being aware of private emails, and websites planting malware. Survey results also show protecting and keeping personal data private and secure still is one of the key concerns for users.

With this in mind, key Kaspersky VPN updates include faster reliable protocol capabilities, using Hydra – one of the most powerful protocols available – for industry leading speeds, and now available on any Android-Windows or Mac®-iOS device. The team is also extending use of another important protocol – WireGuard – available on Android, iOS in Q4 2023. 

In addition to OpenVPN, WireGuard also adds more than 100 supported locations worldwide to routers. My Kaspersky also now supports improved flow routing, increases routing efficiency, making online experiences faster and more convenient for users. 

Meet Kaspersky’s updated VPN: new Double VPN features and empowering protocols – PRWire

Double VPN is another significant new feature strengthening privacy protection. When enabled, traffic between the client and the output server is twice encrypted, adding an extra layer of security, thanks to the additional of an intermediate server. As a result, it becomes impossible to read traffic content or detect user’s IP address on the second location. 

Kaspersky VPN users can now select servers in more than 100 locations worldwide, including Bangladesh, China, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, and Russia-Novosibirsk. 

For everyday tasks such as streaming or torrenting, Android, iOS and Windows users have the ability to save their favorite locations for more convenient and easy access, while Kaspersky teams have upgraded available locations by adding 10 Gbps servers.

“We understand that there is always a trade-off between connection speed and privacy protection when using a VPN on a regular basis, which is never convenient – especially noticeable when streaming, gaming or just surfing. We have further developed and improved Kaspersky VPN to answer this and other users’ demands. According to a recent AV-TEST, Kaspersky VPN was first in the most tested categories, and showed outstanding download capabilities and torrenting speeds in both local and overseas testing. With ongoing improvements and increased privacy levels, we aim to deliver best VPN for consumers. We are also glad this is proven by independent tests,” comments Marina Titova, Vice-President, Consumer Product Marketing at Kaspersky.

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and specialized security solutions and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

JETEX UNVEILS ITS NEW FLAGSHIP FBO TERMINAL AT ABU DHABI’S AL BATEEN EXECUTIVE AIRPORT – PRWire

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JETEX UNVEILS ITS NEW FLAGSHIP FBO TERMINAL AT ABU DHABI’S AL BATEEN EXECUTIVE AIRPORT – PRWire

On the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show, Jetex announced the unveiling of a new flagship private terminal in the heart of the UAE capital, in time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Following a successful redevelopment and upgrade, the new flagship private terminal (FBO) builds upon the distinctive legacy of Al Bateen Executive Airport, the region’s only dedicated private jet airport.

Al Bateen Executive Airport, conveniently located with center-of-town road connectivity, provides rapid access to Abu Dhabi’s key financial, tourist and entertainment destinations.

Behind the terminal’s futuristic façade lies a personal oasis complete with lavish furnishing and finishes, synonymous with the Jetex brand. Guests traveling via Jetex Abu Dhabi will experience a sense of exclusivity and intimate privacy coupled with award-winning hospitality. With on-site immigration and customs support, the passenger experience is fast and smooth during both arrival and departure.

Commenting on the occasion, Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex, said: “The opening of Jetex Abu Dhabi marks a milestone for our brand and confirms our commitment to the region. We are especially excited to bring the Jetex experience to the UAE capital. We promise a regal welcome to this beautiful city for our international guests as well as to ensure that every need is anticipated, every wish is granted and every minute is memorable when you are with us at Jetex Abu Dhabi.”

Al Bateen Executive Airport is one of five airports managed and operated by Abu Dhabi Airports. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports said: “The renovation of the VVIP Terminal at Al Bateen further strengthens the luxury service offering to our passengers. We are committed to developing our aviation assets and delivering the highest quality service standards to our clients.”

Jetex Abu Dhabi will stimulate further growth and expansion of the private aviation sector in the capital of the UAE. The globally recognized brand will create additional value and offer new opportunities to UAE citizens, residents and international travelers.

In 2022, the expansion work was completed at the airport, which involved the resurfacing and widening of the existing 3.2km runway to accommodate widebody aircrafts, in addition to upgraded ground lighting, enhanced signage and landscape to meet the highest levels of safety, compliance and accreditation.

The secure apron and hangar parking facilities can accommodate up to 50 aircraft, offering a wide range of ground handling services.

With flagship presence in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Jetex further cements its leading position in the United Arab Emirates.