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Kempinski Hotels Guest Experience Elevated with New Leadership

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New product and experience leadership team at Kempinski Hotels, appointed to elevate guest experience in wellness, gastronomy, and travel.

New Leadership to Transform Wellness, Experiences and culinary

Geneva – Kempinski Hotels has announced strategic appointments designed to transform the Kempinski Hotels guest experience across its global portfolio. The group named three new Vice Presidents – Kristian Toivanen, Aurelia van Lynden, and Dan Clayton – to its newly formed product and experience team. Reporting to Chief Product & Experience Officer Rasha Lababidi, the trio will oversee wellness and spa, destination experiences, and gastronomy concepts. Together, they will enhance how guests connect with each property, blending creativity with flawless execution.

Wellness Appointments Strengthen Kempinski Hotels Guest Experience

Kristian Toivanen, the new Vice President of Wellness & Spa, brings decades of experience from luxury icons such as The Savoy and Claridge’s in London. Moreover, his leadership in global longevity and wellness resorts positions Kempinski Hotels at the forefront of a growing travel segment. As a result, wellness becomes more than a service—it becomes a defining element of the Kempinski Hotels guest experience.

Enriching Destination Experiences

Appointed Vice President of Experiences, Aurelia van Lynden joins with over 13 years of expertise in luxury travel. She previously worked at Abercrombie & Kent and held senior roles at Perowne International and Pelorus. Importantly, her work in curating bespoke experiences for ultra-high-net-worth travelers ensures that Kempinski Hotels can deliver memorable journeys rooted in authenticity. Transitioning from design to execution, she will oversee cultural immersion, adventure, and community-driven experiences.

Driving Culinary Innovation

Dan Clayton steps in as Vice President of Food and Beverage & Hospitality. His expertise in culinary storytelling, placemaking, and strategy—along with his role as founder of the well-known culinary platform FoodSheikh—strengthens Kempinski’s gastronomy vision. As dining continues to define travel memories, his leadership will shape restaurants, bars, and rituals that set Kempinski apart in competitive markets.

Aligning with Global Luxury Hospitality Trends

The global luxury hospitality market, valued at more than US$166 billion in 2025, is evolving rapidly. Travellers are now prioritizing wellness, cultural immersion, and authenticity over traditional amenities. Kempinski’s latest appointments directly align with these trends, ensuring the group remains at the forefront of experiential luxury.

Redefining the Luxury Hospitality Standard

The global luxury hospitality market, valued at over US$166 billion in 2025, is evolving rapidly. Travelers increasingly seek wellness, authentic culture, and elevated gastronomy instead of traditional amenities. With these appointments, Kempinski Hotels is redefining the guest journey by combining local character, personalization, and modern luxury. This commitment ensures the brand remains a leader in meaningful and innovative experiences.

Check out our previous post on Alba Japanese Dubai : Street Style Flavours at Your Doorstep

Hospitality

AT.MOSPHERE AT BURJ KHALIFA: FOUR MOMENTS, ABOVE THE ORDINARY

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At At.mosphere, guests are welcomed to one of the city’s most coveted tables. High within the Burj Khalifa, dining takes on a rare stillness, with Dubai unfolding far below and the horizon dissolving into sky, creating a sense of scale that feels almost otherworldly.

At AED 155, the day moves through four distinct moments from morning to evening. No matter the hour, there’s a moment that fits.

Sunrise in the Sky – Breakfast
A slow start above the city with two organic eggs your style or fluffy pancakes with raspberry jam and vanilla Chantilly, alongside coffee as Dubai wakes beneath you.
Time: 8:00 am to 11:30 am

Business Lunch
A midday selection featuring roasted sea bream with black Venere rice or slow-cooked beef cheek with potato purée, finishing on something light.
Time: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Afternoon Tea
Delicate sandwiches, warm English scones with jam and artisanal cream, and classic pastries served as the light shifts across the skyline.
Time: 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Golden Hour – Cocktails and Bites
Golden hour takes over with signature cocktails, curated bites, and a skyline that naturally draws you in.
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

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Hospitality

BAVARIAN-ARAB SOCIETY OPENS OFFICE AT MUNICH AIRPORT

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With the opening of its office at Munich Airport, the Bavarian-Arab Society is creating a one-of-a-kind contact point for Arab travelers right at the airport. The initiative aims to build a lasting bridge between Bavaria and the Arab world, as well as enhance the passenger experience for guests from this region by making it more personalized, comfortable, and culturally sensitive.

The society sees itself as a point of contact and an active mediator among passengers, airlines, the airport operator, the region, and business and tourism partners. Its approach is holistically aligned with the entire travel chain – from the moment passengers arrive at the airport through their stay in Munich and Bavaria.

Its services include, among other things, personal assistance for Arab guests at the airport, the promotion of cultural understanding, and the development of tailored service offerings such as “Meet & Assist.” The Bavarian-Arab Society works closely with Arab airline representatives and consulates to identify their needs and wishes, translating them into concrete improvements or further optimizing existing offerings.

The close connection between the society and Munich Airport, as well as the strategic importance of the Arab market, is also evident in the leadership structure at the highest level. Dr. Jan-Henrik Andersson, Munich Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Security Officer, is also the Bavarian-Arab Society’s president. Andersson and the society’s Vice President, Youssef El Aobaidi, will work together to ensure the continued success of the Bavarian-Arab Association.

Dr. Jan-Henrik Andersson said, “The opening of our new office sends a clear message: Arab guests are warmly welcomed at Munich Airport. This spirit of hospitality should be experienced throughout the entire customer journey, not just in isolated instances.”

The new office opened almost simultaneously with the recently inaugurated Terminal 1 Pier, which is specifically tailored to the needs of Arab travelers with high-quality retail and dining options – including halal-friendly choices and prayer rooms.

“The vision of the Bavarian-Arab Society is to create a vibrant platform for intercultural dialogue and economic exchange, and to strengthen Munich and Bavaria’s appeal as destinations for Arab travelers,” explains Metin Ülker, General Manager of the Bavarian-Arab Society.

With this opening, Munich Airport is signaling its commitment to internationalism, genuine hospitality, and its position as a cosmopolitan, service-oriented hub.

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Hospitality

VAPIANO INTRODUCES BREAKFAST FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY ACROSS UAE OUTLETS

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Vapiano is set to introduce breakfast for the first time in its history across its UAE outlets, marking an exciting new chapter for the international dining brand. The new Vapiano Breakfast Menu has been created to bring a fresh, social, and relaxed international lifestyle experience to the morning dining scene, offering guests a new way to begin their day with freshly prepared dishes, premium ingredients, and world-class Illy coffee.

Owned and operated in the UAE by Al Ahlia Group, Al Ahlia General Trading Company PVT LTD, which was conceived and established in 1979 by a group of prominent UAE Nationals, Vapiano continues to strengthen its presence in the country’s evolving food and beverage landscape.

Known for its fresh ingredients, casual dining atmosphere, and made-to-order culinary experience, Vapiano is now extending its offering into breakfast with a menu designed to appeal to today’s evolving dining preferences. The new breakfast selection has been created to bring together comfort, freshness, convenience, and flavour, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed breakfast experience whether they are starting their workday, meeting friends, taking a slow morning break, or enjoying a weekend gathering.

The launch is especially significant as it represents the first Vapiano Breakfast Menu to be introduced anywhere in the world, with the UAE selected as the pioneering market for this new chapter in the brand’s journey. This global first reflects the UAE’s dynamic dining culture, its appetite for fresh culinary experiences, and its position as a leading market for innovation in the food and beverage sector.

The new breakfast menu features a wide variety of dishes created for different tastes and morning moods. Guests can enjoy wholesome bowls, warm croissant-based favourites, egg dishes, sourdough options, fresh juices, smoothies, coffee, and tea.

The menu also includes comforting favourites such as Classic Omelette and Shakshuka, served on Vapiano’s baked sourdough pizza base. For guests looking for lighter and refreshing options, the menu offers the House Granola Acai Bowl, Mango Chia Pot, and Feel-Good Bowl, alongside freshly squeezed juices and a selection of coffee and tea options.

With the introduction of breakfast, Vapiano aims to become a new morning destination for guests seeking quality, freshness, and a warm social setting. The menu has been designed not only as a food offering, but as a complete morning experience – one that encourages guests to gather, connect, share, and enjoy a different side of Vapiano.

“Breakfast is one of the most important moments of the day, and we are excited to bring the Vapiano experience into this occasion for the very first time,” said Ilenia Alba, Head of Operation. “Launching the first Vapiano Breakfast Menu worldwide in the UAE is a proud milestone for us. This market has always embraced fresh ideas and new dining experiences, making it the perfect place to introduce our breakfast concept. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy good mornings, fresh flavours, and memorable moments at Vapiano.”

The introduction of Vapiano Breakfast also responds to a growing demand for morning dining experiences that are casual, social, and high quality. With more guests looking for places that offer both convenience and atmosphere, Vapiano’s breakfast menu creates a new opportunity for people to enjoy the brand earlier in the day.

The Vapiano Breakfast Menu will be available from May 20 across Vapiano UAE outlets at Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, Bawadi Mall Al Ain, Palm Jumeirah Mall, City Centre Al Zahia, City Centre Deira, and Al Jimi Mall.

For more information, guests can follow @VapianoUAE on social media.


About Vapiano

Vapiano is an international restaurant brand known for its relaxed atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and made-to-order dining experience. With a menu inspired by Italian flavours and a casual social setting, Vapiano brings people together over fresh food, warm hospitality, and memorable dining moments.

In the UAE, Vapiano is owned and operated by Al Ahlia Group, Al Ahlia General Trading Company PVT LTD, which was conceived and established in 1979 by a group of prominent UAE Nationals.

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