In the ever-evolving world of global hospitality, where legacy brands jostle for market share and new entrants try to disrupt the status quo, few have managed to remain both grounded and agile. But Millennium Hotels and Resorts, a homegrown brand from Singapore, is doing exactly that — expanding with purpose and navigating a highly competitive landscape with speed, sustainability, and a deeply rooted commitment to excellence.

At the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2025, we had the opportunity to sit down with Saurabh Prakash, Global Interim Chief Operating Officer & Chief Commercial Officer, Millennium Hotels and Resorts. His insights painted a picture of a brand that’s not just surviving the post-pandemic world — but thriving in it.

From Humble Beginnings to a Global Network

Founded 30 years ago by Singaporean visionary Mr. Kwek Leng Beng, Millennium Hotels started with a single property in Singapore. Fast forward to 2025, the group now operates over 150 properties across the globe, spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

“It’s been a journey of three decades,” said Prakash. “We’re proud of where we started, but even more excited about where we’re going.”

Today, Millennium Hotels is one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands, especially in the Middle East, where the group operates more than 60 hotels — and growing. Its ability to compete in a saturated market of hospitality giants lies not just in its product, but in its people, pace, and principles.

Speed and Agility as Strategic Advantages

One of Millennium’s most distinctive traits, according to Prakash, is its nimbleness.

“We’re not a massive, bureaucratic machine,” he explained. “We can move fast. We make decisions quickly, and our commercial and sales teams are empowered to respond rapidly to market demands.”

This speed-to-market advantage allows Millennium to be proactive rather than reactive, particularly in fast-growing regions like the GCC, where market dynamics shift almost overnight.

In an industry where timing can mean the difference between success and stagnation, this agility gives Millennium a unique edge over much larger, slower-moving competitors.

Built on Sustainability, Backed by CDL

Beyond agility, one of Millennium’s strongest pillars is its commitment to sustainability — and this isn’t just branding. The hotel group is wholly owned by City Developments Limited (CDL), Singapore’s leading green real estate developer and one of Asia Pacific’s most recognized sustainability champions.

“Sustainability isn’t an add-on for us,” said Prakash. “It’s in our DNA, inherited from CDL. From energy-efficient buildings to zero-waste initiatives, we’re constantly innovating to make hospitality more responsible.”

Indeed, Millennium’s presence at ATM Dubai 2025 was set against the lush backdrop of their “Green Path” showcase, visually affirming their eco-forward ethos.

For investors and travelers alike, this focus on green growth isn’t just appealing — it’s becoming essential.

Middle East: The Fastest Growing Region

Millennium Hotels’ footprint in the Middle East is not just wide, but deep. With over 60 operational properties and a robust pipeline, the region represents one of the brand’s most strategic growth markets.

“Owners and developers in this region trust us,” Prakash emphasized. “They see that we’re reliable, performance-driven, and aligned with the region’s vision for luxury and sustainable tourism.”

With destinations like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Qatar’s expanding tourism blueprint, and UAE’s long-standing hospitality leadership, the Middle East is at the forefront of global hotel development — and Millennium is right in the mix.

Their success here isn’t just about occupancy and ADR. It’s about relationships, relevance, and resilience.

Technology Meets Tradition

In 2025, a hotel brand without a strong technology backbone risks falling behind. Fortunately, Millennium Hotels is embracing digital transformation while preserving the essence of human-centric hospitality.

From mobile check-ins and digital room keys to AI-driven guest personalization and energy management systems, the brand is streamlining operations while enhancing guest experiences.

But Prakash is clear: “Technology is an enabler, not a replacement. The warmth of a genuine smile at the front desk — that’s irreplaceable.”

This balance between digital innovation and emotional intelligence is shaping a new kind of luxury — one that is intuitive, seamless, and sincerely personal.

The Human Element

What struck us most during the interview was Prakash’s consistent return to people. Not systems, not profit, but people.

“Our guests remember how they were treated. Our partners remember how we supported them. That’s what builds a brand,” he said.

Millennium’s internal culture encourages local hiring, empowered teams, and a collaborative approach to growth. In regions like the Middle East, where cultural understanding is key, this mindset is not just smart — it’s essential.

30 Years of Excellence, and Just Getting Started

This year, Millennium Hotels celebrates its 30th anniversary — a milestone that reflects both longevity and legacy. But the brand is not resting on its laurels.

With new properties in the pipeline, renewed focus on experiential travel, and expansion into emerging markets, Millennium’s next chapter looks even more ambitious.

“We’re not here to be the biggest,” Prakash concluded. “We’re here to be the most trusted, the most adaptable, and the most sustainable hospitality brand in the world.”

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