In a landmark celebration, Mercure Hotels recently unveiled its 1,000th address worldwide at Mercure Dubai Deira last month. This flagship location introduced the innovative ‘1,000-Hours of Local Flavours,’ a 42-day culinary experience designed to showcase the rich tapestry of local food and beverages. This initiative underscores Mercure’s commitment to unveiling the authentic tastes of each destination.

Since its inception in 1973, Mercure has been a champion of wanderlust, inviting globetrotters to embrace their inner local in every corner of the world. With a footprint spanning 65 countries and boasting 1,000 distinctive addresses, Mercure is dedicated to enveloping guests in a tapestry of local charm while upholding the highest hospitality standards.

EMBRACING COMMUNITY THROUGH CUISINE: I was absolutely delighted to join the celebration at Mercure Dubai Deira for the grand occasion of their 1,000th hotel opening worldwide. With 1,000 locations under its belt, Mercure’s mid-scale brand truly excels in forging authentic connections to local cultures around the globe. The evening’s theme, ‘Discover Local Elements,’ set the stage for an exquisite culinary experience brimming with dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The standout moment for me was savouring the cinnamon-infused UAE rack of lamb, clay-cooked to perfection, delivering unmatched tenderness and flavour. For dessert, we indulged in a delicious pistachio honey cake — a refreshing take on the beloved pistachio chocolate trend. To heighten the excitement, we got a sneak peek at the  ‘1,000 Local Flavours’ menu, launched on 1st November and delighting taste buds for 42 days. A highlight was the desert salad, featuring the iconic ghaf leaves of the UAE, a beautiful homage to local culture and heritage. This gathering not only celebrated Mercure’s unwavering commitment to showcasing local flavours but also strengthened community connections in a vibrant and fulfilling way. Paul Stevens, the chief operating wizard at Accor for the premium, midscale, and economy realms across the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, exclaimed, “Hitting the 1,000-address mark isn’t just a number; it’s a vibrant badge of Mercure’s unwavering commitment to authentic, locally-inspired hospitality around the globe! The “1,000-Hours of Local Flavours” is a delightful dive into cultural richness and community bonds, whisking guests away on a culinary adventure that truly captures the heart and soul of each destination. And the excitement doesn’t stop there — Mercure is rolling out the welcome mat for over 200 new hotels by 2028!”

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY REDEFINED: Julia Schamne, cluster general manager, has truly transformed Mercure Dubai Deira into a beacon of sustainability since its January opening. With an unwavering commitment to eco-friendly practices, the hotel has embraced compostable materials, bid farewell to plastics, and ensures guests enjoy unlimited, filtered water right in their rooms. The garden-to-table concept in the main restaurant beautifully showcases partnerships with local suppliers, including Hatta’s Honeybee Farm, emphasising our dedication to sustainability. Nearly half of the menu is dedicated to delightful plant-based options, underlining our focus on health and environmental care. Moreover, Mercure’s diverse team, representing 31 nationalities, embodies the ‘heartist’ spirit, highlighted by strong female leadership in critical roles such as HR and rooms management. The changes instigated under Julia’s guidance reflect a holistic approach to hospitality, integrating sustainability and inclusivity at every level.

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN FUTURE AHEAD: Having learned about the hotel’s future plans, I am truly excited about what lies ahead! The focus remains firmly on members, ensuring their needs are never overlooked. “The fantastic feedback we’ve received from our loyal Accor members speaks volumes about our robust loyalty programme. In fact, we rank among the top contributors in terms of member stays and direct bookings, thanks to Mercure’s well-recognised and widespread brand. As one of the largest and fastest-growing mid-scale brands, we thrive on strong storytelling and high standards. Looking forward, we’re committed to enhancing our personalised approach for members, providing them with dedicated attention and individual spaces,” shares Julia Schamne. Accor is also eager to increase their community contributions, which is essential for them as a group. Additionally, they are exploring ways to deepen their involvement in charity work, allowing them to give back in significant ways. Their vision is to become the go-to spot for the community, whether it’s for a cosy cup of coffee or laundry services. They want to be a place where neighbours can comfortably connect to Wi-Fi or hold quick meetings. Ultimately, the goal is to be the neighbourhood hub where everyone feels at home, capturing the essence of ‘Discover Local’ for the community.

— Awarded the “Best food writer in the country” by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the Ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel