Friday, March 31, 2017

World Ski Awards to return to A-ROSA Kitzbühel for 2017 Gala Ceremony

World Ski Awards has revealed that the five star A-ROSA Kitzbühel will host its 2017 Gala Ceremony. The most prestigious awards programme in the ski tourism industry will return to the resort for the fifth consecutive year, for three action packed days of unrivalled networking events, dinners and exclusive ski experience activities.

World Ski Awards to return to A-ROSA Kitzbühel for 2017 Gala Ceremony

World Ski Awards has revealed that the five star A-ROSA Kitzbühel will host its 2017 Gala Ceremony. The most prestigious awards programme in the ski tourism industry will return to the resort for the fifth consecutive year, for three action packed days of unrivalled networking events, dinners and exclusive ski experience activities.

Peiris takes up senior marketing role with Hilton

Hilton has announced Sumindi Peiris will take up the role of vice president of global marketing, luxury and lifestyle brands. A senior marketing professional, Peiris brings more than 20 years of international experience to the role, where she will lead all luxury marketing, digital and public relations initiatives as well as oversee the strategic development of global positioning for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton.

Frasers Hospitality Group reveals Africa and Middle East expansion

Frasers Hospitality Group is expanding its global presence with eight new properties in the Middle East and Africa. The new properties will increase Frasers Hospitality Group’s global footprint to more than 1,500 units across both regions.

New leadership for Hotel du Vin Cheltenham

Hotel du Vin Cheltenham has welcomed Chris Thompson as general manager. Responsible for driving the business forward, Thompson will oversee the day to day operations of the hotel and the development of his team to ensure that the hotel continues to deliver the great food and wine coupled with faultless service it is known and loved for.

Ruzza takes over leadership of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island announced the appointment of Stefano Ruzza as the resort’s general manager. Ruzza will be responsible for overseeing all of the resort’s management, operations and business development to continue positioning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as one of the leading luxury resorts and brand of choice for travellers to the Maldives.

Ruzza takes over leadership of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island announced the appointment of Stefano Ruzza as the resort’s general manager. Ruzza will be responsible for overseeing all of the resort’s management, operations and business development to continue positioning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as one of the leading luxury resorts and brand of choice for travellers to the Maldives.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Marbella set to open next year

Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa and Nobu Hospitality are today unveiling exciting plans to launch the Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Marbella at the five-star resort’s exceptional location in southern Spain. Nobu Restaurant Marbella will launch in May 2017, and opening of Nobu Hotel Marbella will follow in spring 2018 at the luxurious Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa.

Avani Al Marjan Island set for Ras Al Khaimah opening in 2019

Minor Hotels has announced the signing of a management agreement for a new Avani property in the United Arab Emirates – Avani Al Marjan Island Ras Al Khaimah Resort. Al Marjan is a collection of four pristine man-made islands in Ras Al Khaimah, set against the backdrop of the Arabian Peninsula, only 30 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

AC Raleigh North Hills opens in North Carolina, US

Concord Hospitality has announced the opening of AC Raleigh North Hills, the first AC Hotels by Marriott property to open its doors in North Carolina. Concord and Kane Realty partnered together on the new 135-room hotel, one of 30 AC Hotels opening nationwide in the next 18 months.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Crowne Plaza Paris – Neuilly opens in France

InterContinental Hotels Group has welcomed the opening of Crowne Plaza Paris – Neuilly. Located in the prestigious residential neighbourhood of Neuilly, close to the American Hospital of Paris, the 281-guest room hotel is ideal for business travellers as it is close to La Défense, the city’s major business district.

Dorchester Collection prepares to welcome guests to Hotel Eden, Rome

In line with Dorchester Collection’s continuous investment in taking the luxury experience to new levels, April will sees the unveiling of Hotel Eden, the company’s iconic property in Rome. The reopening follows an extensive 18-month restoration.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

London Marriott Hotel Park Lane welcomes Davies as general manager

London Marriott Hotel Park Lane is has appointed Riddian Davies to the role of general manager. Housed within a Grade II listed property, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane epitomises Mayfair elegance, with views over Hyde Park, opulent guestroom accommodation and luxurious public areas befitting of the prestigious address.

Wyndham partners with Zeus for 20 south-eastern Europe properties

Wyndham Hotel Group and Zeus International, a Greek hotel management and consulting company, have announced plans to build upon their existing partnership with a new strategic development agreement.

Residence Inn by Marriott reveals plans for two London properties

Marriott International has announced the expansion of its extended-stay brand, Residence Inn by Marriott, with the signing of two new properties in London. With additional openings in Amsterdam and Aberdeen this year, Residence Inn expects to more than double its European portfolio in 2017.

Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum opens in Russia

Hilton today announced the opening of Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum, marking the debut of Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the northwest region of the Russian Federation. The new-build hotel is part of the ExpoForum Complex, which attracts more than 400 events per year including conferences, corporate functions, shows and sporting events.

Four Seasons opens The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida

From the moment it first opened its doors on New Year’s Eve 1930, The Surf Club in Miami has hosted history. It is an institution whose reputation looms large in the imagination of so many more people than can ever have visited it, let alone been members.

AccorHotels in talks to acquire Potel & Chabot stake

Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners and AccorHotels have entered into exclusive negotiations with the shareholders of Potel & Chabot to acquire the group’s entire share capital. By investing in the brand, Edmond de Rothschild and AccorHotels will respectively hold 51 per cent and 40 per cent of the share capital.

Mövenpick signs hotel & apartments in Muscat

Mövenpick is set to open its first hotel in Oman’s capital city, Muscat. Part of a design-led upscale mixed-used development, the Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Al Azaiba Muscat will capitalise on its prime location in Muscat’s commercial hub, the Ghala District, adjacent to the Sultan Qaboos Highway and close to the new international airport and Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Mövenpick signs hotel & apartments in Muscat

Mövenpick is set to open its first hotel in Oman’s capital city, Muscat. Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Al Azaiba Muscat will feature 274 guest rooms and suites and 50 serviced apartments.

Best Western unveils new hotel in Tokyo

The BEST WESTERN Tokyo Nishikasai Grande is set to open on April 1, 2017. Located between Tokyo Disneyland and the central districts of Marunouchi and Ginza, the 105 room hotel features a 24-hour business center, and Japanese and international cuisines served at the hotel’s restaurant

Friday, March 24, 2017

WATG unveils plans for Four Seasons Tianjin, China

WATG has unveiled the design for Four Seasons Tianjin, located in the heart of China’s fourth largest metropolis. Rising above the city’s central business district and steps away from the main retail area and historic quarter, the 210-metre tower and podium offer 259 hotel guest rooms, 90 residential units and 5,000 square-metres of retail space.

Williams to lead sales for Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa has announced the appointment of Willie Williams as director of sales and marketing, to start in April. Williams joins the Saxon after his six years as director of sales and marketing for Taj Cape Town.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Airbnb launches major China push with new brand name, Aibiying

Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky has announced a series of plans to better serve Chinese travellers, particularly millennials. Airbnb’s new brand name in China, Aibiying - or 爱彼迎 - translates as ‘welcome each other with love’ and reflects Airbnb’s mission.

World Travel Awards set for Latin America Ceremony at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

World Travel Awards will host its much anticipated Latin America Ceremony 2017 at the glittering Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in September. World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke said: “The Latin America Ceremony is always a highlight of the Grand Tour for World Travel Awards, and the team and I are excited to be bringing the event to the Mexican Riveria for the first time since 2009.  

Airbnb launches major China push with new brand name, Aibiying

Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky has announced a series of plans to better serve Chinese travellers, particularly millennials. Airbnb’s new brand name in China, Aibiying - or 爱彼迎 - translates as ‘welcome each other with love’ and reflects Airbnb’s mission.

Rudding Park Spa to open in May

Rudding Park has is coming to the end of a £9.5 million spa development, with a highly-anticipated opening in May. Rudding Park Spa will bring a world destination spa to the heart of Yorkshire for the very first time, as well as re-capturing Harrogate’s spa town heritage by drawing natural waters from the grounds of Harrogate’s leading luxury hotel.

Airbnb launches major China push with new brand name, Aibiying

Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky has announced a series of plans to better serve Chinese travellers, particularly millennials. Airbnb’s new brand name in China, Aibiying - or 爱彼迎 - translates as ‘welcome each other with love’ and reflects Airbnb’s mission.

Millennium Hotels completes $70m overhaul of ONE UN New York

Millennium Hotels & Resorts has completed a $70 million renovation to its North American flagship hotel, ONE UN New York, an iconic hotel situated at the heart of the International United Nations Headquarter enclave.

Dojlidko appointed head of legal at Rosewood

To support its robust global expansion, Rosewood Hotel Group has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Michael Dojlidko as senior vice president – general counsel and group head of legal.

Dojlidko appointed head of legal at Rosewood Hotel Group

To support its robust global expansion, Rosewood Hotel Group has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Michael Dojlidko as senior vice president – general counsel and group head of legal.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Hilton Linzhi Resort opens in Tibet

Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Linzhi Resort in Tibet. Hilton Linzhi Resort is the company’s first hotel in the region and home to Tibet’s first nine-hole golf course. Located between the Himalayas and Yarlung Zangbo River, Hilton Linzhi Resort sits atop 800 lush acres dotted with big flower peonies (Paeonia Ludlowii), a symbol of traditional Tibetan medicine.

World Travel Awards set for Latin America Ceremony at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

World Travel Awards will host its much anticipated Latin America Ceremony 2017 at the glittering Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in September. World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke said: “The Latin America Ceremony is always a highlight of the Grand Tour for World Travel Awards, and the team and I are excited to be bringing the event to the Mexican Riveria for the first time since 2009.  

Brazil to welcome Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

Blackstone has announced funds managed by its real estate business have agreed to acquire the Windsor Atlantica Hotel on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As part of the transaction, Blackstone has signed a management agreement with Hilton for this asset and following a period of transition plans to convert the hotel to the Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana.

New Hotel California coming to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s most anticipated luxury property, the Hotel Californian, has announced a summer 2017 opening. Nearing completion in the heart of Santa Barbara, the hotel is located adjacent to the city’s vibrant Funk Zone and steps from the Pacific Ocean and the Union Station.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

World Travel Awards set for Latin America Ceremony at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

World Travel Awards will host its much anticipated Latin America Ceremony 2017 at the glittering Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in September. World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke said: “The Latin America Ceremony is always a highlight of the Grand Tour for World Travel Awards, and the team and I are excited to be bringing the event to the Mexican Riveria for the first time since 2009.  

World Travel Awards set for Latin America Ceremony at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

World Travel Awards will host its much anticipated Latin America Ceremony 2017 at the glittering Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya on September 9th.

New management for 11 Cadogan Gardens, London

Cadogan has revealed management of 11 Cadogan Gardens, its prestigious boutique hotel in the heart of Chelsea, has been added to the portfolio of the owners of the award-winning luxury five red-star hotels Chewton Glen in Hampshire and Cliveden House in Berkshire.

Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai set to welcome first guests

Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai will bring a touch of the playful Viceroy LA vibe to the region and will mark the brand’s second property in the UAE. Designed by the innovative Yabu Pushelberg and NAO Taniyama and Associates, the 477-room beachfront resort is located at the base of the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina Skyline.

Generator adds new dining options to European portfolio

Generator is seeking to disrupt the European hostel market by bolstering its restaurant and bar offering. The design-led hostel brand has revealed the opening of three new bars and restaurants at its Paris, Hamburg and Copenhagen properties.

Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai set to welcome first quests

Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai will bring a touch of the playful Viceroy LA vibe to the region and will mark the brand’s second property in the UAE. Designed by the innovative Yabu Pushelberg and NAO Taniyama and Associates, the 477-room beachfront resort is located at the base of the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina Skyline.

Inkaterra unveils new conservation-focused property in Peruvian Amazon

Peruvian eco-tourism pioneer Inkaterra will open an Amazonian Inkaterra Guides Field Station to guests in June. Located in the Tambopata National Reserve, the property will offer travellers the opportunity to explore the rainforest and participate in various conservation projects, overseen by Inkaterra’s NGO, the Inkaterra Asociación.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Half Moon set for $75m renovation this summer

World-renowned Jamaican resort Half Moon has revealed it will undergo an extensive 18-month renovation, beginning in May 2017. This phase follows the 2015 refurbishment of the award-winning Sugar Mill Restaurant, resort lobby, Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course and the introduction of the popular Lester’s Café.

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, to open for summer season

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, will open for the summer season on April 1st, boasting brand new services. New fitness and wellness facilities, a butler service for every room category, a new partnership with Worldwide Kids and specially curated room packages will become available at the resort that overlooks the aptly named Paradise Bay.

Cape Verde takes place on tourism trail

For years Cape Verde has been considered one of holidaymakers’ best-kept secrets. However, the latest official figures from the National Statistics Institute in Cape Verde suggest that this won’t be the case for long, with the archipelago enjoying a 13.6 per cent increase in tourists in 2016 compared to the previous year.

Autograph Collection welcomes opening of The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya

Autograph Collection Hotels has today announced the opening of The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya, Autograph Collection, marking the brand’s debut in China. The hotel joins the Collection’s ensemble of more than 100 strikingly independent properties around the world that are exactly like nothing else and share the brand’s values of vision, design and craft.

Wyndham Garden Kuta Beach Bali opens to first guests

Wyndham Hotel Group is expanding its portfolio of offerings in Bali, with the launch of its upper-midscale brand, Wyndham Garden. The 155-room Wyndham Garden Kuta Beach Bali, previously known as The Kuta Playa Hotel & Villas, is the first Wyndham Garden hotel to open in south-east Asia after rebranding under a management agreement between PT Wyndham Hotel Management and PT Global Bali Investama.

San Domenico Palace Hotel reopens in Italy ahead of G7 summit

San Domenico Palace Hotel has reopened its doors following its acquisition by Italian real estate expert, Statuto Luxury Hotels, last year. The historic hotel is set to host a selection of the world’s political leaders during the upcoming G7 meeting in Taormina in May.

Best Western launches new ad campaign in UK

Best Western Great Britain will launch its latest campaign - Better Book Direct - today. The new marketing drive aims to highlight that consumers can get the lowest prices in the market by booking directly on the group’s website, via the call centre or directly with hotels.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Danks-Brown takes up sales role with Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa

Kirsty Danks-Brown has joined Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa as the new director of sales and marketing. With eleven years of experience in luxury hospitality and a proven track record in maximising business opportunities and exceeding profit targets, Danks-Brown’s wealth of knowledge and expertise will be a valuable asset to the Shangri-La brand.