World Travel Awards touches down in Shanghai, China

World Travel Awards has touched down in Shanghai, China, ahead of the Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2017. The prestigious event will take place in China’s commercial capital at the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai on Sunday, June 4th.

AHIF 2017: Hotel development in Africa keeps on growing

Hotel development activity in Africa is still rising in the face of the continent’s economic problems, showing a 13 per cent increase in 2017, according to the annual survey by W Hospitality Group.

AHIF 2017: Hotel development in Africa keeps on growing

Hotel development activity in Africa is still rising in the face of the continent’s economic problems, showing a 13 per cent increase in 2017, according to the annual survey by W Hospitality Group.

Karma Group moves into Soho with Sanctum deal

Karma Group has purchased an equity stake in the Sanctum Hospitality Group. Following the deal, the Sanctum Soho, one of the West End of London’s finest hotels, will be rebranded as Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel.

Glittering gala welcomes The Bodrum by Paramount Hotels & Resorts

The Bodrum by Paramount Hotels & Resorts has celebrated its opening with a glamorous gala. The event was attended by a select group of high profile invitees from all over the world, including Hollywood star Nicole Kidman.

Dubai International welcomes first sleep ‘n’ fly lounge

Passengers flying through Terminal 3 at Dubai International now have more options to get some rest with the launch of the sleep ‘n’ fly lounge, offering a total of 27 pods and cabins. Scandinavian-designed for comfort and style, DXB’s new sleep lounge features 20 state-of-the-art ‘igloo’ sleep pods, plus seven premium double cabins with pull-out children’s beds.

AHIF 2017: Hotel development in Africa keeps on growing

Hotel development activity in Africa is still rising in the face of the continent’s economic problems, showing a 13 per cent increase in 2017, according to the annual survey by W Hospitality Group.

Glittering gala welcomes The Bordum by Paramount Hotels & Resorts

The Bordum by Paramount Hotels & Resorts has celebrated its opening with a glamorous gala. The event was attended by a select group of high profile invitees from all over the world, including Hollywood star Nicole Kidman.

International Jazz Sunday Brunch headed for Fairmont St Andrews

Fairmont St Andrews will launch a summer International Jazz Sunday Brunch on June 4th. Available every Sunday until August 27th, this Summer of Gastronomy will serve globally inspired dishes created by their team of international chefs using locally sourced ingredients.

Aloft Perth takes brand into Australia for first time

Marriott International has announced the official opening of the design-led Aloft Perth Hotel, the first Aloft to open in Australia.

Family connection: Dual Faull promotions at Swiss-Belhotel International

Global hotel management group Swiss-Belhotel International has promoted two executive directors – Oliver Faull and Edward Faull – as part of its continuing expansion. Both already hold senior executive positions within the group and, along with their brother Matthew Faull, also hold equity interest in Swiss-Belhotel International.

Tangla Hotel Brussels opens to guests

Chinese investment group HNA has opened its first European property, the high-end Oriental-designed Tangla Hotel Brussels. Like the rivers flowing from the Tanggula Mountains, Tangla Hotel Brussels brings serenity to its guests.

Conrad Guangzhou expands Hilton presence in China

Conrad Hotels & Resorts has welcomed the first guests to the new Conrad Guangzhou, the seventh Conrad property to debut in Greater China.

Kochs takes over leadership of Corinthia Hotel London

Corinthia Hotel London has announced the appointment of leading hotelier, Thomas Kochs, as its managing director. Kochs will be responsible for managing Corinthia hotel’s flagship property which opened its doors on Whitehall Place in 2011.

Meliá Shanghai Hongqiao set to debut in China

Meliá Shanghai Hongqiao will make its debut as the brand’s flagship property in China opening this month. Located just minutes from Shanghai’s National Exhibition & Convention Centre, the luxury urban hotel is Meliá Hotels International’s third property in China.

Dugan appointed executive chef at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

James Dugan has been appointed executive chef at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, bringing with him a wealth of culinary experience from a career within the luxury hospitality sector spanning 24 years.

Meliá Shanghai Hongqiao set to debut in China

Meliá Shanghai Hongqiao will make its debut as the brand’s flagship property in China opening this month. Located just minutes from Shanghai’s National Exhibition & Convention Centre, the luxury urban hotel is Meliá Hotels International’s third property in China.

de la Porte du Theil appointed general manager of Dukes Dubai

Tristan de la Porte du Theil has been appointed general manager of the newly opened Dukes Dubai and residences on the Palm Jumeirah. de la Porte du Theil joins the five-star hotel from Tonino Lamborghini Hotels & Resorts in China.

de la Porte du Theil appointed general manager of Dukes Dubai

Tristan de la Porte du Theil has been appointed general manager of the newly opened Dukes Dubai and residences on the Palm Jumeirah. de la Porte du Theil joins the five-star hotel from Tonino Lamborghini Hotels & Resorts in China.

NCL celebrates keel laying ceremony for Norwegian Bliss in Germany

Norwegian Cruise Line and Meyer Werft have celebrated the keel laying of Norwegian Bliss at the yard’s state of the art facility in Papenburg, Germany. During the ceremony, one of the keel blocks of the 167,800 gross ton vessel was lifted into the covered building hall, signifying a major milestone in the ship’s construction.

Alila Hotels welcomes Alila Yangshuo to Chinese hospitality

Alila Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its second property in China, Alila Yangshuo. Set among the Karst Mountains, rolling green hills and meandering rivers, Alila Yangshuo will open in July 2017. 

NCL celebrates keel laying ceremony for Norwegian Bliss in Germany

Norwegian Cruise Line and Meyer Werft have celebrated the keel laying of Norwegian Bliss at the yard’s state of the art facility in Papenburg, Germany. During the ceremony, one of the keel blocks of the 167,800 gross ton vessel was lifted into the covered building hall, signifying a major milestone in the ship’s construction.

BollAnts Spa Im Park appoints Lemongrass Marketing

Lemongrass Marketing has been appointed by BollAnts Spa Im Park as their PR representative in the UK and Ireland. Lemongrass will be responsible for promoting the unique wellness and health retreat in the heart of the Naheland region near Bad Sobernheim, just an hour outside of Frankfurt with immediate effect.

NCL celebrates keel laying ceremony for Norwegian Bliss in Germany

Norwegian Cruise Line and Meyer Werft have celebrated the keel laying of Norwegian Bliss at the yard’s state of the art facility in Papenburg, Germany. During the ceremony, one of the keel blocks of the 167,800 gross ton vessel was lifted into the covered building hall, signifying a major milestone in the ship’s construction.

Virgin Holidays debuts Balmoral in Orlando, Florida

Virgin Holidays has opened Balmoral, a new suburban-style holiday property in Orlando, Florida. The development comprises of a selection of three, four, five and six-bedroom properties each featuring a unique look and design.

Savage takes over as food & beverage director at Blakes Hotel, London

Blakes Hotel has announced the appointment of Markus Savage as food and beverage director.

Savage takes over as food & beverage director at Blakes Hotel, London

Blakes Hotel has announced the appointment of Markus Savage as food and beverage director. Savage will oversee all of the food and beverage operations at the South Kensington establishment, encompassing the recently re-launched Blakes Restaurant and underground bar, Blakes Below, as well as the newly designed courtyard, The Garden at Blakes.

Espa at Lucknam Park launches in UK

Lucknam Park, Bath has re-launched its spa, in partnership with Espa. Espa at Lucknam Park will be one of only three Espa branded spas in the UK. 

Chelsea Harbour Hotel partners with Whittard of Chelsea for new afternoon tea

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel is partnering with world-famous British tea brand Whittard of Chelsea to create a special Whittard Afternoon Tea, bringing the popular tea specialist back to its original home.

Expedia to offer Cuban properties through global platforms

Expedia has announced travellers can now book hotels in Cuba on its global points of sale. The destination continues to generate interest as a hot destination among traveller; its ministry of tourism reported more than four million foreign visitors in 2016, with the biggest increase in visitor numbers from the US.

Chelsea Harbour Hotel partners with Whittard of Chelsea for new afternoon tea

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel is partnering with world-famous British tea brand Whittard of Chelsea to create a special Whittard Afternoon Tea, bringing the popular tea specialist back to its original home.

Dusit International signs with Dossen for DusitPrincess expansion in China

Thailand-based hospitality company Dusit International has signed a strategic partnership with Dossen International Group to operate DusitPrincess resorts in China. Dossen is one of the fastest growing hotel groups in China.

The Wick to join Marriott Tribute portfolio this year

Marriott International has announced the signing and ground-breaking of The Wick as part of Tribute Portfolio, the company’s newest brand of independent hotels around the world.

Belmond to acquire Cap Juluca in Anguilla, British West Indies

Belmond has signed agreements to acquire Cap Juluca, a luxury beach resort on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, British West Indies. The addition of the elegant, 96-room resort marks an important milestone in the strategic development of the Belmond brand, which is committed to doubling the size of its portfolio by 2020.

Chien takes up leadership of Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel

Jumeirah Group has appointed Winston Chien to the role of general manager at Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, a landmark property set in Shanghai’s Pudong District.

Martell appointed chief executive at Onyx Hospitality

Onyx Hospitality Group has announced the appointment of Douglas Martell as chief executive officer. Previously the executive vice president of the hotel company, Martell succeeds Peter Henley who will retire after successfully leading the company’s multi-brand and pan-regional expansion over a period of nine years.

Poungvarin to lead Centara Kata Resort Phuket

Centara Hotels & Resorts announced the latest movement of its management executive team with the transfer of Veerapol Poungvarin, former resort manager at Centara Chaan Talay Resorts & Villas, to be the new resort manager of Centara Kata Resort Phuket.

The Ritz-Carlton, Zanzibar, under development for 2021 opening

Marriott International has announced the signing of an agreement with Pennyroyal Gibraltar to debut The Ritz-Carlton brand in the exotic Zanzibar Archipelago.

Flamingo Las Vegas set for $90m accommodation overhaul

Caesars Entertainment will undertake a $90 million renovation of 1,270 rooms at Flamingo Las Vegas. The renovation will begin in late August 2017, with the first guest arrivals expected in November 2017, and final completion of all rooms expected in the second quarter of 2018.

Legend Hospitality Group signs three new management contracts

Legend Hospitality Group has expanded its property portfolio, extended its reach and its product offering with the acquisition and management of three new properties. Now offered by the brand are Brennaissance Wine & Stud Estate in Stellenbosch, Montpellier Wine Estate in Tulbagh and Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa at the Kruger National Phalaborwa Gate.

Kimpton De Witt opens to first guests in Amsterdam

InterContinental Hotels Group has opened the doors to the highly anticipated Kimpton De Witt. The unveiling of the hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, marks the first Kimpton in Europe and outside of the Americas.

Best Western opens upscale hotel in Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a new upscale hotel in Malaysia’s popular and scenic Genting Highlands. The brand new Best Western Premier Ion Delemen is nestled in the lush jungle-clad hills of Pahang state, the centre of the Malay Peninsula.

Centara opens first hotel in Middle East

Centara Hotels & Resorts continues to expand internationally with the opening of a four-star, 152-room hotel in Muscat. The property becomes its fifth hotel outside Thailand and first of three planned for the Middle East.

Avani Hotels to debut in New Zealand with Auckland property

Avani Hotels & Resorts has announced the acquisition of the Metro Suites business in Auckland, New Zealand. In a deal worth over NZD11 million, the Metro Suites business currently operates in the luxury 40-storey tower and will be transformed through a major room refurbishment programme.

La Manga Club welcomes European Cricket Performance Centre

Leading figures from the cricket world headed to Spain’s La Manga Club this week for the official opening of the resort’s new European Cricket Performance Centre – the first of its kind in Europe.

Hoen to lead Outrigger properties in Hawaii

Outrigger Enterprises has announced Kelly Hoen has been appointed the area general manager for the brand’s two iconic properties in Waikiki – Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

Dusit International to launch first Nepal property in Himalayas

Thailand-based Dusit International has signed a management agreement with Omstone Asia Capital Nepal to operate Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort & Spa. When complete it will be the first Dusit-branded property in Nepal.

Galle Face Hotel to welcome new L’Occitane spa

More than 153 years after first opening its doors, one of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, The Galle Face Hotel, is preparing to cut the ribbon on a new L’Occitane spa. The new location pays tribute to the property’s glamorous association with Hollywood over the decades.

The Trafalgar St. James prepares to open in London this autumn

The Trafalgar St. James has begun a complete refurbishment as it prepares to open in London for early autumn 2017. This iconic Trafalgar Square hotel is set to become one of the hottest hotels in London with a major emphasis on making it a destination for Londoners - a place where people who live and work in the city want to be as well as visitors from overseas.

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas offers digital wellness escape package

Amid the glitz and glamour of the strip, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas stands out as a true oasis of calm and relaxation. As a response to the overwhelming desire to disconnect from constant digital connectivity, the hotel has introduced the Digital Wellness Escape package.