(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with KGA International Trades Private Limited to open Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery in Kerala by early 2027. It will be the city’s first internationally branded hotel and part of the under-construction KGA Mall. The hotel will offer 90 rooms and an array of facilities… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) ICE! is returning to six Gaylord and JW Marriott resorts this holiday season, presenting a colossal ice-carving exhibit with over two million pounds of ice sculpted into classic Christmas scenes. Kept at a crisp nine degrees Fahrenheit and spanning some 20,000 square feet per venue, the walk-through attraction includes two-story ice slides, thermal parkas,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Golden Group Holding to launch voco Al Mouj Muscat, a 251‑key beachfront resort set to open in Q4 2025—the first voco property in Oman. Located in the upscale Al Mouj Muscat waterfront district, the resort offers easy airport access and proximity to cultural landmarks. As IHG’s fastest‑growing premium brand,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Royal Buildspace LLP to launch Garner Kutch in Gujarat in early 2026, marking the third Garner brand signing in India since its IMEA debut. Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion offering, focuses on reliable comfort, flexible spaces, and local touches for value-driven travellers. The 40‑room… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Holiday Inn Express’s new research identifies two concert‑goer personas—“Fresh” (Gen Z) and “Fried” (Millennials)—highlighting how each generation preps for, endures, and recovers from live music events. While Millennials dive deep into nostalgia-fueled nights and wake up feeling “fried,” Gen Z balances excitement with self‑care to stay “fresh.” To support both styles, Holiday Inn Express and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the first in Japan, showcases architect André Fu’s innovative fusion of Art Deco heritage and Japanese craftsmanship. The design integrates Osaka’s historical and modern elements—from a pavilion‑style arrival and monumental art installations to a sky‑high Pavilion lounge and a lantern‑lit rotunda. Dining venues—including Peacock Alley, Canes & Tales, and Jolie… Read the full news article
Luxury hospitality brand showcases marquee 2025 events—and exactly where to check in for front‑row memories (IN SHORT) Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is capitalizing on a surge in event-driven travel—60% of travellers plan to build 2025 trips around entertainment and sports, according to American Express. The brand highlights five global experiences and corresponding properties designed for… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a 15th‑century palazzo in Venice’s Cannaregio district, is now accepting reservations for 47 accommodations—29 rooms, 16 suites (six Signature) and two Orient Express Apartments—ranging from 30 to 148 square meters. Built in 1436 under architect Filippo Calendario and once on the original Orient Express route to Constantinople, the… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Rocco Forte Hotels has introduced the Musical Room Service, an in-suite dining and live performance experience available in Signature Suites across its city hotels. The program teams each property with local cultural institutions—opera houses, theatres, universities and renowned musicians—to deliver bespoke concerts ranging from operatic arias and Scottish bagpipes to jazz trios and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has appointed Cristian Nannucci—an accomplished executive with 30+ years of global hospitality experience—to spearhead the pre‑opening and launch of the Tivoli La Vie Muscat Hotel in Q1 2026. Located in Muscat’s new LA VIE district, the 79‑room hotel and 100 branded residences will feature an Anantara Spa, SEEN Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, diverse dining… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Travelport has accelerated its Travelport+ platform’s air search speed to 0.84 seconds—23% faster—despite a 200% increase in search volume since 2023. Enhanced booking capabilities and integrations like Content Optimizer and Productivity Automator provide travel agents with streamlined workflows and greater upsell potential. Independent research by Dynata and user feedback on G2.com rank Travelport+… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) To honor its 50th anniversary in Greater China, IHG Hotels & Resorts has deepened its partnership with Hainan Airlines through “Where Dreams Bloom, Journey to the Oasis.” Highlights include a tranquil co‑branded “Garden Oasis” lounge at Shanghai Pudong Airport; two new business‑class menus (“Flavours of Suzhou and Hainan” and CHAR Bar & Grill’s “Grilled & Gliding”); a branded “IHG… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Niyama Private Islands Maldives introduces THIS IS NIYAMA, a comprehensive resort overhaul that enhances luxury, design, and guest choice across its two isles. Villas feature lighter décor, custom furnishings, and high‑tech comforts—beach retreats glow with sunset tones and one‑touch amenities; overwater bungalows blend sky and sea with floor‑to‑ceiling windows and outdoor bathing. Dining experiences expand… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Elewana Collection’s recent renovations at Elsa’s Kopje Meru and Elephant Pepper Camp enhance comfort, design, and culinary innovation while honoring each property’s conservation legacy. At Elsa’s Kopje, guest suites now feature bespoke furnishings, Nero‑finished floors, refreshed pools, a new sundowner deck, outdoor cinema, and expanded spa, alongside menus celebrating Kenyan ingredients. Elephant Pepper… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The Cambria Hotel Boston Downtown Seaport has opened two new culinary venues: The Essex Restaurant and the Essex Rooftop. The rooftop—Boston’s largest publicly accessible rooftop—offers panoramic views alongside chef-driven small plates and creative cocktails, transitioning effortlessly from daytime lounging to evening gatherings. The adjacent Essex Restaurant serves a seasonally focused menu that combines… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) MO Bar on the 79th floor of Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, has earned 21st place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, achieving three “firsts” for Mainland China hotel bars and marking Shenzhen’s inaugural presence on the list. Since its 2022 debut, MO Bar has impressed with culturally inspired cocktail collections—Movable Type and Colours of… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Marriott Bonvoy Week at Starbucks (July 21–27, 2025) offers linked‑account holders the opportunity to earn up to 100 Bonvoy points through three qualifying Starbucks visits. These points can be redeemed—starting July 29—for an intimate concert with rising star Alex Warren at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in New York City on September 27. Marriott Bonvoy Moments will… Read the full news article
Bawe island, Zanzibar, 2025-Jul-16 — /Travel PR News/ — Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection celebrated its first anniversary in style, winning the prestigious title of “Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025” at the World Travel Awards, reaffirming its role as a key player in the high-end hospitality landscape. Launched in July 2024, Bawe Island has… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has forged a 10‑year strategic alliance with India’s Cygnett Hotels & Resorts to introduce La Quinta by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The partnership aims to open over 60 properties by 2035, with the first planned in late 2026. An exclusive deal will establish 50+ La Quinta upper‑midscale hotels, while… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Leeny Oberg, Marriott’s CFO since 2016 and EVP of Development since 2023, will retire on March 31, 2026, after a 26‑year career marked by the Starwood integration, pandemic management, and strategic portfolio growth. Jen Mason, a 33‑year Marriott executive and current Global Treasurer, will become CFO, while Shawn Hill, who has overseen Asia Pacific Excluding China’s expansion, will… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The Luxury Group by Marriott International is rolling out the Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 in Bali, the Maldives, and Goa, responding to a trend where 90 percent of high‑net‑worth travelers prioritize wellness in their luxury stays. Each participating property—Mandapa (Bali), The Ritz‑Carlton Maldives Fari Islands, and The St. Regis Goa Resort—offers curated programs across three… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Marriott International and FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS LTDA have signed a multi‑unit development deal to open seven City Express by Marriott hotels in Northeast Brazil, part of a 15‑year plan to establish 30 properties across the region. The announcement, made at a ceremony in Porto de Galinhas, extends the brand’s rapid growth in the CALA… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts will serve as the Official Hotel Partner for Soccer7sSeries when the three‑day seven‑a‑side football tournament takes place in Singapore from July 25 to 27, 2025. The event brings together Men’s Open, Women’s U21/academy teams and Legends in a Masters competition, featuring clubs from major football nations. IHG will host participants and fans across… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts and partner Nhance are launching voco The Club – Dublin Gateway, the network’s tenth property in Ireland, with full rebranding by summer 2025. Located on a 12‑acre estate in County Kildare, the 50‑room hotel offers scenic views of horse‑grazing fields, a brasserie‑style restaurant, outdoor spa, multiple meeting venues, and ample parking. The site benefits… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts and FET SYSTEM INC. will convert two existing properties into ANA Holiday Inns in 2026, introducing the first internationally branded hotels in Sanda and Tosu City. The 130‑room Kobe Sanda hotel and 126‑room Tosu hotel will undergo major refurbishments and adopt Holiday Inn’s Open Lobby concept. This move aligns with… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Hilton has signed Spark by Hilton Ponce, the inaugural Caribbean and Latin America outpost for its premium‑economy Spark brand, scheduled to open in late 2025. Owned by Ponce Resorts Inc. and managed by HI Development P.R. Corp., the 120‑room hotel will feature meeting facilities, a breakfast lounge, and an outdoor pool, with in‑room… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort Hualālai has named native Hawaiian Renson Madarang as Cultural Manager, entrusting him with the resort’s heritage programming and the Ka’ūpūlehu Cultural Center. Madarang’s responsibilities include curating interactive exhibits and classes—such as lei making, ʻukulele lessons, hula, and Hawaiian chant—and facilitating elders’ storytelling sessions. With qualifications in music, traditional weaving, featherwork,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Keystone Resorts have opened Fairmont Udaipur Palace, an 18-acre luxury resort in the Aravali Hills of Udaipur that fuses historic Rajputana design with modern amenities. The property comprises 327 rooms and suites across three wings—Sun, Moon, and Fire Palaces—featuring handcrafted details by local artisans. Guests can dine at… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek has launched an Antarctic-inspired suite in partnership with SeaWorld Orlando’s 60th anniversary and the new Antarctica Realm attraction. Available August 1–September 8, the one-bedroom suite features ice-themed décor, a kitchen for snow cones, interactive games, and a giant plush penguin. Package inclusions cover four SeaWorld admissions, parking, a Penguin… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Delaware North Parks and Resorts has completed major renovations at The Squire at Grand Canyon—introducing six kid-friendly suites, over 100 upgraded rooms, a refreshed lobby, and updated dining venues. The operator is also launching an IHG One Rewards promotion with 15% off, a $50 F&B credit, and 1,000 bonus points upon arrival. Renovations… Read the full news article