The author argues that AI should handle back-office tasks to free hotel staff for authentic guest interactions, positioning human connection as the hardest-to-replicate competitive differentiator.
G'day Group GM Louise Kipling shares how the 330-property Australian network transformed guest feedback from post-stay reporting into a real-time operational system, including mid-stay pulse checks and network-wide fixes driven by sentiment data.
Lexis Hotel Group used Amadeus iHotelier Suite to shift to a direct-first strategy in 2025, recovering $502K via cart abandonment tools and achieving 37% total revenue growth amid reduced inbound travel.
All four Hilton properties in Singapore are now accredited, with staff trained to recognize the Sunflower symbol and assist guests with autism, chronic pain, or sensory sensitivities.
The 2026 event in Thailand brings together 600+ brands for hands-on demonstrations of kitchen workflows, housekeeping competitions, and coffee championships.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of a landmark agreement between its flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, one of Asia’s premier leisure destinations. INSPIRE Entertainment Resort will continue to manage the property under a franchise agreement.
Sun Siyam unveils a milestone transformation as it celebrates 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. More than a visual refresh, the brand (re)volution introduces a bold new brand statement anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, reinforcing the group’s position as one of the Maldives’ most culturally authentic resort operators. The transformation elevates guest journeys with new Signature Experiences introduced across all six resorts and strengthens direct relationships with customers.
Fairfield by Marriott, one of over 30 extraordinary brands in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, has officially launched its product upgrade in China — including a new Chinese name that now carries the “Marriott” master brand, and the unveiling of its newly refreshed product design and guest experience. To meet the changing needs of modern Chinese travelers, the product upgrade enhances design, functionality, and service—offering an at-ease and comfortable stay that reflects the brand’s “Beauty of Simplicity” philosophy.
The Raffles Singapore is hallowed ground for the hospitality industry. A pilgrimage to there should be on everyone’s bucket list, but with such a storied past this can create an almost impassable bar for guest expectations. Yet from our latest visit, exceeding expectations is nevertheless the outcome for every guest, and therein lies a world of instruction on how to operate an ultraluxury hotel.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has passed 50 open properties in Japan – where it remains on track to double its estate following market debuts by three brands.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) marks an extraordinary milestone with its 50th anniversary in Greater China. From opening its first property in 1975 to operating 800 hotels today, IHG has played a pivotal role in driving industry growth, enhancing guest experiences, and supporting the region's economic development. Looking to the future, IHG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Greater China by leveraging global expertise and local insights to create enriching and rewarding experiences.
IHG Hotels & Resorts hosted a 'Dream Inspires Travel' gala dinner to thank its corporate customers for their continued support and trust in Greater China. Unforgettable moments throughout the journey were recreated through art and technology, bringing the “Travel” series of activities throughout the year to a memorable close. Over the past year, “Travel” has led guests on an adventure full of surprises and discoveries, highlighting the unexpected joys of travel. By continuously refreshing its products and delivering excellent accommodation experiences, IHG shapes infinite possibilities for the industry.
TFE Hotels has announced the establishment of a New Zealand Country Office off the back of multi-property management agreement with New Zealand’s leading accommodation provider, Heritage Hotels, which saw five hotels join TFE’s global network on 1 December. Veteran hotelier, Warwick Kahl, will lead the team as Director of Operations NZ.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the signing of the iconic The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa to its Vignette Collection brand – the second property in Japan for IHG’s newest luxury & lifestyle brand and first collection brand.
JOALI launches Island Homes, a rare opportunity to own an exceptional private residence in the multi-award-winning first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives. The island is only a 40-minute scenic journey by seaplane from Velana International Airport or a 90-minute leisurely yacht cruise from Maafaru International Airport, the region's closest private jet landing runway. Guests can opt for one to four bedrooms on the beach or over water, designed according to the biophilic architectural principles.
Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator with more than 550 properties in 56 countries, has successfully concluded a three-city India roadshow in Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad introducing signature travel experiences to Indian travel agents.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts surpassed a major milestone in China: signing nearly 600 direct franchise agreements across the country in just five years. The achievement is a testament to Wyndham's owner-first approach to franchising and increased efforts in recent years to reduce its reliance for growth on master licensees—a move underscored in 2019 when the Company reacquired direct franchising rights for its Days Inn brand in China.
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is pleased to announce that Ascott China has entered a 50:50 joint venture with Jin Jiang Hotels (China Region) to advance the asset-light expansion of their respective apartment hotel brands in China, namely Ascott’s Quest and Jin Jiang Hotels’ TULIP LODJ. Using primarily a franchise model, the joint venture will enable the rapid growth of Quest and TULIP LODJ to meet China’s underserved demand for apartment hotels in the upscale and upper midscale segments, while driving long-term investment success for owners. From the outset, the joint venture company will manage two operating properties in Wuhan and one pipeline property in Shenzhen franchised under TULIP LODJ, totalling about 600 units. Plans are underway to broaden the footprint of TULIP LODJ and launch Quest in China by providing opportunities for franchised partnerships.
The top-ranking hotel owners and operators across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) have remained unchanged over the past year. But some well-established owners in the mid-ranks dropped down in the top 10 list as their competitors acquired and developed new assets, new CBRE research shows.
IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan (IHG) today announced a landmark partnership with Hotel Management International Ltd (HMI), who operate a diverse portfolio of properties across Japan, to rebrand three hotels to the ANA Crowne Plaza brand expanding IHG’s footprint into three new destinations.