The UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), brought together tourism leaders, government officials, and creative-sector stakeholders to chart a future where tourism drives lasting, inclusive development across the region. The event brought together more than 300 delegates, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, reflecting the high-level support for UN Tourism’s work and vision for the region.
If you’re in the hospitality industry, chances are you’ve invested in tools or vendors promising to make your website “ADA compliant.” Maybe you’ve added overlays, run automated scans, or even rebuilt your site with accessibility in mind. You did everything right—or so you thought. So, why are hotels still getting hit with accessibility lawsuits?
UJA Federation, the world’s largest local philanthropy, which funds hundreds of nonprofits and seeds grassroots organizations working individually and together, responding to ongoing challenges and emerging issues around the world, held its annual Hospitality Division reception on June 1, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. The reception honored Shai Zelering, Managing Partner, Real Estate, Brookfield, in recognition of his professional and philanthropic achievements. The event raised $1,200,000 to support UJA-Federation of New York’s efforts to help those in crisis throughout the world.
UN Tourism has united tourism leaders from across the region for Europe to assess advances made with global, regional and subregional initiatives for a more resilient, sustainable and innovative sector.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), announced the launch of the Tourism Task Force during the Plenary Meeting of the Americas Business Dialogue (ABD) – a public-private platform to elevate Travel & Tourism as a key driver of growth, jobs, and resilience across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Leading Independent Hotel management company, La Vie Hotels & Resorts, announced the acquisition of management rights for the former Rydges Norwest in the thriving Sydney Hills District business and residential area. The property has been rebranded under a white label as Visy Dior Hotels International.
The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), in partnership with the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), is now accepting nominations for the Rising Star Award Asia Pacific to be presented at the 35th edition of HICAP on 22-24 October 2025 at the Fairmont Singapore & Swissotel The Stamford in Singapore.
The UN Tourism Executive Council has met again for a milestone session to build on the legacy of the last eight years. Meeting for its 123rd session, the Council assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education and looked ahead with the nomination of Shaikha Al Nowais as new Secretary-General from 2026. Upon confirmation by the UN Tourism General Assembly, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais will become the woman to hold the position.
TPG Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation's premier hospitality management firms, announced today that it has been selected by Verge Management LLC to manage a portfolio of five Marriott-branded select service hotels located in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The agreement marks a significant expansion for TPG in the South-Central United States and adds to its growing roster of select-service properties.
Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner, operator and investor, has signed a strategic hotel management agreement for a prominent beachfront property on Dubai’s iconic Palm West Beach in collaboration with valued partners, Seven Tides. Effective by 1st August 2025, the addition of this new resort and serviced residences—currently operating as Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel—to Minor Hotels’ managed portfolio further strengthens the group’s growing footprint in the United Arab Emirates and establishes it as the largest operator on the Trunk of the Palm.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the leading voice representing all segments of the hotel industry, today issued the following statement from AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta following the inclusion of key tax provisions critical to the hospitality industry in the U.S. House-passed Budget Reconciliation package:
After many years of study and proposals, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finally adopted its Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees, or junk fees, which takes effect on May 12, 2025.
Rebel Hotel Company, a leading independent hotel operator in the greater New York City area, has expanded its presence in the Tri-State region with the recent addition of Delta Hotels by Marriott Woodbridge to its growing management portfolio. Located in the Greater New York area, this full-service property represents Rebel’s latest brand acquisition and underscores the company’s ongoing growth momentum across key metropolitan market.
The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa has transitioned to new management under Crescent Hotels & Resorts, a leading operator of lifestyle-driven properties. Crescent now oversees all hotel operations, bringing its renowned expertise in curated service and modern amenities to enhance the guest experience.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, proudly announces that 18 of its global properties have been recognised in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025, with four of these earning the prestigious “Best of the Best” distinction — a mark of excellence reserved for the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor worldwide.Among this year’s ‘Best of the Best’ honourees, Centara Reserve Samui was recognised in both the Top and Luxury categories in Thailand, celebrating its elevated design, personalised experiences, and consistently outstanding guest reviews. Also in Thailand, the iconic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin was recognised in the same two categories, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most cherished heritage beachfront resorts.In Japan, the sleek and stylish Centara Grand Hotel Osaka also received double accolades in the Top and Luxury categories, reflecting its sophisticated urban appeal and impeccable service. Rounding out Centara’s top-tier achievements is Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, named “Best of the Best” in the Family-Friendly – World category — a recognition that not only highlights the resort’s imaginative experiences for all ages, but also reflects Centara’s continued success in the Middle East, one of the world’s most dynamic and increasingly in-demand travel destinations.Additional Centara properties that received Travellers’ Choice Awards this year include popular destinations in Thailand, the Maldives, and Laos, underscoring the brand’s enduring appeal and commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences.The Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on a full year of reviews and ratings submitted by travellers from around the world. Properties honoured in the “Best of the Best” category represent a select group of hotels that consistently receive outstanding feedback and demonstrate the highest levels of guest satisfaction.
The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Mr William HEINECKE, Founder and Chairman of Minor International PCL, was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour on 16 May 2025, the same day he was bestowed the esteemed SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner held in his honour.
The iconic Sofitel and MGallery Collection brands within Accor’s Luxury & Lifestyle division have won a series of prestigious Tatler Best Vietnam 2025 awards, which recognise the country’s leading hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars.The Albion by Kirk Westaway, the casual British restaurant that opened in November 2024 at Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection, was named as the “Restaurant of the Year” in the “Best-in-Class” category. This distinction affirms its status as the country’s first venue where diners can discover innovative takes on classic British cuisine. Nestled on this chic boutique hotel’s 23rd floor, with sweeping views of the Saigon skyline, this impressive culinary destination balances classic 1930s décor and creates modern dishes that highlight British flavours while embracing fresh, local ingredients from Dalat’s organic farms. The Albion by Kirk Westaway was also placed on the “Tatler Best 20 Restaurants” list.
Marriott International, Inc. is proud to celebrate the winners of the 2025 J. Willard Marriott Awards of Excellence at the company’s annual ceremony, which brings together associates from around the world. Established in 1987 and named after Marriott’s founder, the J. Willard Marriott Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding individuals, teams and properties for their exemplary achievements, commitment to excellence and extraordinary service to communities, guests and each other.
This week, members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) – the leading voice of the U.S. hotel industry – traveled from across the country to meet with congressional leaders and discuss pressing legislative priorities vital for the hospitality sector. During the ongoing Budget Reconciliation and tax negotiations, more than 250 AHLA members held meetings with lawmakers across the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels is pleased to report that three of its properties earned prestigious Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best accolades from Tripadvisor, a distinction reserved for fewer than 1% of their eight million listings around the world.