Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Hiap Hoe Limited, through HH Properties Pte. Ltd, to bring the design-forward Aloft Hotels brand to Singapore. Following a strategic conversion, the signing of the 785-room hotel expects to open in Q3 2023, marking the Aloft brand’s debut in Singapore and the largest Aloft hotel in the world.
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins wins three awards for its diverse MICE offering
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins has cemented its position as Melbourne’s most versatile MICE hotel after being recognised with not one, but three awards in recent weeks including the Meeting & Events Australia (MEA) Victorian State Award for Special Event of the Year, The Green Room Award – Cabaret Best Ensemble for its partnership and delivery of FUTURE. JOY. CLUB and also Highly Commended in the Wedding Industry Awards.
IHG strengthens regional footprint with first voco resort signing in the Middle East and Africa Region
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Akam Al Rajhi, a joint venture between AkamAlRajhi and Al Rajhi Saudi groups. With this signing, IHG continues to expand their footprint across the MEA region and diversify their portfolio, as part of the company’s ambitious growth strategy.
Cvent and GBTA sheds light on the transforming role of the corporate travel manager
Like most of us, corporate travel managers can divide their careers into two distinct eras: before COVID and after COVID. And like most professions, the ongoing adjustments for travel managers to their responsibilities, compensation, and job satisfaction reflect an industry that’s ripe for change while still adhering to some past truths.
UNWTO and MSC Foundation to deliver sustainable tourism education at sea
The initiative builds on the success of the first Global Youth Tourism Summit, held in Sorrento, Italy, in 2022, and will see the creation of the MSC Foundation Youth Lab, a specially-equipped venue on the advanced new eco-ship. One of the core programmes to be offered in the Youth Lab will be “GYTS for MSC: A Sustainable Future for Our Next Generations”, designed in close partnership with UNWTO.
STR, TE lift U.S. ADR and RevPAR forecast; profit growth to be limited
STR and Tourism Economics upgraded the 2023 U.S. hotel forecast just presented at the 45th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. While top-line performance advances, growing operating expenses are projected to limit profit growth over the remainder of the year.
82% of surveyed hotels report staffing shortages
As over 80% of hotels experience staffing shortages, hoteliers are offering potential hires a host of incentives to fill vacancies, according to a new survey of hoteliers conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
One Marriott Bonvoy Point = One Epic Experience
Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott International’s award-winning travel marketplace – is giving its members access to limited-edition epic experiences for a single loyalty point with new One Point Moment Drops. These incredible opportunities will be available through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, the experiences platform where members can use points earned from travel and everyday activities to redeem either fixed-price or auction-style experiences.
UNWTO Commission for Europe meets in Sofia
European tourism leaders have met to advance shared plans for the sector’s future. The 68th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe (31 May – 2 June, Sofia, Bulgaria), assessed the current state of tourism in the region while also recognizing the vital importance of education, jobs and investments for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
U.S. hotel results for week ending 27 May
Tennessee—As expected ahead of Memorial Day, U.S. hotel performance decreased from the previous week, according to STR‘s latest data through 27 May. Year-over-year comparisons were improved.











