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This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

Get ready for a powerhouse episode as we unpack the biggest hotel and hospitality headlines of the week — from major openings and brand expansions to bold investments, industry trends and standout leadership moves across the region. We’re diving into the landmark launch of Cabravale Club Resort and the 140-room Novotel Sydney Cabramatta, the upcoming Crowne Plaza Geelong opening backed by Plenary Group, and the debut of Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences in Brisbane as Minor Hotels accelerates global expansion. We also explore the rise of hybrid hospitality with the official launch of Drifter Byron Bay, plus groundbreaking investments including Trump International Hotel Maldives, developed by Dar Global and The Trump Organization, along with a major cross-border partnership between Centara Hotels & Resorts and NUO International.

On the trends front, we look at Darwin Airport Resorts’ award-winning “airport resort” concept and the refreshed design experience at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa. We celebrate big wins from the HM Awards, including the Adelaide Marriott, while also spotlighting Hilton being named the #1 World’s Best Workplace™ and #1 Best Workplace in Australia™ for 2025.

We’ll also highlight the industry’s rising stars and leadership movements — including new appointments across Millennium Hotels & Resorts NZ, Urban Rest, Marriott International, and the full senior team now appointed for Radisson RED Auckland.

If you want to stay ahead of what’s shaping hotel investment, operations, design, people, and brand strategy across APAC and beyond — this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

Highlights include the renewal of Grand Hotel & Casino Vanuatu, the launch of Western Sydney’s new Cabravale Club Resort, and the debut of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort by IHG Hotels & Resorts. We also touch on Accor’s strong year-end push with seven new hotel openings and Mandala Hotels & Resorts expanding with Mantra Hobart Airport.

On the acquisitions front, TGE moves to acquire The Ritz-Carlton Perth, La Vie Hotels & Resorts takes on Lindeman Island, and Panache Hotel Group enters the Sydney market with The Sebel Chatswood.

We also cover key industry themes — including sustainability leadership from Small Luxury Hotels of the World, award wins for Pan Pacific Perth and Ayers Rock Resort, and Japan’s record-breaking inbound tourism spend.

A quick, insightful roundup of what’s happening across global hospitality right now.

This week’s 5 Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

We cover a wave of hotel openings, brand expansions, and investment momentum across the Asia Pacific. Marriott ends its Sonder partnership, unveils City Express by Marriott’s Japan debut, and progresses new signings from Lake Akan to the Gold Coast. Accor’s Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge adds luxury villas, while Choice Hotels advances major redevelopment in Geelong. Singapore sees strong activity with Aravest’s acquisition of Hotel Miramar ahead of its DoubleTree by Hilton transformation.

Investor confidence remains high, with Hong Kong’s hotel transactions surging 106% year-on-year and APAC’s development pipeline hitting record levels. Fresh leadership moves at TFE Hotels, Hilton and EVT signal continued investment in talent. In tech, the latest research shows hotels shifting decisively toward Best-in-Class systems and preparing for “agentic search” — reshaping how guests find, compare, and book stays.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

We round up the biggest hospitality headlines across the Asia–Pacific region. Radisson Hotel Group debuts its first Park Inn by Radisson in Australia, while Accor expands its New Zealand footprint with TRIBE and JO&JOE Auckland. Adina Barrack Plaza Perth completes a $4 million upgrade, and Brisbane’s historic Breakfast Creek Hotel begins a $2.75 million transformation. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts partners with Ovolo Hotels to scale its boutique portfolio and rebrands Singapore’s Value Hotel Thomson as Days Inn by Wyndham Singapore Novena.

Hilton strengthens its Southeast Asia pipeline with 17 new signings and prepares for the launch of DoubleTree by Hilton Singapore Robertson Quay, while JW Marriott opens in Tokyo and IHG Hotels & Resorts announces Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud. Major deals include YTL Hotels’ NZD 160 million acquisition of Hotel Indigo Auckland, Cross Hotels & Resorts joining South Korea’s Sono International, and InterContinental Singapore rebranding under Marriott International’s Luxury Collection   NRMA Parks and Resorts adds four Central Coast holiday parks, while MGM Resorts, Marriott International, and Sydney’s hotel sector all report strong performance.

Finally, a new Enseo report underscores how reliable, personalised technology—like fast WiFi, smart controls, and casting-enabled TVs—has become key to guest loyalty and operational success.

In this week's 5 Star Weekly Briefing multiple major hotel chains, including IHG, Hyatt, TFE Hotels, and Accor, are highlighted for aggressive expansion, particularly across Australia and Asia-Pacific, with numerous new property openings scheduled between late 2025 and 2029. Financial data for IHG and Accor confirms steady global growth, strong pipeline expansion, and rising profitability driven by luxury and lifestyle brands. Furthermore, the text details significant real estate transactions in Asia-Pacific and notes that major sporting events in Australia contributed a $75 million boost to hotel revenues. And of course congratulations to the industry professionals commencing new roles across Australia and New Zealand.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. Swire Hotels unveils its new global brand, Upper House, uniting its award-winning properties in Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Shanghai with new openings in Shenzhen, Xi’an, Tokyo, and Bangkok — plus the debut of Upper House Residences Bangkok in 2030. COMO Hotels and Resorts celebrates the reopening of COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, while Sofitel Noosa transforms into Elysium Noosa Resort, managed by Accor’s MGallery Collection. New developments include Punthill Albury Apartment Hotel and InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, expanding the region’s premium and MICE offerings. Meanwhile, Hilton partners with Sun Group on five new Vietnamese hotels, Taveuni Palms Resort Fiji takes home top luxury awards, and both Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launch fresh collection brands targeting new segments. We also unpack industry trends — from the rise of the “bleisure” traveller to Japan’s booming hotel market and Australia’s $1.3-trillion sports tourism opportunity — alongside new leadership moves across Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, TFE Hotels, Mondrian Gold Coast, and The Ritz-Carlton.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

Highlights include RACV’s $27 million expansion in the Yarra Valley, Hyatt’s Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney debut, and IHG’s voco Gosford opening this December. Accor continues its growth with The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection and TRIBE Auckland Fort Street, while EVT begins work on the cinematic-inspired Florin Hotel in Sydney. In sustainability, Rumi on Louth expands its off-grid island retreat, and Cordelia’s The Brooklet redefines luxury wellness in Byron Bay. Choice Hotels introduces MainStay Suites to Australia’s extended-stay market, ATEC prepares for its Perth Meeting Place event, and the “bleisure” travel trend continues to reshape tourism. Internationally, Dusit Thani Bangkok earns a Michelin Key, and Baillie Lodges secures a spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels extended list—cementing the Asia-Pacific’s growing influence in global hospitality.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

From the grand opening of The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort at Resorts World Sentosa by Marriott International, redefining sustainable luxury in Singapore, to Hilton celebrating its 9,000th hotel and accelerating expansion across APAC, India, and the Middle East. 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation brings its vibrant Caption by Hyatt brand to Tokyo, while Pan Pacific Hotels Group strengthens its Southeast Asia footprint with PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Hanoi.

In Australia, COMO Hotels and Resorts announces a new St Kilda Road landmark, Accor achieves record occupancies during the NRL Grand Final, and Adina Hotels and ALH Hotels unveil bold new directions with design-led transformations and brand reinventions.

Plus, discover how AI is quietly reshaping hotel operations, unlocking smarter automation, seamless guest journeys, and new levels of personalisation.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.The Asia-Pacific hospitality sector is buzzing with activity. Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio now exceeds 160 hotels, with openings in Hong Kong, Osaka, and Qingdao and major projects in Shanghai, Bangkok, and Bali. Trilogy Hotels has commenced management of Mercure Penrith in Western Sydney’s sports and entertainment precinct. Sydney welcomes its first MGallery property with The Brighton Hotel, while Darwin Airport Resorts undergoes a $41M transformation linking Novotel, Mercure, and ibis with new villas, suites, and a Californian-style Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen. Travel + Leisure Co. adds Hotel Bellinzona to Club Wyndham South Pacific, Radisson signs Atiara Ubud Bali, and Aman announces its fourth Singapore urban resort. Across the region, leaders at IHG, Mandarin Oriental, Hyatt, Soneva, and Pan Pacific are driving innovation and guest-centric growth in line with rising demand for luxury, lifestyle, and immersive hotel experiences.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

Investment volumes have reached USD 12.1 billion year-to-date, supported by strong travel fundamentals, including a forecasted 9% rise in air travel for 2025. Investors are focusing on value-add assets in markets such as Japan, Korea, Australia, and Singapore, with ADR growth continuing to outpace inflation. Global Asset Solutions is expanding its regional portfolio, now managing a high-profile collection of luxury Marriott and Hyatt properties across the Maldives, Phuket, and Melbourne.

Luxury expansion and urban development projects are moving forward at pace. IHG will grow its luxury footprint with the Regent Karuizawa onsen resort in Japan, opening in 2028, while the Park Hyatt Tokyo reopens this December following a major renovation. Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island has completed a three-month refurbishment, and large-scale projects in Australia include the $75 million Novotel Geelong expansion, a $180 million 5-star tourism precinct in North Lakes, and the redevelopment of Melbourne’s Waterside Hotel into a seven-level landmark. New models are also reshaping the landscape, from the launch of Drifter’s hotel-hostel hybrid in Australia to the rise of branded residences and hotel conversions into student housing and co-living.

On the operational front, hoteliers are prioritising efficiency gains through targeted AI initiatives like predictive maintenance and automated housekeeping, which often deliver returns within two years. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory will form Tourism and Events NT in 2026 to better integrate events with tourism, and Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific has partnered with the NBL and NBL1, boosting its visibility and offering exclusive rates across Australia and New Zealand.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.
Hear about exciting new hotel openings, including IHG’s first dual-branded property in Melbourne, Hyatt’s first Caption by Hyatt in Sydney, and Hilton’s continued growth in luxury and lifestyle hotels across Asia.

We also cover major acquisitions and investments, including Seibu Prince Hotels’ US$90 million acquisition of Ace Group International, creating a global portfolio of 94 hotels while preserving Ace’s creative identity.

The episode dives into industry trends and market highlights, from award-winning campaigns at PARKROYAL Parramatta to New Zealand hotels achieving occupancy growth and sustainability recognition. We also examine hotel investment activity in Thailand and broader Asia Pacific, and reflect on Accor’s Olympic legacy in Sydney.

Finally, we showcase people and tech in motion: key executive appointments across global hotel groups, innovations unveiled at NoVacancy Sydney 2025, and case studies like Kimpton Main Frankfurt’s implementation of SABA Hospitality’s Digital Compendium and Mobile Ordering, which have boosted operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and staff productivity.

This week's 5-Star Hotel Briefing highlights significant expansion and investment within the global hospitality sector, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. New luxury hotels and resorts are being developed by major brands like Kerzner International, Mandarin Oriental, and Hyatt, with a focus on emerging markets and niche segments such as hot spring ryokans. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions are also driving growth, as seen with Hilton and YTL Hotels expanding their collaboration in Thailand and Japan, and Accor rebranding several Australian properties. Furthermore, the briefing touches upon evolving industry trends, including a growing demand for student accommodation in Australia and the increasing integration of smart technology in hotel rooms, alongside insights into hotel performance in key Australian cities and the rising importance of digital tipping for hotel staff.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. 🏨 TFE Hotels progresses with Adina Chermside Brisbane, Cross Hotels & Resorts signs the bold ELLE Resort & Beach Club in Bali, Veriu Group breaks ground on Punthill Shepparton, and Marriott Vacation Clubs expands in Bali. Co-living operator Weave Living also makes its Australian debut.🤝 Hyatt Hotels Corporation adds new projects in Hua Hin and Bangkok, IHG Hotels & Resorts grows voco in Bangkok and Phuket while launching its fast-rising Garner brand in Pattaya.

🌿 Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay earns EarthCheck Bronze for sustainability, while Hilton is crowned Australia’s #1 Best Workplace and #1 in Asia.

👤 Leadership updates across Marriott, Hyatt, Star Group, Minor Hotels, and 25hours Hotels.

This week’s 5 Star Weekly Briefing brings you the biggest moves shaping hospitality right now:

✨ Global Openings & Refurbs – From Hyatt’s stunning return to Kuala Lumpur and Marriott debuting Ritz-Carlton Fiji, to Sofitel Noosa’s luxury refresh — discover how leading brands are elevating the guest experience.

🏨 Strategic Acquisitions – Goldfields secures Sorrento Beach Resort and EVT expands with Pro-invest Hotels — hear how these deals are reshaping portfolios and market positioning.

📊 Industry Trends – Accor’s record WA occupancy surge, lifestyle hotels quadrupling in APAC, and Savills forecasting a 180% branded residences boom. What does this mean for investors and hoteliers?

👤 Leadership Moves – Key appointments across Accor, Marriott, and EVT — meet the people driving the next wave of growth.

Don’t miss this roundup of the week’s most important developments in the Asia Pacific Region

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. We cover major moves across the hotel industry. EVT has launched EVT Connect Hospitality after acquiring Pro-invest Group’s management arm, while Hyatt is introducing The Unbound Collection to Thailand. Marriott continues its New Zealand expansion with JW Marriott Auckland, Moxy Hotels, and the upcoming Sheraton Christchurch. IHG grows its fast-rising voco Hotels brand with new projects in Bangkok and Phuket, and Mama Shelter makes its Asia debut in Singapore. Back home, RACV dominated the Victorian Accommodation Awards, and we wrap up with senior leadership appointments across Marriott, IHG, Minor Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, and more.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. This episode covers the latest in hotel openings, acquisitions, and industry trends. Alivio Hotel Cairns debuts after a major refurbishment, while IHG Hotels & Resorts surpasses 1 million rooms globally, with new projects in Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh City. Accor and Ennismore launch TRIBE and JO&JOE in Auckland, and RACV expands Inverloch Resort. EVT, Capstone Hotel Management, and Sheraton/Marriott are making waves with new management agreements across Australia and New Zealand.

In acquisitions, KS Hotels & Resorts takes Park Hyatt Melbourne, Ichigo Hotel REIT adds Okinawa and Toyama properties, and Urban Rest expands in Melbourne CBD. Luxury developments include NOCTIS by Kamana in Queenstown.

Industry trends highlight strong APAC hotel growth, tech adoption for guest experiences, and evolving RevPAR performance. Key executives are joining new roles.

Listen for insights on brand growth, loyalty programs, and how AI and automation are shaping the future of hospitality.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

Big names are making big moves in hospitality, Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp. teams up with Marriott International to launch Moxy Hotels in the Philippines. Accor expands with new Novotel and Peppers properties, plus a $4M luxury upgrade ahead of Brisbane 2032. Club Med partners with Paradise Indonesia for a new North Sulawesi resort, while IHG Hotels & Resorts, Comiskey Group, and Minor Hotels unveil major developments across APAC. Strong results from Accor, Marriott International, and Choice Hotels International point to continued travel growth.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. In this episode, we unpack the latest in hotel developments, deals, and leadership moves across the region. EVT debuts compact room types at Atura Adelaide Airport, while Peppers Docklands Melbourne gets a bold makeover under Panache Hotel Group. Major acquisitions include new assets for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Mandala Hotels, and Redhill Hospitality, alongside a REIT milestone from Japan’s Kasumigaseki Capital. We cover strong performance updates from Wyndham, inclusive tourism wins from Pan Pacific Hotels Group, and winter success for Langham Hospitality Group. Plus, key leadership appointments at IHG, Accor, St. Regis, Langham, and more round out a packed episode.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. Marriott International acquires tech-forward brand citizenM 🏨, while TFE Hotels gears up for its UK debut with new Adina properties 🇬🇧. Travel + Leisure Co. expands with the launch of Accor Vacation Club Asia Pacific 🌏 and unveils a luxe revamp of Club Wyndham Mission Beach 🌴. Dusit International debuts its ninth brand, Dusit Hotels, and Salter Brothers reimagine Milton Park as Ardour Milton Park Bowral 🛁. We also highlight 1834 Hotels taking over resorts on K’gari 🏝️, BIG4 reaching 300 parks 🛶, and Seibu Prince Hotels entering Vietnam 🇻🇳. The “coolcation” trend is heating up ❄️ with MGallery leading the charge, Traveloka lands in Australia 🇦🇺, and Langham Hotels completes its global Pink Run 🎀. On the tech front, Travel Outlook’s AI agent Annette 🤖 is redefining guest service.

In this week's 5 Star Weekly Briefing, there are several key trends, including new developments, strategic investments, and a notable shift towards upscale conversions. Frasers Hospitality, in collaboration with UK-based YOTEL, has launched YOTEL Tokyo Ginza, marking its first ground-up development and investment in Japan. In Australia, Cabra-Vale Diggers is unveiling plans for Novotel Sydney Cabramatta as a central feature of the Cabravale Club Resort, with Sam Fakih leading as Pre-Opening General Manager. Salter Brothers is investing over AU$10 million to transform the Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa into the flagship property for its new luxury brand, Ardour Hotels and Estates, reopening as Ardour Milton Park Bowral. IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its luxury and lifestyle portfolio with the upcoming Kimpton Bali Ubud in Indonesia and rebranding two existing properties in Japan to ANA Holiday Inn hotels through an agreement with FET SYSTEM INC. Meanwhile, Las Vegas Sands has broken ground on an $8 billion resort in Singapore. The trend of upscale conversions is prominent, with IHG Hotels & Resorts and Salter Brothers planning to relaunch several Crowne Plaza and InterContinental properties as Regent/InterContinental brands, a strategy also observed by Marriott, where conversions represented approximately 40% of its new signings in APAC in 2024.Leadership shifts and recognitions are also a key trend across the industry. Michael Johnson, former CEO of Accommodation Australia, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his leadership. Jennifer Brown of InterContinental Sydney was named Executive of the Year, and Anthony Flowers from Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour received Chef of the Year at the Accommodation Australia NSW Awards. Significant leadership appointments include Emilie Couton as Chief Executive Officer of Accor Plus, and at Marriott International, Jen Mason will succeed Leeny Oberg as Chief Financial Officer, with Shawn Hill becoming Chief Development Officer upon Oberg's retirement. Other new General Manager roles include Dony Andrian at Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood (IHG Hotels & Resorts), Dagmara Konieczna at Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Luke Roberts-Lalli at QT Newcastle, Michael Stamboulidis at QT Auckland, Jerry Feng at Imperium Group for its Luxury Collection, and Sunil Rawat at Hilton Adelaide. These movements underscore the dynamic nature of the industry's recovery and strategic growth.

🎙️This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.In this episode, we cover big moves from industry giants like Marriott International, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Minor Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Hear about exciting new openings—Courtyard by Marriott in Darwin, Fairmont Tokyo, and Radisson Don Mueang Bangkok—plus major rebrands and investments including Waldorf Astoria Bali, Six Senses Bangkok, and AC Hotels Gold Coast. We also explore strategic expansions in Japan by World Brands Collection, and the transformation of Brisbane’s Clear Mountain by Mandala Hotels.

We discuss standout research from CBRE and JLL on luxury lodges and market dynamics across Fiji, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. And we unpack the latest on AI in hospitality, workplace wellbeing, and purpose-driven travel trends.

Also featuring leadership changes across Accor, TFE Hotels, The Langham, La Vie Hotels and Resorts, and more.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. We cover a wave of new openings across Australia, including InterContinental Brisbane, Hyatt House South Melbourne, and a dual-branded IHG project in Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall. Meriton makes its first move into Queensland’s management rights market, while Minor Hotels expands its Oaks portfolio with a resort in Thredbo. We also explore industry insights from Accor’s Pacific Leaders Conference and a new Marriott report showing a shift toward wellness-driven luxury travel. Plus, we celebrate Choice Hotels’ Tripadvisor wins and the boost Sydney hotels received from Vivid 2025.

This week's 5 Star Weekly Briefing highlights significant developments in the sector, including new hotel openings like the sustainability-focused 1 Hotel Melbourne and Paradox Sydney's Australian debut, alongside major refurbishments at properties such as QT Queenstown and W Brisbane. It details substantial acquisitions and investments, notably Star Entertainment Group's rescue package led by Bally's and Amora Group's purchase of Hilton Adelaide. The briefing also explores current industry trends, focusing on AI integration, cybersecurity, ethical AI, data management, and personalised loyalty programs, as discussed at HITEC Indianapolis. Finally, it notes the strong performance of luxury lodges in Australia and New Zealand, driven by high demand and investment, and announces key leadership appointments within various hotel groups.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

Including Paradox Hotels’ debut in Sydney, the relaunch of Hotel Diana in Brisbane by Samdoo Corporation, and Minor Hotels’ alpine expansion with Oaks Lake Crackenback. We explore the surge in tourism-driven investment across Australia and New Zealand, with insights from Global Asset Solutions and WTTC projecting strong sector growth through 2028. From the Lion Hospitality Awards – standouts like QT Auckland, Craggy Range, and Peekaboo Eatery were recognised for excellence, sustainability, and innovation. And at HITEC 2025, AI stole the spotlight – with Levee sweeping the E20X pitch competition and startups like Bookboost, Ediphi, and Vella AI showing how tech is reshaping guest experience and operations. Plus, new appointments from Four Seasons, JLL, Imagine Hotels, and more across the region.

🎙️This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. Australia’s first Mondrian Gold Coast opens with oversized suites, private beach houses, and panoramic views 🌊, while W Brisbane unveils river-inspired suite upgrades blending bold design with luxe tech. In Canberra, Redhill Hospitality takes over Tall Trees Ainslie, promising soft refurbishments and elevated service, and in Perth, Residence on Langley Park repositions to meet long- and short-stay needs with flexible layouts and full amenities. We also cover Wyndham Hotels' powerful 🤖 AI rollout that’s cutting call times and boosting service efficiency , IHG’s voco reaching 100 hotels in just seven years with flexible conversion appeal, and Accor’s sustainability leadership and standout new properties like Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport and Wairakei Resort Taupō. Finally, we spotlight Mandarin Oriental’s wellness-first approach for Global Wellness Day, focused on reconnection, ritual and inner strength. A packed episode full of innovation, guest experience, and future-focused moves.

🎙️ This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

Hyatt expands with its new Unscripted brand and the launch of Hyatt House South Melbourne—marking its entry into Australia’s extended-stay market. Hilton celebrates a major milestone with its 1,000th luxury and lifestyle property, with more than 150 openings expected in 2025. 1834 Hotels grows its white-label footprint with 18 Elanor Group properties and a strong push on underutilised space and digital check-ins. La Vie unveils an $18M rebrand in Sydney, while Intrepid acquires boutique stays in Tasmania and Marrakech. In tech and trends, AI security and personalisation dominate headlines, while Marriott and Plantation Island Resort lead the charge on sustainability and community engagement.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Hotel brands are expanding across the region with new concepts and renovations. Marriott has launched Series by Marriott in India, targeting the midscale–upscale market. Hilton is marking 50 years in Australasia with a $40 million upgrade to Hilton Sydney and new growth initiatives. New Zealand welcomes Edit Hotels & Resorts, offering digitally enabled, value-driven stays. IHG’s Holiday Inn Express introduces its tech-enhanced 5.0 model with 30 projects already signed. In WA, The Sebel The Vines unveils a $3 million redesign, while Rick Stein will open a flagship beachfront restaurant at the rebranded InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. Meanwhile, Capella announces The Lands at Circular Quay, a major mixed-use development set to open in 2026.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. From JW Marriott’s debut in New Zealand to Pan Pacific Perth’s $50M transformation, luxury and sustainability are defining the next era of travel. In Canberra, Crystalbrook Aurora and IHG’s Regent revival signal serious investment in upscale experiences. Meanwhile, Blackstone’s delay at Crown Melbourne raises questions about missed momentum in a competitive landscape.

📊 Market insights show Melbourne and Adelaide leading post-pandemic hotel growth, while the Sunshine Coast’s tourism excellence gains state-wide acclaim. Rydges Melbourne shines as a top meeting hotel, and Novotel’s WWF partnership highlights the industry’s sustainability focus.

💡 On the tech front, AI and digital compendiums are revolutionising operations, personalisation, and guest engagement. All eyes now turn to HITEC North America, where the latest in hospitality tech will be on display—joined by Brendon Granger and the GAIN team.

Hospitality is evolving fast—these stories show who's adapting, who's leading, and what’s next.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sectorWe cover the debut of boutique and lifestyle hotels across Australia and New Zealand, including The George Glenelg, Hyde Melbourne Place, and Edit Hotels. We also highlight key acquisitions from Trilogy Hotels and Accor’s major deal with Bayview International. Learn how global events like AHICE and TRENZ 2025 are influencing tourism, and how AI—from operational tools to guest personalisation, is transforming hotel marketing and management. Plus, find out which hotel took the top spot in Tripadvisor’s 2025 awards and catch up on leadership moves across the sector.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Marriott International announces its flagship 279-room Sydney Marriott Hotel Parramatta, opening in 2027, while IHG partners with Luxora and La Vie to bring Holiday Inn back to Townsville by 2026. Veriu and Riverlee unveil plans for a 100-key Punthill hotel in Melbourne’s New Epping, and Radisson continues its expansion across Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia. Marriott also acquires lifestyle brand CitizenM for US$355M, and Park Hyatt Melbourne is sold to Shayher Group for A$200M. Cross-border investment into Australian commercial real estate hit US$2.46B in Q1 2025, second only to Japan, according to Knight Frank. Crowne Plaza reports a global shift toward blended travel combining work and leisure, while the Design Inn Symposium spotlights AI’s role in hotel design, adaptive reuse, and community impact. The fast-growing City of Moreton Bay is calling for 10 new hotel developments amid rising demand, and Ascott adds over 17,400 units globally through its multi-typology strategy. Key leadership changes this week include new appointments across corporate affairs and general management roles at major hotel groups, with several senior industry figures stepping into leadership positions.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Kittawa Lodge launches a new retreat and chef series, while IHG announces voco Darwin Suites and G’day Group acquires Discovery Parks – Bargara. CBRE’s forecast shows APAC’s hotel recovery strengthening, with New Zealand’s regions rebounding faster than its major cities. Accor earns 5-Star Employer status again, and Adelaide Marriott sets a sustainability benchmark with touch-free water stations. GAIN and Techne Infiniti Ventures form a strategic AI-focused partnership. We also cover new appointments at Accor, Rydges, Marriott, and more, plus how AI continues to reshape guest experience and hotel operations.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. This week, The Ascott Limited expands its Lyf brand in Sydney; Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour proposes luxury penthouses; Brisbane unveils the Isoletto Pool Club at Queen’s Wharf; and Accor launches Wellness Studios at Mantra 2 Bond Street. IHG is set to open InterContinental Brisbane in June, transforming the former Hilton, while Accor Vacation Club is refreshing its Palm Cove properties with a $4.7M investment. In acquisitions, BWH Hotels signs its first Australian hotel management deal in Kununurra. AHICE 2025 is gearing up as the region’s top hotel investment event, and industry movements include leadership appointments across Ovolo, Crowne Plaza, Wyndham, Holiday Inn, The Star, and Baillie Lodges.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector . This week, the spotlight is on hotel openings and developments across Australasia, with Hotel Indigo launching in Auckland, Veriu announcing a new Punthill in Epping, and The George Glenelg opening its doors in South Australia. 1 Hotel Melbourne is set to debut in June 2025 with a focus on sustainable luxury, while Queenstown’s Nugget Point is being transformed into Coronet Ridge Resort. Plantation Island Resort in Fiji also announced a major upgrade. Radisson celebrates a major milestone with over 200 hotels in India. On the trends front, Maximum Occupancy West Coast returns to Perth, Darwin Airport Resorts sets new sustainability benchmarks, and Accor reports strong global growth. Wellness tourism is booming, with The Farm at San Benito leading the way, while luxury travel continues to thrive, fuelled by Gen Z and millennial travellers. Lastly, we’ve seen a number of leadership moves across the industry, including new appointments at Marriott, Accor, Minor Hotels, and Travel + Leisure Co.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector including major property openings from Minor Hotels, Momento Hospitality, and The Tasman, as well as Accor’s record-breaking global expansion. Industry trends explore the shift toward owner-friendly hotel management agreements, greater workplace diversity, and innovative guest experiences. Notable partnerships include Accor’s support for DV Collective and The Calile Hotel’s community initiative with Micah Projects. Tech news highlights AI integration from Canary Technologies and Amadeus, while updates on executive appointments round out a snapshot of leadership changes across leading hotel groups.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. Including new hotel openings and developments, such as the upcoming InterContinental Barossa Resort and Spa, and Amora Hotels' acquisition of the Hilton Adelaide. The report also covers significant acquisitions and investments, including G’day Group’s purchase of Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village and Minor Hotels’ franchising growth strategy. Furthermore, it identifies current industry trends, like the surge in Adelaide hotel bookings for the AFL Gather Round and the expansion of Accor's loyalty program, alongside notable personnel appointments and the importance of all-in-one PMS technology for independent hotels catering to business travellers. The briefing concludes with announcements regarding upcoming industry events focused on revenue management and hotel design.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.It covers new hotel openings and refurbishments in locations like Brisbane and Parramatta, alongside developments related to Western Sydney Airport and its impact on accommodation. The update also highlights sustainability initiatives with new certifications and net-zero carbon hotels, plus the evolution of hospitality design towards more adaptable and comfortable spaces. Finally, the briefing acknowledges industry achievements through tourism awards and notes key personnel appointments across various hotel and tourism organisations.

This week's 5 Star Weekly briefing highlights recent developments, investments, and trends in the Australian and New Zealand hotel industry. Recent activity includes new hotel openings and expansions by groups like Minor Hotels and Club Wyndham, alongside significant acquisitions and investments, such as Amora Hotels' purchase of the Hilton Adelaide. The briefing also highlights important industry trends, focusing on the increasing adoption of sustainability measures by major players like Accor and Ascott's partnership with Foodbank Australia. Finally, the report notes new appointments within hotel management and discusses the transformative impact of technology on the future of travel and tourism.

This week's 5 Star Weekly Briefing highlights recent developments, investments, and trends within the hotel sector. Several hotel properties have seen reopenings after renovations, new resort and hotel plans have been unveiled in locations like Singapore and Mount Barker, and hospitality groups are expanding their presence through acquisitions and partnerships across Australasia. The outlook for the Australian hotel industry is positive, with projections indicating a full recovery by 2025 and strong occupancy rates reported in Sydney. Marriott International and Brisbane Airport have also reported significant growth, while collaborations like the one between NoVacancy and Accommodation Australia NSW aim to bolster the industry. Finally, the briefing notes key personnel changes within hotel management and mentions a prominent pub mogul's decision against acquiring a casino.

This weekly industry briefing highlights key developments in the hotel sector. Several new hotels are opening or undergoing renovations, including the Kar-Rama Hotel Mildura and a revamped Ibis Perth. Luxury accommodation is expanding, with the Waldorf Astoria Sydney set to launch and Merivale acquiring a site in Melbourne for a mixed-use development including a boutique hotel. Hotel chains like Hilton and Hyatt are growing their global footprint, particularly in Southeast Asia and with the Hyatt Centric brand.  Iris Hotels Group is looking to purchase the Reef Hotel Casino. Finally, there have been several executive-level appointments.

The 5-Star Weekly Briefing presents a snapshot of recent happenings in the hotel industry. It highlights new hotel openings and refurbishments, such as TFE Hotels' Adina Town Hall Sydney and The Sebel Busselton. The briefing also covers significant acquisitions and investments, including IHG's purchase of the Ruby™ brand and Brookfield's acquisition of Hotel X Brisbane. It notes evolving trends in the Australian hospitality sector, like sustainability and technology adoption. Finally, the briefing reports on key personnel changes and technological advancements aimed at improving guest experience and operational efficiency.

This weekly industry briefing from Technology 4 Hotels highlights recent developments in the hotel sector. It covers new luxury hotel openings in Sydney and Adelaide, as well as refurbishments in Wellington. The briefing includes acquisitions, such as Best Western's expansion in South Australia, and industry trends like Kimpton Margot Sydney partnering with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The newsletter also announces the expansion of Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN) into the Asia Pacific region and shares survey insights into Gen Z travel preferences. People moves within the hotel sector are noted, and the introduction of Canary Technologies' AI voice platform designed to streamline hotel guest communications is featured.

The 5-Star Weekly Briefing presents a snapshot of recent happenings in the hotel industry. It highlights new hotel openings and rebrandings, such as the Courtyard by Marriott Darwin and Peppers Gladstone. The briefing also covers acquisitions and investments, including Jerry Schwartz's purchase of Sydney Seaplanes. Industry trends are examined, focusing on touchless wellness technologies and Accor's enhanced Travel Pros platform. Finally, the briefing reports on key personnel changes and emerging technologies like Google's AI assistant, signalling potential transformations in guest inquiry management.

This week's 5-Star Weekly Briefing covers significant growth within the hotel industry, featuring record-breaking expansions from major players like Marriott, Choice Hotels, Hilton, and Minor Hotels. The report also highlights new hotel openings and renovations, brand relaunches such as Starwood, and investment activity in the sector. Furthermore, it examines current industry trends, including evolving booking habits, pricing shifts, and increased travel demand, particularly from China. The briefing notes key personnel appointments in various hospitality companies. Finally, it introduces OpenAI's ChatGPT 'Operator', a Revolutionary Agent Capable designed to perform web-based tasks such as making purchases, booking appointments, and managing online transactions in real time.

This week's hotel industry briefing from Technology 4 Hotels covers significant developments, including new hotel openings in Australia and Singapore, major refurbishments like the Rydges Australia Square, and key acquisitions such as Star Management Group's purchase of Rydges Mackay Suites. The report also highlights the growing trend of hotel franchising in Australia and explores nine key trends shaping hotel dining in 2025, focusing on technology, personalization, and sustainability. Finally, it announces several notable personnel changes within the industry.

This week's 5-Star Weekly Briefing for the week ending 17th Jan 2025 - covers significant developments in the hotel industry, including new hotel openings like The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, and Veriu Group | Veriu Hotels & Suites | Punthill Apartment Hotels Punthill South Yarra Grand's refurbishment. Planned projects such as a new Nadi International Airport transit hotel are also highlighted, alongside record growth in Accor's luxury brands. The briefing further examines industry trends, such as surging luxury demand according to Norman Arundel, EVT - Entertainment | Ventures | Travel’s Director of Hotels and Resorts and record-breaking Sydney New Year's Eve hotel performance, as well as technological advancements in in-room technology and sustainability initiatives like TFE Hotels Quincy Hotel Melbourne's carbon-neutral status. Finally, it includes personnel changes within Jumeirah, TFE Hotels, Meriton Suites and Crown Resorts

This week's 5-Star Weekly Briefing covers significant developments in the Australian and global hotel industry. Major hotel groups like SLH, Accor, and Marriott are expanding their portfolios through new openings, renovations, and strategic partnerships. Significant investments are being made in property upgrades and redevelopments, showcasing a strong market outlook. The report also highlights positive industry trends, including increased occupancy rates and rising demand for luxury and sustainable travel experiences. Finally, the briefing announces several key personnel appointments within prominent hotel companies.

Firstly we would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. May 2025 be filled with happiness and prosperity.

In this week's episode, we look at the key hospitality technology trends for 2025 and beyond as outlined by the EHL Graduate School.

We discuss the increasing use of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other technologies to improve guest experiences and operational efficiency. We also examine how these advancements are transforming various aspects of the industry, from contactless services and mobile apps to robotics and automation, virtual and augmented reality, and data analytics. However, we stress that a significant focus needs to be placed on the importance of balancing technological integration with maintaining a human-centric approach to hospitality. Finally, the discussion stresses the competitive advantages and risks associated with adopting or failing to adopt these technologies.

This week in the 5 Star Weekly Briefing take a look at the 8 Travel and Hospitality Trends that Defined 2024 2024's travel and hospitality trends are analysed, revealing a year of economic pressures impacting consumer behaviour. Despite inflation, travel remained strong, with travellers prioritising value, leading to a resurgence in package holidays and exploration of emerging destinations. The influence of social media and AI was significant, both for travellers and industry, which is now increasingly using AI for revenue management. Finally, the report notes a continued crackdown on short-term rentals, although their overall market remains robust.

This is a weekly hotel industry news briefing summarising recent news, including new hotel openings and developments from IHG, Accor, and Radisson, as well as acquisitions like the Rydges Mackay Suites. The newsletter also highlights industry trends such as the rise of boutique hotels and the impact of AI, and reports on strong festive season bookings and the lasting economic effects of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Finally, it announces several key personnel appointments within various hotel groups.

This week's hotel industry briefing highlights significant developments, including new hotel openings and acquisitions by major brands like Marriott and Hilton, a surge in hotel franchising in Australia, and investment in Brisbane's hospitality sector ahead of the 2032 Olympics. The report also examines industry trends such as the rise of wellness tourism and a return to pre-pandemic travel levels, featuring increased spending on experiences. Finally, it notes key leadership appointments within several hotel groups and the launch of a new digital careers platform to address industry skills shortages.