International News

International News

$42 Million Renovation at Sonesta LAX

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX has completed a $42 million renovation , featuring 614 redesigned guest rooms with modern amenities, 14,000 square feet of reimagined event spaces , and the new Sonesta Work Suite for professional meetings. The hotel now offers four upgraded dining venues , including Yokoso Sushi Bar and Century Taproom , catering to diverse culinary preferences. Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes , and round-the-clock room service . High-speed Wi-Fi and premium accommodations further enhance the guest experience.

Create: Mar 9, 2025 Edit: Mar 9, 2025

Hotel Lela Wilmington Opens as a Boutique Tapestry Collection Hotel

Hotel Lela Wilmington debuts in North Carolina, offering a boutique lodging experience with Southern charm. Featuring 97 modern rooms, a heated saline pool, golf swing suites, and a Latin-inspired restaurant Paloma’s at Lela, the hotel provides a seamless and inviting stay. Its prime location offers easy access to Wilmington’s Historic District and major attractions.

Create: Feb 28, 2025 Edit: Feb 28, 2025

Peru Leads in Adopting STAR for Rural Tourism Development

Peru becomes the first country to implement a customized version of UN Tourism’s STAR tool to enhance rural tourism. This initiative aligns with national programs like "Pueblos con Encanto," supporting sustainable tourism planning and governance. STAR empowers local authorities with data-driven insights to foster economic, social, and environmental sustainability in rural destinations.

Create: Feb 28, 2025 Edit: Feb 28, 2025

HR Group Acquires H-Hotels

Berlin-based HR Group has acquired H-Hotels, adding over 60 properties across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Hungary. Effective from February 25, this deal expands HR Group’s portfolio by one-third, solidifying its position in the European hospitality sector. H-Hotels will retain its name while HR Group focuses on digitalization and operational synergies for future growth.

Create: Feb 28, 2025 Edit: Feb 28, 2025

Grand Opening of Andaz Doha: A New Era of Luxury Lifestyle in Qatar

Hyatt Hotels has introduced its lifestyle brand in Qatar with the grand opening of Andaz Doha , marking the fourth Hyatt brand in the city. Located in the prestigious West Bay , less than a 20-minute drive from Hamad International Airport, the hotel offers easy access to major attractions such as City Center Doha Mall, the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center, Souq Waqif, and Katara Cultural Centre . Andaz Doha features 256 rooms, including 32 suites and 4 Royal suites, along with 56 long-term residences ranging from one to three bedrooms. The hotel boasts three unique dining venues, with The Salt Road Doha now open, while Mr. & Mrs. Hawker and Mumble Jungle are set to launch soon. Inspired by Qatari culture, the hotel's design incorporates elements like gold, bronze, and rose gold hues , traditional Sadu weaving patterns , and iconic structures such as Katara pigeon towers . Guests at Andaz Doha can enjoy world-class amenities, including the Alara Spa with traditional Hammam rituals, an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and modern co-working spaces. The hotel also offers 1,600 square meters of event space , featuring a 750-square-meter grand ballroom . The rooms and residences blend contemporary luxury with Qatari heritage, incorporating handwoven textiles, geometric mosaics, and calligraphic artworks. The opening of Andaz Doha marks a significant expansion of Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle portfolio in the Middle East , joining other Andaz properties in London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Tokyo .

Create: Feb 26, 2025 Edit: Feb 26, 2025

Grand Opening of Spark by Hilton in Sindelfingen, Germany

On February 20, 2025, Spark by Hilton Sindelfingen opened its doors with 103 rooms in the heart of Sindelfingen, Germany. Designed for both business and leisure travelers seeking quality and comfort at an affordable price, the hotel features spacious rooms with open wardrobes, bright and well-equipped bathrooms, inviting communal areas with shared tables and lounges, and a 24-hour convenience market for snacks and drinks. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast with premium coffee and fresh bagels, as well as access to a multi-purpose gym and on-site parking. Located near the Mercedes-Benz plant and Sindelfingen’s historic town center, the hotel is a perfect choice for both work and leisure stays. Operated by Aspire Hospitality GmbH , the hotel is part of the Hilton Honors program, offering exclusive benefits such as special member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi, and flexible payment options using a combination of points and money. Nightly rates start from €109 , including breakfast and VAT, with free cancellations or changes up to 24 hours before arrival. This opening marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the Spark by Hilton brand in Germany, bringing a fresh and inviting hospitality experience to guests.

Create: Feb 26, 2025 Edit: Feb 26, 2025

Global Expansion of the Hyatt Centric Brand

The Hyatt Centric brand experienced remarkable growth in 2024, opening new hotels in key cities such as Cairo, Shanghai, San José, and Santo Domingo. With a focus on delivering culturally immersive experiences and vibrant spaces, the brand plans to add over 35 new hotels by the end of 2028, reaching over 100 Hyatt Centric hotels worldwide by 2029. This expansion will be particularly strong in the Asia-Pacific region, increasing the brand’s presence there by over 75%. New Openings Worldwide Hyatt Centric hotels, designed to reflect the local culture, will debut in various cities worldwide. Some of the key upcoming locations include Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare in the U.S., Hyatt Centric Bengaluru Airport in India, Hyatt Centric Reykjavik in Iceland, and Hyatt Centric Madinah KEC in Saudi Arabia. These hotels will offer modern amenities, lively social spaces, unique dining experiences, and designs inspired by their surroundings. Exclusive Benefits for World of Hyatt Members Members of the World of Hyatt loyalty program can take advantage of special promotions, such as earning double points for stays at over 1,400 participating Hyatt hotels worldwide. Additionally, Hyatt Centric hotels provide curated experiences, including local art exhibitions, live music, and unique food and beverage offerings, ensuring a memorable stay. For more details, visit the official Hyatt Centric website.

Create: Feb 25, 2025 Edit: Feb 25, 2025

Grand Opening of the Luxurious Sofitel Cairo with a View of the Nile

The Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile , the newest addition to the Sofitel collection, has officially opened in the heart of Cairo. This five-star hotel seamlessly blends French aesthetics with Egypt’s rich heritage, offering guests a unique and refined experience. Its prime location along the Nile provides easy access to historical landmarks such as Tahrir Square, the Cairo Opera House, the Giza Pyramids, and the Coptic Quarter. Featuring 615 elegantly designed rooms and suites across 24 floors , the hotel combines French sophistication with Egyptian cultural elements, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and opulence. Private balconies overlooking the Nile, spa-like bathrooms with aromatherapy amenities, and 24-hour butler service in suites ensure an extraordinary stay. Additionally, the state-of-the-art fitness center and a 300-square-meter outdoor pool provide guests with an exceptional wellness experience. Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile elevates the city’s dining scene with five exquisite restaurants and bars , offering a fusion of Egyptian, Lebanese, and Asian flavors in an elegant setting. For relaxation, the luxurious spa features a sauna, jacuzzi, and rejuvenating treatments inspired by both French beauty traditions and Egyptian therapeutic practices. The hotel also boasts 17 fully equipped event and meeting spaces , making it an ideal venue for grand celebrations and professional gatherings with top-tier services.

Create: Feb 22, 2025 Edit: Feb 22, 2025

Staff Shortages in Hotels Despite Improvements

According to a recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), 65% of surveyed hotels still face staffing shortages despite increased wages and new benefits. While the hospitality industry has largely recovered from the pandemic, employment levels remain 10% below pre-pandemic figures. Hotels have implemented various incentives, such as higher pay, flexible working hours, and accommodation discounts, to attract new employees and retain existing staff. The survey found that 71% of hotels still have unfilled job positions despite active recruitment efforts. The most severe shortages are in housekeeping (38%) and front desk roles (26%). To address these issues, 47% of hotels have raised wages, while 20% offer flexible working hours. Experts emphasize that, beyond financial incentives, clear career pathways and professional growth opportunities are essential to attracting and retaining skilled workers.

Create: Feb 22, 2025 Edit: Feb 22, 2025

South Korea's Hospitality Market Growth Trajectory

South Korea's hotel market has seen significant growth over the past two years, with substantial increases in Average Daily Rate (ADR), Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), and occupancy rates. Key drivers of this growth include strong domestic and international demand, the Korean cultural wave (Hallyu), and medical tourism.South Korea has solidified its position as one of the leading hotel markets in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by robust domestic and international demand over the past two years.The country's impressive performance metrics highlight its resilience and potential for sustained growth in the hospitality sector.

Create: May 29, 2024 Edit: May 29, 2024

Russia and India to Discuss Visa-Free Travel Agreement

Russia and India are preparing to initiate consultations in June to discuss a bilateral agreement aimed at simplifying travel between the two countries.This agreement seeks to enhance tourism ties through visa-free group tourist exchanges. Russia aims to significantly boost tourism cooperation through these agreements

Create: May 29, 2024 Edit: May 29, 2024

Dubai Unveils Gaming Visa

Dubai has introduced a new long-term visa called the Dubai Gaming Visa to attract game developers, content creators, and professional gamers from around the world. This visa is part of Dubai's strategy to grow its gaming sector, an initiative launched by the Crown Prince of Dubai.introducing this program last fall, the goal is to position Dubai among the top 10 global cities in the gaming industry within the next ten years.Russia and India to Discuss Visa-Free Travel Agreement

Create: May 29, 2024 Edit: May 29, 2024