International hospitality continues its expansion, with prestigious openings and a strategic appointment, while in France the Big Mamma chain is having to respond to accounts of its working conditions.
Hospitality news of the day, 20 August 2026: here’s what you needed to know today in the sector.
🇫🇷 National
🏨 Opening Marugal Hotel Management will open the Relais d’Amboise in the Loire Valley at the end of September 2026, merging the historic Le Choiseul and Le Manoir des Minimes properties. This new five-star complex, designed by the LBBA agency, sits at the foot of the Château Royal d’Amboise and adds to the group’s French portfolio alongside the Relais de Chambord. #Amboise #LoireValley #Opening
🏗️ Property project In Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Strasbourg-based developer Edifipierre is considering converting a bank and retail complex in the town centre into an aparthotel residence of around sixty units. The project, designed by K & + Architecture, has yet to convince the local council, which had other ambitions for the tram-adjacent site. #Illkirch #Alsace #AparthotelResidence
⚠️ Working conditions The Big Mamma trattoria chain, which operates 35 restaurants across 8 countries, is facing accounts from former employees alleging understaffing, unpaid overtime and burnout. A trade union collective says it has gathered more than 40 similar accounts; management says it is taking the reports “seriously” and is conducting a review with its HR teams. #BigMamma #WorkingConditions #Restaurants
🌍 International
✨ Appointment Auberge Collection has appointed Kaila Pugliese Tobin as Vice President, Commercial Performance. Drawing on extensive hospitality experience, she will be responsible for strengthening the group’s integrated commercial strategy across its fast-growing portfolio. #AubergeCollection #Appointment #CommercialStrategy
🏨 Opening IHCL has opened the Taj Palace, Lucknow, a 181-room property in the heart of Gomti Nagar, in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The opening strengthens the presence of India’s leading hotel operator in the state. #India #Lucknow #TajHotels
🍽️ Gastronomy Michelin-starred restaurant Esterre by Alain Ducasse, at The Palace Hotel Tokyo, is teaming up on 5, 6 and 7 November with three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo for three exceptional dinners. An eight-course menu created by chefs Kei Kojima and Emmanuel Pilon will be offered at 100,000 yen per person, with an overnight-stay option available. #Tokyo #Gastronomy #AlainDucasse
📊 Results Zurich-based travel club Asmallworld saw its half-year EBITDA rise 11% to CHF 473,700, driven by a roughly 20% reduction in costs, despite a 35.6% drop in net revenue. Its subscriber base grew 23% year-on-year, against a backdrop of strengthened partnerships with Marriott Bonvoy and Turkish Airlines. #Zurich #Asmallworld #Results
