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USA | Access Point Financial and TMGOC Ventures inject €103m into New Orleans Fairmont/Element duo
Access Point Financial and TMGOC Ventures have co-financed the recapitalisation of the dual-branded Fairmont by Accor and Element by Westin complex in New Orleans to the tune of $120 million (approximately €103 million), via a bridge loan and a preferred equity investment. The scheme, led by local developer Kailas Companies, is the result of converting a former 31-storey office tower in the central business district. The Element opened in February 2026, while the Fairmont is due to follow in autumn 2026.
Development
Wanda Hotels & Resorts Surpasses 300 Hotels Worldwide
Chinese hotel group Wanda Hotels & Resorts passed the 300-hotel mark worldwide in August 2026, a milestone confirming its steady rise since its founding in 2007. Backed by a pipeline of more than 500 projects and a presence now spanning over 400 destinations, the group is stepping up its growth in Africa and Southeast Asia while consolidating its footing in the Chinese market.
Explorer
Development
Armenia | Hyatt Signs First Hyatt Regency in Armenia, in Dilijan
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and local developer Green Rock have announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Hyatt Regency Dilijan, marking the Hyatt Regency brand's entry into Armenia. The agreement was celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony on 27 July 2026, forming part of the group's development across Europe, Africa and the Middle East and of the destination strategy driven by Green Rock in Dilijan.
Development
Caribbean, October 2026 | Westgate Resorts Enters the Bahamas with the Opening of Westgate Bimini Bay
US timeshare operator Westgate Resorts has announced the opening of Westgate Bimini Bay, its first Caribbean destination, on the island of North Bimini in the Bahamas, less than 80 kilometres from the Florida coast. The new property marks a strategic step in the group's development beyond North America. Bookings are open for arrivals from 1 October 2026.
Development
Türkiye | Hilton Istanbul Airport Opens: The Group’s 100th Hotel in the Country
Hilton has today inaugurated Hilton Istanbul Airport, a 485-room property located just steps from Istanbul Airport. The first internationally branded hotel to be built on Turkish airport grounds, it marks the group's 100th hotel in the country and underlines its growing momentum in this strategic market.
Development
Project, Saudi Arabia | Sports Boulevard signs third fund worth €161 million for luxury hotel in Riyadh
Sports Boulevard Development Company has signed an agreement with Rikaz Properties to establish its third real estate investment fund, worth over €161 million (SAR 700 million). The vehicle will finance a five-star hotel within Urban Wadi, a mixed-use destination of the giant Sports Boulevard project in Riyadh. The deal illustrates the growing momentum of the public-private partnership model championed by the Saudi capital under Vision 2030.
Development
Immersive Hospitality, UK | Elysium Retreats Prepares Portfolio Rollout with 12 New UK Destinations
A subsidiary of the Sight Acre Group, Elysium Retreats plans to grow its portfolio by up to 12 additional destinations across the UK over the next two years. The growth programme, driven by acquisitions, refurbishments and new-builds, is underpinned by a recently strengthened operational team following the arrival of Matt Pressman as Operations Director.
Headlines
USA | Airbnb strengthens its hotel strategy and adds more than 75 Lark boutique hotels to its platform
On 4 August 2026, Airbnb announced a distribution agreement with Lark Hotels, a US boutique hotel operator, bringing more than 75 properties onto its platform. The deal confirms the hotel pivot the Californian company has pursued since the spring, as independent hoteliers look to diversify their distribution channels in the face of the major online travel agencies.
Development
Italy, 2028 | Meliá Hotels International signs its first hotel in Lerici, on the Italian Riviera
Meliá Hotels International has announced the signing of a new The Meliá Collection hotel in Lerici, on the Ligurian Riviera, under a franchise agreement with SoGes Group. The 80-to-90-room property will mark the group's first foothold on this stretch of coastline and become its 18th hotel in Italy, with opening scheduled within 24 months.
Development
Opening 2027, Malaysia | In Sabah, Minor Hotels Announces Avani Kota Kinabalu, the Brand’s First Hotel
Minor Hotels has announced Avani Kota Kinabalu, a 352-room lifestyle hotel due to open in the first quarter of 2027 in Sabah, East Malaysia. Set within the The Logg Luyang development led by KTI Landmark, the property marks the Avani brand's debut in the destination and strengthens the group's portfolio in the country.
Development
USA | HHM Hotels Strengthens Its Presence in Florida and Philadelphia with the Integration of Wurzak Hotel Group
HHM Hotels has announced a strategic combination with Wurzak Hotel Group, which joins its management platform with eleven hotels located in Florida and the US Mid-Atlantic. The deal, unveiled on 11 August 2026 in Philadelphia, does not change ownership of the properties but transfers their management to HHM Hotels, extending a professional relationship between the two groups that dates back more than thirty years.
Development
Opening, Romania | Accor opens its first Mercure in Oradea
Accor has announced the opening of the Mercure Oradea, the brand's first hotel in this city in western Romania, representing an investment of around EUR 15 million. The 90-room property, operated under franchise by Grand Hotel West, strengthens the group's presence in the country and connects Oradea to the international travel circuit.
Development
Opening Late 2026, Saudi Arabia | IHG Signs Riyadh’s First Noted Collection Hotel in the Middle East
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Morina Development & Investment Co. LLC to convert a 107-room hotel in Riyadh under the Noted Collection banner. Expected to open by the end of 2026, this marks the brand's first foray into the Middle East and underlines Saudi Arabia's strategic role in the group's development.
Development
Q1 2027, Germany | “Hotel Palace Berlin” set to become Hyatt Regency Palace Berlin
Hyatt has announced the integration of Hotel Palace Berlin, a historic property in City West, which will become Hyatt Regency Palace Berlin from the first quarter of 2027. The move strengthens the group's positioning in the business and MICE segment of the German capital.
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Personnel Moves
Courchevel, France | Madeleine Munier appointed General Manager of Monte-Carlo One Courchevel
Madeleine Munier has been appointed General Manager of Monte-Carlo One Courchevel, the first property under Monte-Carlo Company des Bains de Mer's international brand outside the Principality. She takes up her role during the pre-opening phase, with the first guests expected for the 2026/2027 winter season. With nearly nine years at Airelles, including a spell leading La Bastide de Gordes, she brings solid experience in luxury hotel management and hotel openings to the project.
Development
USA | Access Point Financial and TMGOC Ventures inject €103m into New Orleans Fairmont/Element duo
Access Point Financial and TMGOC Ventures have co-financed the recapitalisation of the dual-branded Fairmont by Accor and Element by Westin complex in New Orleans to the tune of $120 million (approximately €103 million), via a bridge loan and a preferred equity investment. The scheme, led by local developer Kailas Companies, is the result of converting a former 31-storey office tower in the central business district. The Element opened in February 2026, while the Fairmont is due to follow in autumn 2026.
Personnel Moves
Amsterdam, Netherlands | Emmy Stoel Appointed General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium
Emmy Stoel, currently General Manager of the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, has been appointed to head the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium in Amsterdam. The news, revealed by Dutch daily De Telegraaf, marks the seasoned hotelier's return to the Dutch capital, where she has already led two landmark properties. The appointment comes as the hotel continues its repositioning under the Mandarin Oriental banner.
Personnel Moves
Southlake, USA | Derek Sharp appointed SVP Lodging, Ground and Media at Sabre
Sabre (NASDAQ: SABR) has announced the appointment of Derek Sharp as Senior Vice President, Lodging, Ground and Media, effective 8 September 2026. He succeeds Chinmai Sharma and will be responsible for driving further growth in this strategic business, as the technology group expands its hotel distribution offering and its connectivity with agencies and suppliers.
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