Geonet Developments International has outlined the shape of ELLE Resort & Beach Club Bali, a five-star beachfront project of 168 suites on the Seminyak coastline. Operated by SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, the asset is built on a branded real-estate model, with units sold individually to private and institutional investors over a 50-year horizon. The developer has also assembled the team responsible for managing construction, architecture and F&B strategy.

Minor Hotels has announced the signing of ExCelle Hotel San Gimignano, Colbert Collection, scheduled to open in 2027 in the San Domenico Complex, at the heart of San Gimignano's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. The group's second Italian property under its premium soft brand forms part of a wide-ranging cultural regeneration project led by Opera Laboratori, and confirms the rise of a brand Minor Hotels regards as one of its main growth drivers.

Lyon-founded Huttopia will open Huttopia Mar Azul, its first destination in Argentina, on 4 December 2026, on the Atlantic coast around four hours from Buenos Aires. This first site comes alongside two further projects. The group's plan for four campsites in Argentina's national parks has just been recognised as being of general interest, and a partnership with the Automóvil Club Argentino is in preparation. The nature-camping specialist is targeting five to six sites in the country by 2030.

On 29 September 2026, the consultancy Reversens published a national survey of 5,800 working people in France on harassment and hostile behaviour at work. The hotel and restaurant sector emerges as one of the most exposed, but also as the one in which employees are most reluctant to report a serious situation. This twofold finding raises direct questions for the sector's general management and HR teams about the effectiveness of their whistleblowing and reporting systems.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos has appointed Hugo Lecanda as General Manager. He took up the post in August 2026, after two years leading several Marriott resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita. The hotelier brings almost three decades of experience, much of it in Marriott's luxury portfolio. The move marks his return to the Ritz-Carlton brand, which he has previously represented in Cancún, Tenerife and Budapest.

On 28 September 2026, Etihad Rail inaugurated its Dubai Station in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The inauguration marks the official launch of the national passenger network, with commercial services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah starting on 30 September. For the Emirati hotel sector, the new rail corridor connects the country's main business and tourism hubs.

Minor Hotels has appointed Marco Ercolano as pre-opening General Manager of The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London, Colbert Collection. With nearly twenty years' experience in London luxury hospitality, he will lead the launch of the brand's first UK property and the Colbert Collection's second flagship hotel worldwide.

On 24 September 2026, North Development announced the appointment of José Padín as Managing Director of Domus. He will lead all operations at Domus Brickell Park in Miami. The Puerto Rican hotelier, who until now ran the Fairmont El San Juan, joins as the developer rolls out its hybrid model, bridging residential living and luxury hospitality, in the Brickell district.

US third-party operator Aimbridge Hospitality announced on 29 September 2026 that it has taken over management of ten hotels owned by a joint venture between Prospect Ridge and Fulcrum Hospitality. Spread across seven states, the Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt select-service properties strengthen the group's presence in several of its key markets.

Accor has signed Novotel Sydney Castle Hill with Reve Group, a 143-room hotel set within the Nova Rêve mixed-use precinct in Sydney's north-west. Opening is scheduled for early 2029. The project underlines the group's interest in Greater Sydney's outer-suburban growth corridors, which are being driven by major infrastructure investment.

After more than a decade at the helm of Eden Rock - St Barths, Fabrice Moizan takes up his post as President and Managing Director of Le Bristol Paris on 28 September 2026. Oetker Hotels is entrusting one of the most highly regarded hoteliers in its collection with a Palace that has just celebrated its centenary and is entering its second century.

🔎 Trend of the day: reinventing the asset without losing its soul. From the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, repositioning a 1963 landmark around business travel, to the YOTEL Glasgow, put up for sale with the added appeal of its tie-up with Hilton, the focus is on unlocking value from existing assets.