Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has become Global Ambassador for SHA, the Spanish group renowned for medical longevity and health and performance optimisation. The announcement was made in Madrid on 10 September 2026. The partnership pairs one of motorsport's most enduring drivers with a brand seeking to strengthen its international reach among a demanding clientele in search of sustainable performance.

Thomas Brisset becomes Head of the Tourism Division (sous-directeur du Tourisme) at the Direction Générale des Companys (DGE) with effect from 1 September. His appointment follows a career spanning administrative judiciary, financial regulation and international trade within the French Treasury (Direction générale du Trésor). He takes charge of the body that steers France's public tourism policy, with supervisory authority over Atout France and the ANCV.

Marbella lifestyle brand La Sala is teaming up with British operator 1912 Hotels to open La Sala Sheffield, its debut UK venue, in autumn 2026. Housed within voco Sheffield by IHG, the dining, cocktail and entertainment concept marks the starting point of a wider push by both groups into the UK hotel market.

A report published by Accenture Research in 2026, based on two surveys conducted in June among more than 5,000 travellers and 600 industry executives, reveals that the rise of artificial intelligence agents is transforming how travel is researched, booked and paid for. Airlines, hotels and online travel agencies must now connect their payment, loyalty and customer data systems to remain visible and be chosen by these autonomous assistants. The stakes are strategic: according to Accenture, only 30% of executives consider themselves fully ready to orchestrate the end-to-end customer journey, even as AI agents are poised to account for a growing share of bookings.

RBH Hospitality Management, the British third-party hotel management company, has announced a series of appointments and promotions within its senior leadership team, including Stuart Houston's move onto the Executive Committee as Chief Operational Finance Officer. The reshuffle comes as the London- and Glasgow-based operator continues its UK growth, buoyed by several recent signings, including the management of the five-star Cameron House resort on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Italian group Arsenale Group announced on 10 September 2026 the acquisition of a strategic 33% stake in SJourney, Vietnam's pioneering luxury rail brand. The deal marks the group's entry into the country and consolidates its presence in Asia, a year after the takeover of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains.

Kerria AM, a Paris-based real estate asset management firm specialising in the capital's value-added market, has announced the appointment of Amandine Leiba as Chief Executive Officer. The creation of this CEO role — a first for the company since its founding in 2020 — reflects the firm's growth trajectory, as it manages more than €450 million in refurbished asset value across Paris and the surrounding region.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the appointment of four General Managers across its international portfolio, as part of the group's transformation strategy. Paul Jones takes charge of the Bangkok hotel, Anthony Tyler of Kuala Lumpur, Martin Schnider of Suzhou and Christian Wildhaber of Geneva. This governance reshuffle illustrates the depth of the group's management pipeline and its ability to move senior executives between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Union Investment Real Estate GmbH has secured the building permit needed to convert the historic "Proffa" building in central Helsinki into an 84-room hotel operated by Ruby Hotels. The conversion of almost 3,160 sqm of office space, backed by a 30-year lease and an investment of EUR 11.5 million, is due to be completed by the end of 2027. The deal illustrates the active asset management strategy pursued by the German fund manager in response to the growing obsolescence of some office assets.

RMAL Hospitality PJSC, the hospitality arm of the Al Fahim family group, has announced the composition of its new Board of Directors following its Annual General Meeting. Khaled AlFahim, a fourth-generation figure at the helm of the Abu Dhabi-based family group, takes on the role of Chairman, while Georges Farhat has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer. The reshuffle comes as the company, structured as a Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC), enters a new phase of its governance.

Marriott International has signed an agreement with New Zealand investor CP Group covering the opening of three new hotels in New Zealand between 2026 and 2029. The deal marks the debut of the Marriott Hotels brand in Rotorua, alongside Autograph Collection openings in Auckland and Wellington. It follows the recent signing of the St. Regis Queenstown and confirms the American group's growing momentum on the North Island.

Colliers Italia advised Vico on the sale of the Gran Baita, a historic property in Breuil-Cervinia in the Italian Alps. The deal paves the way for the site's transformation into a 135-room 5-star hotel with three restaurants and a two-level spa. Vico of Hône will handle the turnkey execution of the project, with Borio Mangiarotti as project manager.