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.

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.

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.

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.

Daniel Charlton has been appointed General Manager of the Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi, marking his return to Kenya after several years with the Dusit group and other international brands. With more than twenty-five years of experience spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific, he previously held a leadership role in Nairobi between 2015 and 2017. The appointment reflects the continued development of Dusit Hotels and Resorts in East Africa.

🔎 Today's trend: hospitality between showcase and backstage. As Lucknow, Amboise and Tokyo celebrate new openings and collaborations, France's restaurant sector faces renewed scrutiny over working conditions in the Big Mamma case.

Marriott International has announced the appointment of Daniel Dubowski as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, effective August 2026. Based in the United States and reporting to the group's technology leadership, he joins the world's largest hotel group after more than two years in the same role at Hertz. The move comes as cybersecurity establishes itself as a growing strategic priority for hotel groups, which face cyberthreats targeting their infrastructure and guests directly.

The Goldman Sachs Group announced on 18 August 2026 the acquisition of LCN Capital Partners, a platform specialising in sale & leaseback transactions, for a consideration of up to €351M ($410M). The deal gives Goldman Sachs Asset Management a specific area of expertise - the resale of corporate real estate while preserving its use through a long-term lease - after two years marked by high interest rates that curbed investment in physical real estate. For the hospitality sector, the acquisition is also a reminder that LCN held exclusive talks in 2025 to buy nine Silken hotels in Spain, before ultimately being outbid by Hotusa.

Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali has announced the appointment of Goktan Kavak as General Manager. The Turkish hotelier arrives from Fiji, where he most recently served as General Manager of Novotel Suva Lami Bay, following more than eight years with Warwick Hotels and Resorts. The appointment forms part of the beachfront resort's consolidation strategy in Tanjung Benoa, which is banking on its all-inclusive concept to drive further growth.

ORA Hospitality has announced the appointment of Donia Gharib as Corporate Director of Learning & Development, based in Dubai from August 2026. She joins the luxury hospitality group following a thirteen-year career spanning Accor and Four Seasons, between Cairo and Dubai. The appointment comes as ORA Hospitality builds out its learning function, months after the arrival of its new Chief Executive Officer.

Hyatt has appointed Guido Fredrich as Vice President of Development for its Luxury and Lifestyle business in the Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME) region. Based in Zurich, he will steer growth for brands including Park Hyatt, Alila, Andaz, Thompson Hotels and The Standard, in a region where the group is accelerating its expansion. The appointment comes as Hyatt strengthens its presence in gateway cities and iconic leisure destinations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

With nearly two decades at Hyatt, he leaves Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi having delivered the property's best-ever commercial performance