🇫🇷 FRANCE
🔐 Cybersecurity | Medialog: Guest data from 1,500 hotels compromised
A cyberattack targeting French software provider Medialog is believed to have resulted in the extraction of approximately 135 GB of guest records relating to around 1,500 properties. The intrusion, identified between 27 September and 5 October, has exposed personal identities and booking information. Phishing attempts using the stolen data have already been reported on WhatsApp. The incident raises questions about the security of technology providers serving multiple hotel operators.
🏨 Opening | Hampton by Hilton anticipates Saint-Ouen’s future hospital campus
In Saint-Ouen, a four-star, 137-room Hampton by Hilton has already welcomed its first guests on rue Rosa Parks, close to Metro Line 14 and RER C. Developed by Linkcity, the low-carbon property is banking in part on the appeal of the future Grand Paris Nord hospital campus, scheduled to open in 2032.
🍇 Opening | Château Lastours targets the upscale wine tourism market
In Portel-des-Corbières, in the Aude department, the Allard family is developing a four-star, 62-room hotel within the Château Lastours organic wine estate. Designed as a village, the property combines fine dining, a spa, heated swimming pool, padel facilities and meeting spaces. Its official inauguration is scheduled for 15 October 2026.
✨ Appointment | Xavier Destribats formally takes the helm of Hôtel du Palais
Having been in post since May, Xavier Destribats formally announced his appointment as General Manager of the Hyatt-operated Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz on 9 October. A former Kempinski executive, he succeeds Vincent Poulingue against a backdrop of the property’s loss of its official Palace distinction and planned renovation projects. His philosophy, as reported by regional newspaper Sud Ouest: “We are a palais; we do not need to be a Palace hotel.”
⚖️ Legal affairs | Mercure-Ibis owners in Millau challenge the operator’s position
The Pomarède family, which owns the real estate housing the Mercure-Ibis hotel complex in Millau, has responded to the court-supervised restructuring proceedings involving International Hôtel, the property’s operating company. The family claims €850,000 in unpaid rent and refers to a court ruling upheld on appeal on 7 September. The owners say they are prepared, if necessary, to take over operations and retain the employees, without the current management.
🏛️ Governance | Tony Estanguet joins Christian Dior’s Board of Directors
Tony Estanguet, former President of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organising Committee, has been appointed an independent director of Christian Dior, alongside Xavier Musca. The move forms part of the Arnault family’s proposed simplification of LVMH’s ownership and control structures. An appointment at the intersection of corporate governance, luxury and major international events.
🏨 Market | Besançon seeks to attract higher-spending visitors
Grand Besançon Métropole aims to strengthen its appeal among affluent visitors amid shorter stays and increasing price sensitivity. A new hotel project and the development of refined dining options form part of this tourism strategy.
🌍 INTERNATIONAL
🇮🇳 🤝 Development | Radisson targets 500 hotels in India without acquisitions
Radisson Hotel Group aims to double its Indian portfolio to 500 hotels by 2030. CEO Federico González favours partnerships with local groups over acquisitions. The objective is to bring Indian operators into its network by providing access to its technology, revenue management systems and loyalty programme.
🇺🇸 ✨ Appointments | Hotel Equities strengthens financial and commercial leadership
Hotel Equities has appointed Olya Brase as Chief Financial Officer, Daniel Ben-Efraim as Senior Vice President, Sales, and Jenny Moore as Vice President, Revenue Management for its lifestyle hotels. Previously a senior finance executive at Highgate and Aimbridge Hospitality, Olya Brase will be responsible in particular for strengthening the group’s financial governance and control systems.
🌍 ✨ Appointment | Preferred Hotels & Resorts strengthens Middle East sales
Preferred Hotels & Resorts has appointed Çağlar Göncüler as Director, Global Sales – Middle East. The appointment forms part of the independent hotel network’s international sales organisation.
🇪🇸 📈 Investment | Spanish hotel investment exceeds €3 billion in nine months
Hotel investment in Spain exceeded €3 billion during the first nine months of 2026, according to the cited industry figures. Meanwhile, the flex-living sector continues to develop: JLL reports 19,089 beds in operation and a further 19,627 in the pipeline through to 2028. Madrid and Barcelona account for the concentration of investment, while secondary markets are becoming increasingly attractive.
🇹🇳 🏗️ Investment | Bahraini tourism development proposed for Greater Tunis
A delegation of Bahraini investors has expressed its intention to develop a major tourism project in Greater Tunis, according to the Tunisian National Tourist Office. No investment figure or timetable has yet been announced. Meanwhile, Tunisia reported a 4.4% increase in tourism receipts during the first half of 2026, reaching 3.35 billion Tunisian dinars.
🇨🇦 🏨 Development | Québec City seeks partner for future airport hotel
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is continuing its selection process for a partner to build and operate a hotel of up to 125 rooms. Several companies have expressed interest. The development, which would have a minimum three-star classification, could combine accommodation, dining and meeting facilities. A second property, positioned in the four-star or higher segment, remains under consideration for the longer term.
