🇫🇷 NATIONAL
🇫🇷 France | GHR estimates annual restaurant revenue losses from meal vouchers at €1.22 billion
🍽️ Food & Beverage. The proportion of meal voucher spending going to restaurants fell from 46.5% at the end of 2022 to 34.3% in early 2026, while the share captured by supermarkets increased. The GHR estimates the annual revenue shortfall at €1.22 billion and is calling for tighter rules governing voucher use, including a dual daily spending limit. The proposed reform is due to be examined by the French Senate on 3 and 19 November.
🇫🇷 Gironde | Indonesian group Vasanta transforms Château de Grissac into a luxury hotel
🏰 Investment and redevelopment. In Prignac-et-Marcamps, Indonesian group Vasanta is undertaking the revival of Château de Grissac, a historic estate whose origins date back to 1331. The project combines the property’s wine-growing heritage with the development of a high-end luxury hospitality complex. Laurence Cosme is involved in the transformation of this heritage asset in Gironde.
🌍 INTERNATIONAL
🇮🇹 Italy | Baccarat prepares for Rome opening and strengthens its pre-opening team
✨ Appointment. Jawad Abusinni has joined Baccarat Hotels & Residences Rome as Director of Marketing & Communications. He will contribute to the pre-opening preparations for the brand’s second hotel worldwide, following New York, as part of Baccarat’s development under Starwood Hotels.
🌍 Europe, Türkiye, Africa | Alessandro Araimo takes on expanded responsibilities at Skydance
👔 Appointment. Alessandro Araimo has announced his appointment as Executive Vice President & Managing Director Southern Europe, Turkey and Africa at Skydance. His remit notably covers Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Türkiye and Africa.
🇯🇵 Japan | Virtuoso reveals a shift in luxury travel destination rankings
📊 2027 trends. Virtuoso’s 2027 Luxe Report ranks Japan as the world’s leading travel destination, overtaking Italy. China tops the list of destinations on the rise. Multigenerational travel, wellness and the search for better value for money without compromising the experience are among the trends identified.
🇺🇸 United States | Disney reduces headcount in its Experiences division
⚠️ Restructuring. Disney is cutting between 100 and 200 jobs in its Experiences division, which includes theme parks, cruise operations and certain hospitality activities. The decision comes as the group continues its investment programmes. In 2025, the division generated $36.2 billion in revenue.
🇺🇸 United States | Meyer Jabara Hotels reorganises its portfolio
🏨 Governance. Meyer Jabara Hotels has established two operating divisions: Full Service & Lifestyle, led by Jared Karras, and Focus Service, headed by James Kirkland. The new structure is designed to align operational management with the characteristics of individual properties and support the portfolio’s continued development.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Adam Flint appointed General Manager of Bristol Marriott Royal
✨ Appointment. Adam Flint has been appointed General Manager of Bristol Marriott Royal. He brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience, including over 18 years with Marriott, and has also held positions at Hilton. He additionally chairs the Bristol Hoteliers Association, which represents 33 hotels.
🇺🇦 Ukraine | Hotel complex linked to Russian national set for new management arrangements
⚖️ Asset management. Ukraine’s Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) is preparing to transfer a hotel complex in Kropyvnytskyi to a new manager. The assets comprise 2,426.4 sq m of real estate and a 79% stake in Hotel London-Kirovograd LLC, whose ultimate beneficial owner is reportedly a Russian citizen, according to the agency.
🇺🇸 United States | Kristie Byrd promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Lodging Dynamics
👔 Appointment. Kristie Byrd has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Lodging Dynamics, having joined the company in 2025 as Vice President of Sales. She brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience across the Marriott, Hilton, Choice, Hyatt and IHG brand families.
🇺🇸 United States | Gayle Benson acquires Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans
💰 Acquisition. Gayle Benson has acquired the Windsor Court Hotel, a luxury property in New Orleans. A substantial renovation programme has been announced, including upgrades to every guestroom. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
🇲🇾 Malaysia | Waldorf Astoria opens its first hotel in Kuala Lumpur
🏨 Opening. Waldorf Astoria has opened its first Malaysian property in the Bukit Bintang district. The hotel features 268 suites, a 2,275 sq m spa and 3,745 sq m of event space. Its dining offering includes several concepts associated with Garima Arora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
At a Glance
France: The GHR estimates annual restaurant revenue losses of €1.22bn from changing meal voucher spending patterns.
Investment: Indonesian group Vasanta is redeveloping a historic château in Gironde into a luxury hospitality destination.
Luxury travel: Japan overtakes Italy in Virtuoso’s 2027 global destination rankings.
Transactions: Gayle Benson acquires the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans.
Leadership: Baccarat Rome, Lodging Dynamics, Lore Group and Bristol Marriott Royal announce senior appointments.
Development: Waldorf Astoria enters Malaysia with a 268-suite hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
