🇫🇷 FRANCE
🌱 Sustainability | Relais & Châteaux launches MyImpact
Relais & Châteaux is rolling out MyImpact, a platform designed to measure carbon footprints and support environmental strategies across its 580 properties in 65 countries. In the first year, 39% of members completed their carbon assessments. From 2027, the association plans to establish indicative decarbonisation pathways tailored to individual territories.
✨ Appointments | Compagnie de Phalsbourg strengthens its premium division
Compagnie de Phalsbourg has appointed Marouchka Vasak as Brand Ambassador and Benjamin Jacq as Head of Commercialisation & Brand Partnerships. Both report to Ali Nasser, Managing Director responsible for Property Assets, Hospitality and Commercialisation. The appointments aim to strengthen relationships with premium, luxury and lifestyle brands.
🏛️ Governance | Franck Chaumès becomes President of Umih
Franck Chaumès succeeds Thierry Marx as President of Umih, alongside Valentin Prudon. The new leadership duo has outlined several priorities, including regional issues, artificial intelligence and new industry events. The GHR has already expressed reservations, while the prominence given to the hotel sector under the new leadership remains an issue to watch.
🌍 INTERNATIONAL
🇪🇸 🏛️ Governance | Miquel Miralles elected to lead Balearic hotel chains association
Miquel Miralles, CEO of THB Hotels, has been elected President of the Association of Hotel Chains of the Balearic Islands (ACH) for the 2026–2030 term. His presidency comes at a time when competitiveness, development and industry representation remain key priorities for the archipelago’s strategically important hotel sector.
🇱🇧 🏨 Development | Rotana plans new hotel in Beirut
Rotana has signed an agreement with ACHRAFIEH 5418 SAL for an Edge by Rotana property in Beirut. The project involves the complete renovation and extension of an existing hotel, bringing its capacity to 95 units, alongside upgraded meeting facilities. Opening is scheduled for 2027.
🇲🇬 ✨ Appointment | Christophe Montocchio takes the helm at Anjajavy le Lodge
Christophe Montocchio has announced his appointment as General Manager of Anjajavy le Lodge, a Relais & Châteaux member property in Madagascar. He takes charge of a hotel positioned in the upscale hospitality and destination-experience segment.
🇺🇸 📉 Market | International visitor spending declines in the United States
According to data from the National Travel and Tourism Office, international visitors spent nearly $19.9 billion in the United States in August 2026, representing a year-on-year decline of approximately 5%. Spending directly associated with travel and tourism, including accommodation and food services, fell by nearly 9% to $10.8 billion. A trend worth monitoring for hotel operators.
🇬🇧 🏢 Governance | Sirius Hotel Group appoints John Adams as Chairman
The Sirius Hotel Group, formerly Resident Hotels, has appointed John Adams as Chairman. A Non-Executive Director since 2016, he will oversee a new development phase targeting a portfolio of more than 30 hotels within six to ten years. The group intends to add over 20 properties to its portfolio in partnership with investors.
🇦🇪 🇪🇬 ✨ Appointment | Gewan expands Amro Talaat’s responsibilities
Gewan Hotels & Resorts has promoted Amro Talaat to Chief Executive Officer, UAE & Egypt. Appointed CEO UAE in November 2025, he now assumes responsibility for the group’s portfolios in both the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. His career has included a particular focus on commercial performance, strategic partnerships and revenue optimisation.
🇲🇻 ✨ Appointment | Marc Reader named General Manager of Amilla Maldives
Amilla Maldives has appointed Marc Reader as General Manager. With more than 30 years of international hospitality experience, he brings extensive knowledge of the Maldivian resort market to the property.
