5-Star Weekly Briefing

This week's 5-Star Hotel Briefing highlights significant expansion and investment within the global hospitality sector, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. New luxury hotels and resorts are being developed by major brands like Kerzner International, Mandarin Oriental, and Hyatt, with a focus on emerging markets and niche segments such as hot spring ryokans. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions are also driving growth, as seen with Hilton and YTL Hotels expanding their collaboration in Thailand and Japan, and Accor rebranding several Australian properties. Furthermore, the briefing touches upon evolving industry trends, including a growing demand for student accommodation in Australia and the increasing integration of smart technology in hotel rooms, alongside insights into hotel performance in key Australian cities and the rising importance of digital tipping for hotel staff.

The pace of change across hospitality continues to accelerate. Major openings and refurbishments are reshaping key markets, from Pan Pacific’s PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay, opening in 2027, to the launch of InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach — Australia’s only true luxury beachfront hotel. Melbourne remains a standout, with new arrivals including Hannah St Hotel in Southbank, lyf’s upcoming Elizabeth Street opening, and the refreshed Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane, all signalling strong confidence in boutique, lifestyle and serviced accommodation.Investment momentum is equally strong. Global groups including Radisson, The Lux Collective and Singapore Land Group are backing eco-conscious resorts, mixed-use precincts and year-round destinations across Asia Pacific. Strategic acquisitions in Singapore, New Zealand and Japan highlight a long-term view on hospitality-led developments, while rebrands such as Amora Riverwalk Melbourne’s move to a contemporary 4.5-star positioning show operators refining their brand strategies to meet evolving guest expectations.Beyond bricks and mortar, leadership moves, technology and community impact are shaping the industry’s future. Senior appointments across Hyatt, IHG, EVT and Millennium Hotels reinforce a focus on growth and operational excellence. At the same time, AI-driven search is changing how travellers discover hotels, pushing operators to think beyond traditional SEO. And moments like Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour’s charity abseil remind us that hospitality’s true value lies in creating meaningful experiences — for guests and communities alike.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. Spotlighting major moves from Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and more.We explore new openings and transformations across the region, including Accor’s expanding lifestyle portfolio, Hyatt’s dramatic 19-month restoration of Park Hyatt Tokyo, IHG’s upcoming Vaagali Maldives – Vignette Collection, and Choice Hotels’ latest Ascend Collection addition with Gladius Parramatta. We also look at Wyndham’s global rollout of Canary Technologies’ AI Voice, along with other tech shifts redefining operations and guest experience.On the development front, we highlight significant milestones such as the approved Crowne Plaza Maroochydore, Reflections Holidays’ investment in regional NSW, and Intrepid Travel’s acquisition of Wild Bush Luxury lodges — expanding premium eco-tourism for Australia.We unpack key industry trends, including AI-driven transformation of PMS systems, 2026 hospitality predictions from Cayuga Hospitality Consultants, and new traveller behaviour revealed in Global Rescue’s survey, showing rapidly rising AI adoption among international travellers.From luxury resorts and wellness innovations to tech disruption and shifting demand patterns, this episode delivers a concise, high-value roundup of the stories influencing hospitality’s next chapter — and the brands leading the way.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.With EVT, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hilton, Accor, and Pontiac Land Group unveiling significant new openings and developments. Standout launches include Elysium Noosa Resort, Legacy Mekong Autograph Collection, Metropole Bangkok (Tribute Portfolio), and the creation of The Lands by Capella in Sydney. On the investment front, Trilogy Hotels expanded into Melbourne with the new Ibis Styles Southbank. Industry trends were shaped by insights from The Leading Hotels of the World, revealing shifts in luxury leadership, while Skyscanner’s 2026 report shows Gen Z driving travel demand with tech-first behaviours. In tech news, housekeeping robots and Langham Hospitality Group’s new AI Toolkit signal rapid innovation in hotel operations. Plus, leadership moves at EVT Connect Hospitality and QT Hotels underscore the sector’s ongoing talent momentum.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Get ready for a powerhouse episode as we unpack the biggest hotel and hospitality headlines of the week — from major openings and brand expansions to bold investments, industry trends and standout leadership moves across the region. We’re diving into the landmark launch of Cabravale Club Resort and the 140-room Novotel Sydney Cabramatta, the upcoming Crowne Plaza Geelong opening backed by Plenary Group, and the debut of Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences in Brisbane as Minor Hotels accelerates global expansion. We also explore the rise of hybrid hospitality with the official launch of Drifter Byron Bay, plus groundbreaking investments including Trump International Hotel Maldives, developed by Dar Global and The Trump Organization, along with a major cross-border partnership between Centara Hotels & Resorts and NUO International.On the trends front, we look at Darwin Airport Resorts’ award-winning “airport resort” concept and the refreshed design experience at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa. We celebrate big wins from the HM Awards, including the Adelaide Marriott, while also spotlighting Hilton being named the #1 World’s Best Workplace™ and #1 Best Workplace in Australia™ for 2025.We’ll also highlight the industry’s rising stars and leadership movements — including new appointments across Millennium Hotels & Resorts NZ, Urban Rest, Marriott International, and the full senior team now appointed for Radisson RED Auckland.If you want to stay ahead of what’s shaping hotel investment, operations, design, people, and brand strategy across APAC and beyond — this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Highlights include the renewal of Grand Hotel & Casino Vanuatu, the launch of Western Sydney’s new Cabravale Club Resort, and the debut of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort by IHG Hotels & Resorts. We also touch on Accor’s strong year-end push with seven new hotel openings and Mandala Hotels & Resorts expanding with Mantra Hobart Airport.On the acquisitions front, TGE moves to acquire The Ritz-Carlton Perth, La Vie Hotels & Resorts takes on Lindeman Island, and Panache Hotel Group enters the Sydney market with The Sebel Chatswood.We also cover key industry themes — including sustainability leadership from Small Luxury Hotels of the World, award wins for Pan Pacific Perth and Ayers Rock Resort, and Japan’s record-breaking inbound tourism spend.A quick, insightful roundup of what’s happening across global hospitality right now.

This week’s 5 Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.We cover a wave of hotel openings, brand expansions, and investment momentum across the Asia Pacific. Marriott ends its Sonder partnership, unveils City Express by Marriott’s Japan debut, and progresses new signings from Lake Akan to the Gold Coast. Accor’s Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge adds luxury villas, while Choice Hotels advances major redevelopment in Geelong. Singapore sees strong activity with Aravest’s acquisition of Hotel Miramar ahead of its DoubleTree by Hilton transformation. Investor confidence remains high, with Hong Kong’s hotel transactions surging 106% year-on-year and APAC’s development pipeline hitting record levels. Fresh leadership moves at TFE Hotels, Hilton and EVT signal continued investment in talent. In tech, the latest research shows hotels shifting decisively toward Best-in-Class systems and preparing for “agentic search” — reshaping how guests find, compare, and book stays.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.We round up the biggest hospitality headlines across the Asia–Pacific region. Radisson Hotel Group debuts its first Park Inn by Radisson in Australia, while Accor expands its New Zealand footprint with TRIBE and JO&JOE Auckland. Adina Barrack Plaza Perth completes a $4 million upgrade, and Brisbane’s historic Breakfast Creek Hotel begins a $2.75 million transformation. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts partners with Ovolo Hotels to scale its boutique portfolio and rebrands Singapore’s Value Hotel Thomson as Days Inn by Wyndham Singapore Novena.Hilton strengthens its Southeast Asia pipeline with 17 new signings and prepares for the launch of DoubleTree by Hilton Singapore Robertson Quay, while JW Marriott opens in Tokyo and IHG Hotels & Resorts announces Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud. Major deals include YTL Hotels’ NZD 160 million acquisition of Hotel Indigo Auckland, Cross Hotels & Resorts joining South Korea’s Sono International, and InterContinental Singapore rebranding under Marriott International’s Luxury Collection   NRMA Parks and Resorts adds four Central Coast holiday parks, while MGM Resorts, Marriott International, and Sydney’s hotel sector all report strong performance. Finally, a new Enseo report underscores how reliable, personalised technology—like fast WiFi, smart controls, and casting-enabled TVs—has become key to guest loyalty and operational success.

In this week's 5 Star Weekly Briefing multiple major hotel chains, including IHG, Hyatt, TFE Hotels, and Accor, are highlighted for aggressive expansion, particularly across Australia and Asia-Pacific, with numerous new property openings scheduled between late 2025 and 2029. Financial data for IHG and Accor confirms steady global growth, strong pipeline expansion, and rising profitability driven by luxury and lifestyle brands. Furthermore, the text details significant real estate transactions in Asia-Pacific and notes that major sporting events in Australia contributed a $75 million boost to hotel revenues. And of course congratulations to the industry professionals commencing new roles across Australia and New Zealand.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. Swire Hotels unveils its new global brand, Upper House, uniting its award-winning properties in Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Shanghai with new openings in Shenzhen, Xi’an, Tokyo, and Bangkok — plus the debut of Upper House Residences Bangkok in 2030. COMO Hotels and Resorts celebrates the reopening of COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, while Sofitel Noosa transforms into Elysium Noosa Resort, managed by Accor’s MGallery Collection. New developments include Punthill Albury Apartment Hotel and InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, expanding the region’s premium and MICE offerings. Meanwhile, Hilton partners with Sun Group on five new Vietnamese hotels, Taveuni Palms Resort Fiji takes home top luxury awards, and both Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launch fresh collection brands targeting new segments. We also unpack industry trends — from the rise of the “bleisure” traveller to Japan’s booming hotel market and Australia’s $1.3-trillion sports tourism opportunity — alongside new leadership moves across Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, TFE Hotels, Mondrian Gold Coast, and The Ritz-Carlton.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Highlights include RACV’s $27 million expansion in the Yarra Valley, Hyatt’s Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney debut, and IHG’s voco Gosford opening this December. Accor continues its growth with The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection and TRIBE Auckland Fort Street, while EVT begins work on the cinematic-inspired Florin Hotel in Sydney. In sustainability, Rumi on Louth expands its off-grid island retreat, and Cordelia’s The Brooklet redefines luxury wellness in Byron Bay. Choice Hotels introduces MainStay Suites to Australia’s extended-stay market, ATEC prepares for its Perth Meeting Place event, and the “bleisure” travel trend continues to reshape tourism. Internationally, Dusit Thani Bangkok earns a Michelin Key, and Baillie Lodges secures a spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels extended list—cementing the Asia-Pacific’s growing influence in global hospitality.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.From the grand opening of The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort at Resorts World Sentosa by Marriott International, redefining sustainable luxury in Singapore, to Hilton celebrating its 9,000th hotel and accelerating expansion across APAC, India, and the Middle East. Hyatt Hotels Corporation brings its vibrant Caption by Hyatt brand to Tokyo, while Pan Pacific Hotels Group strengthens its Southeast Asia footprint with PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Hanoi. In Australia, COMO Hotels and Resorts announces a new St Kilda Road landmark, Accor achieves record occupancies during the NRL Grand Final, and Adina Hotels and ALH Hotels unveil bold new directions with design-led transformations and brand reinventions. Plus, discover how AI is quietly reshaping hotel operations, unlocking smarter automation, seamless guest journeys, and new levels of personalisation.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.The Asia-Pacific hospitality sector is buzzing with activity. Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio now exceeds 160 hotels, with openings in Hong Kong, Osaka, and Qingdao and major projects in Shanghai, Bangkok, and Bali. Trilogy Hotels has commenced management of Mercure Penrith in Western Sydney’s sports and entertainment precinct. Sydney welcomes its first MGallery property with The Brighton Hotel, while Darwin Airport Resorts undergoes a $41M transformation linking Novotel, Mercure, and ibis with new villas, suites, and a Californian-style Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen. Travel + Leisure Co. adds Hotel Bellinzona to Club Wyndham South Pacific, Radisson signs Atiara Ubud Bali, and Aman announces its fourth Singapore urban resort. Across the region, leaders at IHG, Mandarin Oriental, Hyatt, Soneva, and Pan Pacific are driving innovation and guest-centric growth in line with rising demand for luxury, lifestyle, and immersive hotel experiences.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Investment volumes have reached USD 12.1 billion year-to-date, supported by strong travel fundamentals, including a forecasted 9% rise in air travel for 2025. Investors are focusing on value-add assets in markets such as Japan, Korea, Australia, and Singapore, with ADR growth continuing to outpace inflation. Global Asset Solutions is expanding its regional portfolio, now managing a high-profile collection of luxury Marriott and Hyatt properties across the Maldives, Phuket, and Melbourne.Luxury expansion and urban development projects are moving forward at pace. IHG will grow its luxury footprint with the Regent Karuizawa onsen resort in Japan, opening in 2028, while the Park Hyatt Tokyo reopens this December following a major renovation. Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island has completed a three-month refurbishment, and large-scale projects in Australia include the $75 million Novotel Geelong expansion, a $180 million 5-star tourism precinct in North Lakes, and the redevelopment of Melbourne’s Waterside Hotel into a seven-level landmark. New models are also reshaping the landscape, from the launch of Drifter’s hotel-hostel hybrid in Australia to the rise of branded residences and hotel conversions into student housing and co-living.On the operational front, hoteliers are prioritising efficiency gains through targeted AI initiatives like predictive maintenance and automated housekeeping, which often deliver returns within two years. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory will form Tourism and Events NT in 2026 to better integrate events with tourism, and Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific has partnered with the NBL and NBL1, boosting its visibility and offering exclusive rates across Australia and New Zealand.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Hear about exciting new hotel openings, including IHG’s first dual-branded property in Melbourne, Hyatt’s first Caption by Hyatt in Sydney, and Hilton’s continued growth in luxury and lifestyle hotels across Asia.We also cover major acquisitions and investments, including Seibu Prince Hotels’ US$90 million acquisition of Ace Group International, creating a global portfolio of 94 hotels while preserving Ace’s creative identity.The episode dives into industry trends and market highlights, from award-winning campaigns at PARKROYAL Parramatta to New Zealand hotels achieving occupancy growth and sustainability recognition. We also examine hotel investment activity in Thailand and broader Asia Pacific, and reflect on Accor’s Olympic legacy in Sydney.Finally, we showcase people and tech in motion: key executive appointments across global hotel groups, innovations unveiled at NoVacancy Sydney 2025, and case studies like Kimpton Main Frankfurt’s implementation of SABA Hospitality’s Digital Compendium and Mobile Ordering, which have boosted operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and staff productivity.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. 🏨 TFE Hotels progresses with Adina Chermside Brisbane, Cross Hotels & Resorts signs the bold ELLE Resort & Beach Club in Bali, Veriu Group breaks ground on Punthill Shepparton, and Marriott Vacation Clubs expands in Bali. Co-living operator Weave Living also makes its Australian debut.🤝 Hyatt Hotels Corporation adds new projects in Hua Hin and Bangkok, IHG Hotels & Resorts grows voco in Bangkok and Phuket while launching its fast-rising Garner brand in Pattaya.🌿 Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay earns EarthCheck Bronze for sustainability, while Hilton is crowned Australia’s #1 Best Workplace and #1 in Asia.👤 Leadership updates across Marriott, Hyatt, Star Group, Minor Hotels, and 25hours Hotels.

This week’s 5 Star Weekly Briefing brings you the biggest moves shaping hospitality right now:✨ Global Openings & Refurbs – From Hyatt’s stunning return to Kuala Lumpur and Marriott debuting Ritz-Carlton Fiji, to Sofitel Noosa’s luxury refresh — discover how leading brands are elevating the guest experience.🏨 Strategic Acquisitions – Goldfields secures Sorrento Beach Resort and EVT expands with Pro-invest Hotels — hear how these deals are reshaping portfolios and market positioning.📊 Industry Trends – Accor’s record WA occupancy surge, lifestyle hotels quadrupling in APAC, and Savills forecasting a 180% branded residences boom. What does this mean for investors and hoteliers?👤 Leadership Moves – Key appointments across Accor, Marriott, and EVT — meet the people driving the next wave of growth.Don’t miss this roundup of the week’s most important developments in the Asia Pacific Region

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. We cover major moves across the hotel industry. EVT has launched EVT Connect Hospitality after acquiring Pro-invest Group’s management arm, while Hyatt is introducing The Unbound Collection to Thailand. Marriott continues its New Zealand expansion with JW Marriott Auckland, Moxy Hotels, and the upcoming Sheraton Christchurch. IHG grows its fast-rising voco Hotels brand with new projects in Bangkok and Phuket, and Mama Shelter makes its Asia debut in Singapore. Back home, RACV dominated the Victorian Accommodation Awards, and we wrap up with senior leadership appointments across Marriott, IHG, Minor Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, and more.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. This episode covers the latest in hotel openings, acquisitions, and industry trends. Alivio Hotel Cairns debuts after a major refurbishment, while IHG Hotels & Resorts surpasses 1 million rooms globally, with new projects in Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh City. Accor and Ennismore launch TRIBE and JO&JOE in Auckland, and RACV expands Inverloch Resort. EVT, Capstone Hotel Management, and Sheraton/Marriott are making waves with new management agreements across Australia and New Zealand.In acquisitions, KS Hotels & Resorts takes Park Hyatt Melbourne, Ichigo Hotel REIT adds Okinawa and Toyama properties, and Urban Rest expands in Melbourne CBD. Luxury developments include NOCTIS by Kamana in Queenstown.Industry trends highlight strong APAC hotel growth, tech adoption for guest experiences, and evolving RevPAR performance. Key executives are joining new roles.Listen for insights on brand growth, loyalty programs, and how AI and automation are shaping the future of hospitality.

This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.Big names are making big moves in hospitality, Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp. teams up with Marriott International to launch Moxy Hotels in the Philippines. Accor expands with new Novotel and Peppers properties, plus a $4M luxury upgrade ahead of Brisbane 2032. Club Med partners with Paradise Indonesia for a new North Sulawesi resort, while IHG Hotels & Resorts, Comiskey Group, and Minor Hotels unveil major developments across APAC. Strong results from Accor, Marriott International, and Choice Hotels International point to continued travel growth.