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2023 posts

Uga Ghiri to Open in Ella, Sri Lanka in June 2026

🌴 Uga Resorts will open its eighth property, Uga Ghiri, in Ella, Sri Lanka, in June 2026. Spanning 10 acres, the resort features 15 villas and a restored colonial manor, offering views of Nine Arch Bridge and the lush highlands. Nightly rates start at $1,200. Guests can enjoy activities like artisanal tea experiences, cycling, and conservation walks, contributing to biodiversity efforts. The resort includes a spa, infinity pool, and restaurant showcasing Sri Lankan cuisine.
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HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin – Week Ending 09 January 2026

🏨 Riu Hotels acquired the 464-room Westminster Hotel in London for £290 million, at £625,000 per room, from Westmont, BHP, and PPF. Catalonia Hotels purchased the Gallery Hotel in Barcelona and Molina Lario Hotel in Malaga from Meridia Capital. A&O Hostels bought Novotel and Ibis in Manchester, UK, planning £8.2 million renovations. PensionDanmark acquired Ibis Styles Copenhagen Orestad, part of a DKK 1.0 billion transaction. Avintia sold B&B Hotel Madrid to a family office, planning more hotels with B&B Hotels.
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HVS Asia Pacific Hospitality Newsletter – Week Ending 9 January 2026

🏠 Blackstone, a US investment firm, is acquiring Hamilton Island in Queensland, Australia, from the Oatley family for about AUD1.2 billion. Coliwoo sold an 80% stake in Coliwoo Hotel Pasir Panjang, Singapore, for SGD43.9 million, with a long-term leaseback. Singapore-based RP Financial bought a mixed-use asset in Auckland, New Zealand, featuring a 154-key hotel. Sino United Publishing acquired Wifi Boutique Hotel in Hong Kong for HKD205 million, realizing a gain of HKD190 million over 35 years.
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Japanese Brand MIMARU to Offer Sumitomo Corporation’s “Any Wear, Anywhere” Clothing-Sharing Service for Inbound Family Travelers

💼 MIMARU, a leading apartment-style hotel brand in Japan, will offer Sumitomo's "Any Wear, Anywhere" clothing-sharing service for guests starting January 19, 2026. Advance reservations open on January 7, 2026, with the trial running through March 2026. The service allows families to reserve seasonal clothing online, easing luggage burdens and promoting sustainable travel. MIMARU's spacious rooms cater to international families, with 90% of guests staying multiple nights. Early feedback highlights practicality and convenience.
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Where to Invest: A Pragmatic View of Hospitality in 2026

🏨 In 2026, the hospitality industry might experience a shift as transaction volumes could remain limited unless sellers adjust cap rate expectations. Recent interest rates have moved off their peaks, with debt constants remaining high at 7%-9%. Viable investment strategies include developing hotels with RevPAR above $250, repositioning neglected hotels, or reinvesting in existing assets. Reinvestment offers the highest probability of success due to market constraints and growing demand, despite its less glamorous nature compared to other strategies.
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Springhill Suites By Marriott Opens In Orange Beach, Alabama

🏖 SpringHill Suites by Marriott opens a 120-suite hotel in Orange Beach, Alabama, designed to capture the Gulf Coast's beauty. Located at 24224 Ruby Lane, and managed by Vista Host, it features spacious suites, a resort-style pool, and The Blue Heron Room, a 1,080 sq ft meeting space. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a modern fitness center. Sales Manager Cole Walker and GM Matthew Sutherland lead the team, ensuring a purposeful hospitality experience.
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TrustYou Strengthens APAC Leadership with Two Senior Hires to Accelerate Hospitality AI Adoption

✅ January 13th, 2026, Munich – TrustYou, a leading Hospitality AI platform, appointed Jenna Xue and Jasmine Leong to accelerate AI adoption in APAC. TrustYou launched its AI-powered platform, including a Customer Data Platform (CDP), Customer Experience Platform (CXP), and AI Agent, designed for seamless hotel communications. Jenna Xue brings 15 years of marketing expertise, while Jasmine Leong offers 15 years in hospitality tech. This move supports TrustYou’s commitment to enhance guest engagement and innovate in the APAC region.
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Should hoteliers become AI experts?

💻 In Australia, only a third of businesses have a clear AI strategy, while less than half have formal data strategies, despite two-thirds claiming to be data-driven. The focus for hoteliers should be on predictive analytics rather than leading AI innovation. By leveraging global technology platforms, hoteliers can tap into anonymized data to drive new revenue streams, enhancing customer experiences without the need for sole expertise in AI. SiteMinder supports with over 125 million reservations generating US$50 billion annually.
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Hilton’s South East Asia Playbook: Secondary Cities, Design-Led Stays, and Wellness by Intention

🏨 2025 sees South East Asian travelers favoring intentional, locally connected experiences, shifting Hilton's focus for 2026. Hilton plans to open 13 new hotels in the region, particularly in secondary cities like Bintaro Jaya, Indonesia, where demand for authentic destinations grows, aided by government incentives. The approach embraces design-led hotels and wellness integration, exemplified by properties like KROMO Bangkok. Hilton's 2026 Trends Report highlights a shift towards wellness tourism, with 56% of travelers prioritizing rest and rejuvenation.
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What the Saudi Green Initiative Is and Why It Matters to Hospitality

🌱 In 2021, Saudi Arabia launched the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) to promote sustainable development as part of its Vision 2030. SGI influences hospitality, particularly in regions like the Red Sea and NEOM, by prioritizing energy efficiency and ecosystem protection in hotels. GCSTIMES, operational since 2011, supports these efforts with sustainable innovations across 140 countries, emphasizing cultural preservation and low-carbon growth. The company operates from five centers, including the US and China.
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