Corina Duma - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

1 min

Tokyu Hotels joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council

🏨 Tokyu Hotels and Resorts joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) this week, becoming the first Japanese hotel chain to enroll all properties with this non-profit organization. This follows their 2019 sustainability policy and 2022 action plan. The Tokyo-based company aims to align with GSTC standards, focusing on human rights and community relations. President Takashi Takei emphasizes their commitment to international standards, while CEO Randy Durband supports their sustainability efforts.

2 min

The Woodcote secures planning approval for South Downs retreat

🏠 The Woodcote, West Sussex, received planning approval to convert its historic pub and cottage into a lodge with a bistro and 16 suites. Led by McLean Quinlan, the project restores hedgerows, creates wetlands, and manages rainwater. It aims to maintain South Downs views, add woodlands, and protect the Dark Sky Core Area with low-level lighting. Ledmore Capital aims for Michelin Green Star recognition. Landscape architects Studio Engleback and designer Peter Mikic guide the project to blend with nature.

2 min

IHG launches premium Noted Collection for independent hotels

📌 IHG launches Noted Collection, a new premium brand targeting upscale hotels in the EMEAA region. Over the next decade, IHG aims to incorporate 150 Noted Collection hotels globally. Each hotel will retain its character while adopting IHG's technology and loyalty program, boasting 160 million members. Initially rolling out in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, this 21st brand seeks to capture part of the 2.3 million independent rooms worldwide.

1 min

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian succeeds Thomas Pritzker as chairman

🏨 Mark Hoplamazian will become executive chairman of Hyatt, succeeding Thomas Pritzker, who plans to retire immediately. This change takes place before Hyatt’s annual board meeting in May. Pritzker has been part of Hyatt’s board since 2004, with leadership roles since 1980. The transition is part of a succession strategy focusing on an asset-light model and global brand expansion. Hoplamazian has been Hyatt's CEO for nearly 20 years.

7 min

The tourist tax debate returns: what it means for London hotels

🛒 London, 2026: A proposed 3% tourist tax could generate over £350m annually for the city, with Central London alone contributing £275m. Hoteliers fear this levy, amid 20% VAT and rising costs, threatens competitiveness. Westminster could raise £95m, while Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, and Tower Hamlets may exceed £20m each. Critics argue this tax, alongside high VAT, could make the UK less appealing to tourists, pushing the VAT rate to 27%. Industry seeks clarity on fund allocation.

2 min

Minor Hotels profit growth jumps 32% in 2025

🏨 Minor Hotels reported a 32% rise in core profits to THB 6.8bn (£161m) for 2025. Revenues hit THB 133.2bn (£3.1m), with group sales up 4% to THB 166.1bn (£3.9m). Occupancy rose to 68%, with a 3% increase in average daily rates. Europe and the Americas drove earnings, boosting profits through leisure and corporate recovery. The group signed 40 new projects and rebranded 23 properties, pursuing an asset-light model. Expectations remain positive for 2026.

1 min

Kronen Collection completes refurb programme and appoints new CEO

📍 Kronen Collection completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment of its boutique hotel portfolio, including 66 renovated bedrooms at The Kilbirnie Hotel in Newquay and upgrades at The Crown Hotel in Wetheral, Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle, and Borrowsdale Gates in Keswick. Chris McLaughlin was appointed CEO, Christina Stephenson became group sales and marketing manager, Javier Labbe was promoted to group accountant, and Marlon Kagoro took over as hotel manager at The Crown Hotel. The focus is on asset quality and individuality.

1 min

Grand Metropolitan Hotels plans expansion into Vietnam

📈 Grand Metropolitan Hotels plans to expand in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in Vietnam, where GDP growth exceeded 8% in 2025. Chairman Martin Smura and board member Philipp Rösler met Vietnam's Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính in Hanoi to discuss investment in tourism and hotel real estate. The company, operating in 46 countries, recently entered the UK market. Talks also included Sovico Group, which holds significant investments in aviation, finance, and real estate.

1 min

Historic Tankerville Arms Hotel price cut ahead of auction

🏨 The Tankerville Arms Hotel in Wooler, at the edge of Northumberland National Park, will go to auction with a starting bid of £410k, down from its original £750k. The 18th Century hotel, spanning over 10,000 sq ft with 17 guest rooms, has been family-owned for over 40 years. It features a bar, 40-seat restaurant, and function room for 40. Located on the A697, it includes a car park and beer garden.

1 min

Bob W signs lease for third Stockholm property

📍 Bob W has secured a long-term lease for a former hotel in Södermalm, Stockholm. The 1,300 sq m building at Lundagatan 31 will transform into 62 studio apartments, opening in Q2 2026. Located near Zinkensdamm and Mariatorget metro stations, the site will feature a lounge and third-party-run restaurant. Partnering with Classic Hotel Bjälken 20, Bob W emphasizes modern hospitality trends and flexible, design-led operations in response to conventional hotel model challenges.

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