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Corina Duma

262 posts

Palazzo Genazzini in Bellagio Set to Reopen June 1 After Historic Restoration by Francesco Pastorelli Architetti

🏨 Palazzo Genazzini, a historic Bellagio hotel, reopens on June 1 after renovation by Francesco Pastorelli Architetti and Studio Reveria. Located on Lake Como's waterfront, the 35-room boutique hotel dates back to 1721. Key features include 20 suites, frescoes, and a stone staircase. Landscaped by Roberto Benatti, it offers dining at Ristorante Genazzini 1788, an outdoor bar, and a rooftop bar. Matteo Mauri emphasized preserving the hotel's historic character while enhancing modern hospitality.
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Choice Hotels International Launches AI Tools to Aid Franchisees in Managing Bookings and Operations

💻 Choice Hotels International introduces AI tools to enhance bookings and operations. Platforms include Choice Hotels Business Direct for SMBs, Easybid for group RFP management, Charlie for 24/7 staff support, and Raise for pricing strategy. These tools leverage Agentcore and Agentforce for automation. CEO Patrick Pacious emphasizes AI's influence on travel booking. Anna Scozzafava highlights the company's leadership in agentic commerce, reflecting their ongoing digital transformation investment.
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UKHospitality Scotland Urges New Government to Reform Business Rates and Boost Investment in Hospitality Skills

💸 UKHospitality Scotland urges the new government to reform business rates as an economic priority. Aiming for action within the first 100 days, they propose a lower poundage rate funded by a rebalanced tax burden, including the online economy. The sector contributes £7.6bn annually to Scotland and employs 290,000 people. They also suggest using Apprenticeship Levy funds for work academy programs to build a skilled workforce.
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Branded Residences Sector Expanded by Over 180% from 2014 to 2024, Becoming a Key Growth Driver in Hospitality

🏠 Between 2014 and 2024, branded residences expanded by over 180%, with projections for more than 1,600 schemes by 2030. This growth is prominent in the premium and upper-midscale sectors. Economic uncertainty and high living costs drive consumers to trusted hospitality brands. Investment in branded residences attracts families, remote workers, and frequent travelers. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, under Regional Director Jackie Brown since September 2020, emphasizes this model's importance in future hospitality.
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  • 2 min

Minor Hotels to Launch Anantara Resort in Turks and Caicos with 78 Residences by 2029

🏖️ Minor Hotels plans to launch the Anantara brand in the Caribbean with a resort in Turks and Caicos, opening in 2029 on Sandy Point's coastline, North Caicos. The resort will include 78 branded residences, a private marina, spa, on-site observatory, sports facilities, and dining with ingredients from on-site gardens. It will be accessible via boat from Providenciales Airport or through North Caicos Airport. Architecture by RAD and Meyer Davis, emphasizing nature-focused designs.
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  • 2 min

Kew Green Hotels Appoints Michael Stott as Head of Commercial and Simon Bullough as Development Director for UK Expansion

📈 Kew Green Hotels appointed Michael Stott as head of commercial and Simon Bullough as development director to expand in the UK. Stott, with 20 years' experience, was formerly Apex Hotels' commercial director. Bullough, promoted after nearly 12 months as a consultant, previously held roles at Louvre Hotels and Choice Hotels Europe. CEO David Taylor praised their strategic depth. The appointments aim to boost growth, investor relations, and the portfolio.
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  • 1 min

Lough Erne Resort's Neal Graham Joins Prestigious Les Clefs d’Or After Five-Year Application Process

🏨 Neal Graham, after 16 years at Lough Erne Resort, joins Les Clefs d’Or, a concierge association with 4,000 members in 80 countries. The membership, achieved after five years, signifies excellence in hospitality. Les Clefs d’Or, founded in 1929, is renowned for maintaining high service standards. Graham expressed pride in receiving the Golden Keys, while General Manager Gareth Byrne highlighted this as a professional milestone for Graham and a testament to the resort's service.
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Airelles Unveils First International Luxury Hotel in Venice with 45 Rooms and Five Dining Outlets

🏨 French hotel group Airelles opened its first international property, Airelles Palladio, on Giudecca island, Venice. The hotel includes restored 16th-century buildings, offering 45 rooms (28 suites), a one-hectare garden, and four pools. It features a 1,700-square-metre Guerlain Spa, five dining outlets by renowned chefs, and a music venue opening in September 2026. Architect Christophe Tollemer led the restoration, blending French elegance with Venetian style.
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IHG Hotels and Resorts Reports 4.4% Global RevPAR Increase in Q1 2026, Surpassing 7,000 Open Hotels

📈 IHG Hotels and Resorts reported a 4.4% rise in global RevPAR for Q1 2026, with China and the US showing strong demand. They reached over 7,000 hotels with 82 new openings, adding 14,900 rooms, a 2% increase. Group and business travel rose 7% and 6%, respectively. Average daily rates increased by 2%, occupancy by 1.5%, and Greater China saw a 5.7% growth. IHG signed 163 hotels, with conversion brands making up 53% of signings.
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UKHospitality Urges Government for Targeted Support Amid Rising Energy Costs Threatening Sector Stability

🏨 UKHospitality urges the UK government for action amidst rising energy costs. They propose six measures, including energy supplier obligations, contract caps, and an investigation into energy market competition by the CMA. They warn the Middle East crisis exacerbates challenges already posed by high energy prices, supply chain costs, and reduced customers. Historically, 1 in 5 hospitality businesses have faced collapse due to energy costs. Industry leaders recommend cutting VAT to 10%, reducing business rates, and halting holiday taxes.
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