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Corina Duma

305 posts

City of London Corporation Partners with General Projects and Esselco Group for Annexe Redevelopment Completion by 2030

🏨 City of London Corporation partners with General Projects and Esselco Group to redevelop West Smithfield's Annexe buildings into a food market and hotel. Victorian structures (1886-1899) will be regenerated by Heatherwick Studio. Phase one completes in early 2028 with a food hall; phase two by 2030 includes a boutique hotel, retail units, and a pocket park. The project aligns with modernizing Smithfield and Barbican Centre.
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  • 1 min

Hyatt to Open 50-Room Parian Chronicle Hotel on Paros, Greece, Marking Brand's Cyclades Debut This Summer

🗽 Hyatt plans to open the Parian Chronicle, a 50-room hotel, on Paros island this summer. This marks the debut of the Destination by Hyatt brand in the Cyclades. Located in Kampos, near Paros Airport and Parikia port, the hotel features low-density architecture with private terraces and pools. The design blends traditional Cycladic styles with modern elements. Amenities include a restaurant, spa, fitness center, and spaces for cultural events, highlighting storytelling and heritage.
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HotelREZ Appoints Frank Fuentes as Senior VP for Americas Amid 18.6% Revenue Growth and Global Expansion

🛑 Frank Fuentes has been appointed as senior vice president for the Americas at HotelREZ, following a 15-year tenure at InterContinental Hotels Group. HotelREZ reported an 18.6% year-on-year revenue growth, supporting over 2,500 independent hotels globally. The company’s portfolio includes about 222,500 rooms, with a 9.8% global RePAR improvement. Portfolio retention exceeds 90%. Fuentes will focus on expanding in North and Latin America amidst a rising investment climate.
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Hotel Owners Urged to Prioritize Sustainability Amid Middle East Conflict and Rising Energy Costs, Says Natalie Dunbar

📈 Amid Middle East conflicts destabilizing fuel markets, hotel owners face rising labor costs and thin margins, often sidelining sustainability. Energy inefficiencies cost the hospitality sector dearly, wasting 10-20% of energy and 1.1 million tonnes of food annually. Heating and cooling account for 70% of energy use, and lighting 8-18%. Compliance penalties in the UK range from £10k to £50k for failing energy standards. Investors now impose "Brown Discounts" on inefficient properties, impacting valuations and lending terms.
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Kendal Highgate Apartments in Cumbria Listed for £549,500; Includes Two Self-Contained Luxury Holiday Units

🏡 Two luxury holiday apartments in Kendal, Cumbria, named Osprey Residence and Monterey Residence, are on sale for £549,500. Located on the main shopping street, each unit includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, a lounge, and a bathroom. The building offers central heating, soundproofing, and Wi-Fi. Managed by Christie and Co, the apartments benefit from strong demand due to their proximity to Lake District National Park, offering year-round appeal.
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  • 2 min

Staycity Group Signs 20-Year Lease for New 222-Apartment Wilde Aparthotel in Berlin's Friedrichshain District

🏨 Dublin-based Staycity Group signed a 20-year lease for a new Wilde aparthotel at Brooks on East in Berlin, opening in 2027. The Friedrichshain district site will feature 222 apartments in two towers, near Ostbahnhof station and East Side Gallery. The project resumed in September 2024 after previous insolvency. Arrow Global and Red Square led negotiations. Staycity's strategic expansion targets high-footfall European urban locations appealing to business and leisure travelers.
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Starhotels Collezione Appoints Alexandro Della Croce as Chief Commercial Officer to Lead 34 Properties Globally

🏨 Alexandro Della Croce has been appointed as chief commercial officer for Starhotels Collezione. Since joining in 2019, he managed pricing and commercial performance across its luxury portfolio. With 20 years of industry experience, including roles at Starwood Hotels and IHG, Della Croce will lead a team for 34 properties, integrating revenue management, distribution, and events. He will also oversee sales divisions led by Diego Rumazza and Davide Ballardini for the Florence-based group.
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  • 3 min

UK Hospitality Workers Report 12% Rise in Pay Satisfaction, Yet Retention Drops 10% in 2026 Survey

📈 In 2026, 63% of UK hospitality workers feel fairly paid, up 12% from last year. Yet, retention dropped to 52% from 62% in 2024. Despite 93% recommending a hospitality career, 81% experience imposter syndrome, up from 38%. Only 54% are happy in their roles, down from 69% in 2024. Satisfaction with work-life balance decreased to 53%. 78% are now paid for overtime, up from 41% in 2025. Employers must focus on career growth to retain staff.
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