1248 posts

Steven J. Smith Appointed Managing Director of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Bringing 40 Years of Hyatt Experience

🏨 July 29, 2026, Nassau, Bahamas: Steven J. Smith becomes Managing Director of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, bringing 40+ years of hospitality experience. He previously led operations in San Antonio, Texas, and held roles in various Hyatt locations. The resort boasts 1,800+ rooms, 40+ dining options, and a 200,000 sq. ft. convention center. Smith aims to enhance guest experiences and community engagement, continuing the resort's reputation for luxury and exceptional service.
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Trestle Studio Acquires Lakeway Resort & Spa in Texas, Plans Comprehensive Renovation and Modernization

🏖 Trestle Studio acquires Lakeway Resort & Spa in Travis County, Texas, on July 29, 2026. In partnership with Sopris Capital, they aim to restore the 168-room resort, originally opened in 1963, enhancing its lakeside charm on an 11-acre peninsula. The renovation will focus on upgrading 24,000 square feet of spaces and amenities, aligning with Trestle Studio’s strategy of culturally-driven hospitality projects. The location offers 65 miles of shoreline and proximity to Austin’s attractions.
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Marriott Signs 75 Hotels in India Under The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Opens 50 in Six Months

🏨 July 29, 2026, Bethesda, Maryland: Marriott International celebrates significant milestones in India with The Fern Hotels & Resorts. Within six months of launching Series by Marriott in November 2025, 75 hotels were signed, and 50 opened, offering 3,556 rooms. Spanning 43 Indian cities, the brand’s rapid expansion highlights regional authenticity and sustainable hospitality. Key openings include locations in Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa, Igatpuri, and Bengaluru, all under the Marriott Bonvoy program.
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Drury Hotels Opens Sixth Florida Location in Miramar Beach, Begins Construction on Destin Plaza Hotel in 2026

🏨 July 28, 2026, St. Louis, Missouri: Drury Hotels, with over 150 hotels in 30 states, launched its sixth Florida hotel. Located at 50 Ponce de Leon Street, Miramar Beach, this Drury Inn & Suites offers 116 suites. Amenities include a free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, and evening snacks and drinks. General Manager Joshua Hager leads a team of 25. In 2026, construction will start on the Drury Plaza Hotel Destin, featuring 320 rooms and a resort-style pool.
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IHG Signs Esperança Hotel in Braga, Expanding Vignette Collection Portfolio in Portugal to Six Properties

🏨 Portugal, Braga, July 28, 2026: IHG Hotels & Resorts signed the Esperança Hotel, Vignette Collection in Braga, expanding its portfolio to six hotels in Portugal. The 58-key hotel, opening in September 2026, will be a conversion of two buildings. Owned by Hotel Janes LDA and managed by Amazing Evolution, it joins IHG's Vignette Collection, which has surpassed half of its goal to attract 100 hotels by 2030 since its 2021 launch.
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Mary Bowens Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti After 25 Years with Company

🌍 July 28, 2026, Canada, Toronto: Mary Bowens is appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. With over 25 years at Four Seasons, she transitions from Resort Manager in Seychelles, renowned for her people-first approach. The lodge, in Serengeti National Park, offers luxury safari experiences. Mary, joining since 2001, emphasizes talent development and conservation. Her global expertise spans Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Indian Ocean.
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Gallery collage of Henn na Hotel New York in the Garment District, showing exterior entrance, lobby interior, and greenery.
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TravelAI Acquires Sonder Name for Affiliate Marketing, Aiming for Immediate Profitability and $750M Booking Value in 2023

🛫 TravelAI™, based in Vancouver, acquired the Sonder name out of bankruptcy and relaunched it for affiliate marketing. CEO John Lyotier expects the project to be cash-flow positive from day one, recouping ROI within months. TravelAI operates over 530 travel sites, forecasting over $750 million in gross booking value this year. The company's strategy focuses on AI-driven personalization, aiming to enhance traveler experiences amidst evolving search methodologies and agentic browser technologies.
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IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs First Vignette Collection Property in London at Canary Wharf for Summer 2026 Opening

🏨 July 27, 2026, London: IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the signing of its first Vignette Collection property in London, Canary Riverside Plaza. Scheduled to open in summer 2026, the hotel will feature 142 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and event space for 200 guests. This marks IHG's debut in Canary Wharf, one of London’s key business districts. As of March 31, 2026, IHG operates 384 hotels in the UK&I, with 28 more in development.
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Minor Hotels Launches Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, First Under Colbert Collection Brand, in Historic Florence

🏨 The Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, part of Minor Hotels' new Colbert Collection, opened on May 12, 2026, in Florence, Italy. The hotel, originally mentioned in 1386, is likely Italy's oldest. It features 69 guestrooms, including the Torre Monalda Suite in a 13th-century tower. Public areas reflect the "art of gathering" with a bistro bar and Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo's restaurant launching in June. Future Colbert Collection openings include London in Q4 2026 and Koh Samui in Q1 2027.
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