Swasti Sharma

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts will introduce the Noted Collection in Japan with two hotels in Tokyo. A 207-key conversion hotel in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district will open in 2027, while an 81-key new-build hotel in Ginza will open in 2029. Partners include SC Capital Partners and A Consulting. The new brand, launched this year, targets independent properties, adding them to a global network with loyalty benefits.

🏨 Shambhala Hills partners with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to develop Nivara Resort & Spa Udaipur, a Registry Collection Hotel, in Rajasthan, India. The resort will include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, banquet hall, and meeting spaces. Activities will feature horse-riding, safaris, ziplining, and birdwatching. Dr. Gaurav Sharma emphasizes the resort as a cultural destination, while Rahool Macarius highlights Udaipur's blend of heritage and luxury tourism. Over 126 million Wyndham Rewards members can explore this new destination.

🌴 Amanolu, Aman’s inaugural Maldives destination, is set to open in 2028. Located amid serene white beaches and turquoise lagoons, it features a 52-key resort and 16 exclusive residences. Each island home includes five bedrooms and an 82-foot pool, offering sunrise or sunset views. Amanolu will include wellness and activity islands, diving, snorkeling, and unique dining experiences, embodying peace and harmony with nature. Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, it emphasizes indoor-outdoor living.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts and King Park Hotel Sdn. Bhd. signed a two-hotel agreement in Malaysia, marking IHG's franchise model launch. Garner Hotel Kota Kinabalu, with 202 rooms, rebrands in phases from 2027-2029. Holiday Inn Express Tawau, IHG’s first in Tawau, opens in 2028. IHG's portfolio expands to over 20 Malaysian hotels. Globally, Garner has 110 properties, while Holiday Inn Express has 3,300 hotels open and 660 in pipeline.

🏨 My Place Hotels relaunched Trend by My Place at its 2026 Miami convention. The three-tier platform targets conversions for modern select-service, extended-stay, and midscale properties. Franchisees benefit from My Place's commercial platform and Stay Rewarded loyalty program, driving over 50% of hotel revenue. An introductory royalty structure is available until December 31, 2026. Lodging Econometrics reports a 15% increase in hotel conversions and a 14% rise in construction starts year-over-year in Q2 2026.

🏨 Corinthia Group, in partnership with Carolina Partners Ltd., plans to develop a luxury project in Turks & Caicos on Grace Bay, commencing in 2027. The project will feature a 50-suite Corinthia hotel and branded residences, including beachfront villas, with amenities like a spa and beach club. Karen Cummings of Carolina Partners Ltd. has owned the land for 25 years. Corinthia Real Estate Ventures leads the project, expanding Corinthia’s portfolio in the Caribbean and North America.

🏨 Stonebridge has added the Courtyard by Marriott and Element by Marriott Atlanta Midtown to its portfolio. Built in 2021, this 282-room property is in Midtown Atlanta, opposite the Fox Theatre. Stonebridge aims to enhance its dining experiences, including The Ponce Room Bar & Kitchen and Elements RISE breakfast. The hotel features over 11,000 sq. ft. of event space and a fitness center. Stonebridge's commercial team will drive revenue through strategic marketing and sales efforts.