Track Best Western Hotels & Resorts in one feed. This hub aggregates the latest news, brand updates and openings across Best Western’s global membership network, as covered by trusted sources. Follow one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands.
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Dubai Welcomes 869,000 International Visitors in August 2026, Best Monthly Performance Since February
9 October 2026🌎 Dubai welcomed approximately 869,000 international visitors in August 2026, marking its best month since February. From January to August, visitor numbers totaled 6.97 million, down 44% from 12.54 million in 2025. August’s dip narrowed to 37%, with 1.37 million visitors in August 2025. Hotel occupancy hit 66%, 89% of 2025 levels. Western Europe (20%) led visitor origins, followed by South Asia (17%) and the Gulf countries (16%). Emirates restored 97% of its network, while Air France resumed Dubai flights…
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Hozpitality Group Hosts Women Leadership Forum 2026 in Los Angeles, Gathering Over 70 Industry Leaders
9 October 2026📊 On October 7, Hozpitality Group hosted the Women Leadership Forum 2026 at Cameo Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, uniting 70+ leaders from hospitality and related sectors. Key speakers included Jackie Filla and prominent women from various industries. Discussions focused on women’s roles in leadership, mentorship, and workforce development. Event partners and sponsors included Cameo Beverly Hills, RokketMed, másLabor, and NEFT Vodka. The forum is part of Hozpitality’s expanding U.S. initiatives, including the Best GM Powerlist 2026.
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Ten great things to do in London for Frieze Week 2026
7 October 2026As Frieze London 2026 (14-18 October) looms, put these openings, performances and parties in your diary now
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Marriott International’s Future of Food 2027 Report Highlights Rise of Authentic, Local Dining Across Asia Pacific
7 October 2026🍽 Marriott International has released its “Future of Food 2027” report focused on Asia Pacific (excluding China). 95% of surveyed properties highlight local cuisine as the top dining trend. Flexible dining settings are rising, with Vietnam seeing 71% growth in bar/lounge dining. In Thailand, 100% of restaurants use AI in operations. Fine dining experiences are now quicker, with 58% lasting 1.5-2 hours. Wellness dining is notable, with 97% offering health-focused dishes. Non-alcoholic beverage sales are up in 42% of surveyed…
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Aleph Hospitality Assumes Management of Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan, Expanding Dubai Portfolio to Three Properties
7 October 2026📍 Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, took over Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan in Dubai on 1 July 2026. Aleph now manages over 50 hotels with 7,000+ rooms across 23 countries and 39 cities. Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan joins the Marriott Marquis and Hilton in Dubai under Aleph’s management. This expansion aligns with Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and aims for operational efficiency and commercial success for hotel owners.
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Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Airport Recognized for Exceptional Guest Experience in Hilton Brand Research Study
6 October 2026📈 Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Airport, under Newport Hospitality Group management, excels in guest satisfaction, surpassing peers in cleanliness (86.8% vs. 85.9%), service quality (87.1% vs. 85.0%), and breakfast (78.8% vs. 76.7%). Its Hilton Honors Appreciation score is 74.8%, 9.4 points above peer average. The Fitness Center achieved 92.3%, notably higher than the 78.5% peer benchmark. This performance has earned it a place in Hilton’s research study, highlighting its exceptional hospitality practices.
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Red Roof Unveils Growth Strategy with Red Roof PLUS+ Enhancements, RediRewards Evolution, and Canadian Expansion Plans
5 October 2026📈 Red Roof’s Brand Conference in Hollywood, Florida, gathered over 1,000 attendees, led by President Zack Gharib. The company is enhancing Red Roof PLUS+® with hot breakfasts and upgraded guest experiences. RediRewards, with 6 million members, is evolving for better guest engagement. Red Roof reports a 44% rise in app-generated revenue and is expanding into Canada with a new location near Vancouver Airport. The focus remains on quality, digital growth, and combating human trafficking.
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Mexican Avocado Production Faces Environmental and Social Challenges Amidst Rising U.S. Demand, Report States
5 October 2026🥑 Mexico, the world’s largest avocado producer, cultivated over 2.5 million tonnes in 2026. Since 2000, US avocado consumption tripled due to extensive marketing. A 2023 Climate Rights International report highlights deforestation in Michoacán and Jalisco, often illegal, causing environmental harm and water scarcity. Avocado farming uses at least 75,000 gallons per acre during dry seasons. Organized crime and labor issues are prevalent, with efforts like Guardián Forestal’s certification program improving sustainability and reducing deforestation.
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Chef David Gingell Highlights Cornwall’s Best Dining Spots, Including Argoe and Flora, in Personal Food Guide
4 October 2026🍴 David Gingell, co-owner of three London restaurants, now resides in Cornwall. He praises restaurants like Argoe in Newlyn for its exquisite fish, and Flora in St Martin. Helston boasts Pica Rico and Cast Café, while Falmouth offers Seaview Inn, Kelp Canteen, and Dark Pony for coffee. St Ives’ St Eia is a winter wine spot. Flushing’s Pavilion and Truro’s Native Grain are top bakeries. Gear Farm near Helston is famed for Cornish pasties.
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AAHOA’s 5th HerOwnership Conference in Nashville Empowers Women Hoteliers with Focus on Ownership and Leadership
2 October 2026📚 September 27–28, Nashville, Tennessee—The fifth annual HerOwnership Conference by AAHOA gathered women hotel owners to focus on ownership operations, technology, and growth. The event featured masterclasses on legal issues and hotel financing, with sessions on AI and portfolio diversification. Keynote by Simi Shah of South Asian Trailblazers highlighted the importance of AAHOA. AAHOA President Laura Lee Blake praised the confidence of women hotel owners. Arti and Purnima Patel emphasized the importance of networking and mentorship.
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AAHOA’s 5th Annual HerOwnership Conference in Nashville Highlights Women Leadership in Hospitality, September 27–28
2 October 2026🎶 September 27–28, Nashville hosted AAHOA’s 5th HerOwnership Conference, uniting women hotel owners. With 20,000 members, AAHOA owns 60% of U.S. hotels, impacting 1.7% of GDP. Key topics included hotel operations, legal issues, and AI technology. Simi Shah, a keynote speaker, praised AAHOA’s role in her career. AAHOA employs over 1 million, generating $51.3 billion annually, supporting 4.2 million jobs. The event emphasized women’s leadership and networking within hospitality.
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Meta’s Muse AI Agent Blocked by Hilton, Redirects Booking Attempt to Expedia in Washington, D.C.
2 October 2026📅 On September 29, 2026, Gaurav Sharma used Meta’s AI, Muse, to book a Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., for under $250, but was blocked by Hilton’s site. In September 2026, over 70% of travelers used AI for research, yet less than 16% booked with AI. Google’s AI Mode began hotel bookings with major partners. AI referrals to hotel sites grew fourfold, though AI bookings remain low. Younger travelers, especially Gen Z, lead AI usage.
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Italy’s Hospitality Sector Achieves 42.8% GOP Margin in 2026, Leading European Markets Amid Increased Tourist Arrivals
1 October 2026🌍 Italy 2026: Tourist arrivals rose 4.43% in H1, with June’s foreign traveler expenditure up 4.8% YoY. Italy leads in European occupancy at 51.2%, surpassing Spain and France. Milan’s luxury hotels saw GOPPAR rise 33% to €400, driven by Fashion Week and Olympic anticipation. Italy’s GOP margin climbed from 41% to 43% with ADR up 8% and occupancy up 1 point. Southern Europe’s GOPPAR grew 8% YTD July 2026, outpacing other regions.
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Italy’s Hotel Industry Leads Europe with 42.8% GOP Margin in 2026 Amid Rising Tourist Arrivals and Spending
1 October 2026📈 Italy experienced a 4.43% rise in tourist arrivals in H1 2026, with occupancy rates at 51.2%, surpassing Spain and France. Italy’s GOP margin climbed to 42.8%, driven by a 8% ADR increase and 6% F&B revenue growth. Milan’s luxury hotels reported a 33% increase in GOPPAR. Southern Europe’s GOPPAR rose 8% YTD to July 2026. Italy’s payroll growth was 4.1%, with utilities costs decreasing by 1.7%. Labour costs per room increased by 4.1%.
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82% of Australian Accommodation Providers Rely on Online Platforms to Boost Off-Season Stays, Survey Finds
1 October 2026📈 In 2024, 66% of Australian accommodation providers report positive occupancy trends. Digital travel platforms help 82% of these providers manage off-season stays, while 45% use flexible booking policies. Investment plans are noted by nearly half of respondents. Business event travelers spent $17.2 billion in 2025. To smooth demand, 55% collaborate with digital platforms, 37% offer off-peak discounts, and 31% partner with local attractions. Online travel agencies drive regional tourism and help balance seasonal demand across Australia’s varied climates.
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Hyatt Expands Essentials Portfolio with New Hotels Across U.S., Catering to Leisure and Business Travelers Alike
30 September 2026🏨 Hyatt Hotels Corporation expands its Essentials Portfolio across the U.S., featuring new Hyatt Place, House, and Studios hotels. Notable additions include Hyatt Select Williamsburg, Hyatt Studios Chesapeake, and Hyatt Place Jackson. The portfolio encompasses over 700 hotels globally. Upcoming openings include Hyatt Place Waco by early 2027. Hyatt, headquartered in Chicago, manages 1,350 properties in 78 countries, as of June 2024, aiming to enhance guest experiences with thoughtful amenities and practical accommodations.
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AI and Technology Enhance, Rather Than Replace, Human Roles in Hospitality Careers, Highlighting Unique Industry Opportunities
30 September 2026📑 Dr. Michael A. Kruesi, Assistant Professor at Singapore Institute of Technology, highlights hospitality’s enduring value despite AI disruption. In 2025, services represented 63.3% of global GDP and employed over half the workforce. The U.S. service sector accounted for 80% of employment in 2023. Hospitality supported 366 million jobs in 2025, with projections for 91 million new jobs by 2035. Despite technological advances, AI augments rather than replaces hospitality roles, offering young professionals stable entry paths.
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Aleph Hospitality Secures 1,330 Keys in 2023, Expanding Portfolio Across Nine Properties in Six Countries
30 September 2026🏨 Aleph Hospitality, based in Dubai, has expanded significantly in 2023, securing 1,330 hotel keys across nine properties in six countries. They manage over 50 hotels with 7,000+ rooms in 38 cities and aim to reach 100 hotels by 2029. This year, they signed agreements for hotels in Nigeria, Pakistan, Dubai, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ivory Coast. Franchised projects in Africa rose from 40 in 2020 to 146 in 2023. Key executive appointments were made in North Africa and East &…
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Casa de Campo Resort in Dominican Republic Hosts Food & Wine Festival with Michelin-Star Chefs, October 2026
29 September 2026🍴 Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic, hosts its 4th Casa de Campo Food & Wine Festival on October 9-10, 2026. Michelin-starred chefs Michael Mina, Hubert Keller, and Joe Isidori headline. Set on a 7,000-acre property with 63 golf holes and a 250-slip marina. Festival highlights include “Dinner Under the Stars” at Minitas Beach Club and immersive culinary showcases. Tickets available online.
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Paris-based Satisfy Running Opens First Physical Store in Marais District, Featuring Unique Design and Coffee Bar
25 September 2026🏃 In Paris, this month, Satisfy opened its first physical store in the Marais district, featuring two storefronts: Satisfy Supply and Fuel Station. Designed by Ciguë, it blends performance with art gallery aesthetics, displaying products like $140 T-shirts on custom slabs. The boutique emphasizes interaction over sales, encouraging customer engagement and featuring a coffee bar for post-run refreshments. Satisfy, online for 11 years, now explores expansion, aiming to build community alongside sales.
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Newport Hospitality Group’s Hilton Garden Inn Frederick Undergoes Major Renovation, Completion Expected by Spring 2027
24 September 2026🏨 Newport Hospitality Group is renovating the Hilton Garden Inn Frederick, Maryland, set for completion by early spring 2027. The project includes guestroom, public space, and event facility updates. Frederick’s tourism market grew by 4.6% annually, reaching $564 million in 2025. A new bar and restaurant will highlight local culinary offerings. The hotel’s current operation will continue during renovations. This $564 million investment aims to enhance competitiveness and guest experience.
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EMEA Faces Mixed Revenue and Margin Trends as Southern Europe Shines, but Middle East Struggles Intensify
24 September 2026📈 In 2027’s hotel budget season, Southern Europe leads with a TRevPAR of €272, while Eastern Europe lags at €140. London’s revenue grows, but margins decline. The Middle East faces a 1.5-2x profit drop as costs rise. The U.S. sees a 7.8% GOPPAR increase, even as Mexico’s GOPPAR plunges 29.8%. Labor costs soar, notably Germany’s 6%. Watch credit card commissions, growing 7.9%. Budget by market specifics, not averages.
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Stayntouch Completes PMS Migration for Imperial London Hotels, Including 1,379-Room Royal National Hotel
23 September 2026🏨 On September 23, 2026, Stayntouch completed a PMS migration across Imperial London Hotels, including the 1,379-room Royal National Hotel—the largest in Western Europe. The migration covered seven properties in Bloomsbury, London, enhancing operations and guest services. Self-service kiosks and digital check-ins were part of the innovation. The process was phased without disruption, proving Stayntouch’s capacity to manage large-scale operations. Neil Braude, COO, emphasized the collaborative success with Stayntouch in this technological upgrade.
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BWH Hotels Opens Second @HOME by Best Western in Georgia, Plans 34 Extended-Stay Locations by 2026
22 September 2026🏨 BWH Hotels opened @HOME by Best Western McDonough, a five-story, 128-suite extended-stay hotel in Georgia. Developed by Apsilon Hotels, this marks the brand’s first Southeast location and is strategically chosen for its proximity to the I-75 corridor and regional commerce, including over 80 million square feet of industrial facilities. The hotel features kitchens, workspaces, a fitness center, and pet-friendly options. The global extended-stay pipeline is projected to reach 34 hotels and 2,791 rooms by the end of 2026.
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BWH Hotels Opens 128-Suite @HOME by Best Western McDonough, Its First Extended-Stay Hotel in Georgia
22 September 2026🏨 BWH Hotels announced the opening of a five-story, 128-suite extended-stay hotel, @HOME by Best Western McDonough in Arizona. Developed by Apsilon Hotels, this marks the first @HOME by Best Western in Georgia. Strategically located off I-75, the hotel offers amenities like kitchens, workspaces, and EV charging. The brand’s U.S. presence expands from St. George, Utah, with a second Atlanta-area property in Fairburn planned for 2027. The global pipeline aims for 34 hotels by 2026.
