Follow IHG Hotels & Resorts (LON: IHG) in one feed. This hub gathers the latest news, earnings and brand developments across InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Kimpton and more, curated from trusted sources. Your window on a global hotel powerhouse.
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Future Hospitality Summit 2026 in Dubai to Highlight Wellness and Longevity as Major Growth Drivers in Hospitality
18 September 2026💡 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World 2026, occurring from September 29 to October 1 in Dubai, emphasizes wellness in hospitality. Hotels with major wellness offerings doubled Total Revenue per Available Room compared to others in 2024. Experts discuss wellness as a growing asset class, highlighting increased expectations from travelers for personalized wellness experiences. Wellness tourism is set to grow 9.1% annually, with longevity travel reaching $44 billion by 2030. Longevity and wellness are driving shifts towards integrated lifestyle and hospitality…
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Skift Global Forum Preview: IHG’s Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer on Making Hotels Legible to AI
18 September 2026Heather Balsley is making IHG legible to the AI models while arguing the models will never own the guest. Two bets, one strategy, at Skift Global Forum.
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IHG and Pacific Beachcomber to Transform Bora Bora Resort into Regent Hotel, Reopening Planned for Late 2027
17 September 2026🏝️ IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a deal to rebrand the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, marking Regent’s first venture in French Polynesia. The transformation begins June 1, 2026, with a reopening slated for late 2027. Located on Bora Bora’s lagoon, the 84-villa resort offers overwater experiences, featuring sustainable amenities like a seawater air-conditioning system. The partnership with Pacific Beachcomber spans over 20 years, emphasizing luxury and Polynesian culture.
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Newport Hospitality Group Stresses Importance of Transparent Owner-Operator-Lender Relationships for Sustained Hotel Value Creation
17 September 2026🏨 Newport Hospitality Group emphasizes transparency in hotel owner-lender relationships, highlighting alignment as crucial. Newport CEO Andrew Carey stresses effective communication, especially during challenging quarters. Blair Bunting from Live Oak Bank underscores the importance of management quality in financing. Lenders focus on metrics like RevPAR index, not just DSCR. For refinancing, discussions should begin 12-18 months prior. Property Improvement Plans require careful coordination to minimize disruption. Newport manages hotels across the U.S. under major brands like Hilton and Marriott.
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Luxury and Upper-Upscale Hotel Brands Lead with Strong RevPAR Growth, While Economy Segments Face Ongoing Pressure.
17 September 2026💸 In the first half of 2026, the U.S. hospitality market saw a renewed yet uneven momentum after a nearly flat 2025. Hilton’s RevPAR grew 4.7% in the U.S., Hyatt saw a 5.7% system-wide increase, IHG recorded a 4.8% growth in the Americas, and Marriott’s luxury properties noted a 7.9% rise. Experience-driven brands like LXR Hotels and The Unbound Collection excelled, highlighting a widening divide between luxury and economy segments.
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U.S. Luxury Hotels Drive 13.3% RevPAR Growth in H1 2026; Economy Segment Faces Declines, Reports Colliers
17 September 2026📈 Luxury hotels in the U.S. saw RevPAR rise by 13.3% in H1 2026, driven by events like the FIFA World Cup, while economy hotels faced declines. The U.S. had a 69.6% occupancy rate, and ADR at $173.76. Hilton’s LXR Hotels grew 12.9% in RevPAR, and Hyatt saw 5.7% system-wide growth. IHG’s Atwell Suites led with 22.7%, and Marriott’s W Hotels posted a 10.8% increase, with The Ritz-Carlton’s ADR at $609.82.
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IHG Hotels Expands Partnership with Urban Property Group, Adding Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Hotel Indigo Gosford in NSW
16 September 2026🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts and Urban Property Group expand with Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Hotel Indigo Gosford, adding to Crowne Plaza Parramatta signed in 2025. The new hotels, part of mixed-use developments, signify growth in New South Wales. Crowne Plaza Newcastle, opening late 2029, features 171 rooms and 550 sqm event space. Hotel Indigo Gosford, opening mid-2030, offers 152 rooms. The partnership targets regional growth in hospitality.
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Hotels Can Boost F&B Revenue by 20–40% Using Mobile Ordering Technology, Says IRIS Report
16 September 2026📱 In 2027, hotels aim to enhance F&B profits by leveraging mobile ordering technology. Reports show a 20-40% increase in average transaction value with digital ordering. Integrating multilingual, digital menus and upselling features simplifies guest experiences and boosts revenue. Additionally, IRIS clients reported delivery-time savings of over 10 minutes per order. This shift turns all hotel areas into potential F&B revenue opportunities, while reducing staff workload and improving operational efficiency.
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dormakaba Acquires UK-Based Alliants to Integrate Physical Access Control with Digital Guest Experience for Over 100,000 Hotel Rooms
16 September 2026📈 Soneva CEO Neil Gallagher outlines the Bare Luxury philosophy post-KSL Capital’s 2025 acquisition, focusing on genuine service and guest loyalty. dormakaba acquired Alliants to merge physical access with a digital guest experience for over 100,000 hotel rooms. The EU AI Act, effective August 2026, mandates AI content disclosure in hotels’ marketing. Shakira’s Madrid residency raised ADR by 19.7% to EUR 339, with bookings up 14.8%. The Nordics saw EUR 751 million in hotel investments across 22 deals.
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SINA Hospitality Named 2026 Hotelier of the Year by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association
16 September 2026Family-Owned Hotel Developer Honored at The Ordinary Awards for Leadership and Impact Across Virginia’s Hospitality Industry RICHMOND, VA – SINA Hospitality, Virginia’s premier family-owned hotel developer, has been named the 2026 Hotelier of the Year by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA). The award was presented at The Ordinary Awards, which celebrate and honor Virginia’s restaurants, lodging establishments and hotels, destination marketing organizations, attractions, and more. The Hotelier of the Year distinction recognizes an individual whose leadership has…
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Robert A. Rauch Releases Book Offering Hotel Industry Insights and Strategies After 50+ Years in Hospitality
16 September 2026📖 Robert A. Rauch, known as “The Hotel Guru,” released a book titled “The Hotel Guru’s Journey: A Guide to Excellence in the Hotel Industry.” With over 50 years in hospitality, Rauch shares insights on leadership and success strategies in 20 chapters. Key topics include revenue management, AI, cybersecurity, and eco-friendly development. Rauch has managed hotel assets over $1 billion and has published Hospitality Innsights since 1984. The book is available on Amazon.
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ILHA Announces New Sessions for INSPIRE 2026, Including AI and Luxury Hospitality Discussions in Orlando, December 15-17.
15 September 2026🏨 From December 15-17, 2026, the International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) will host INSPIRE 2026 at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, Orlando. Key sessions include discussions on AI’s role in hospitality with Shane O’Flaherty (Microsoft) and AI’s connectivity impacts with Alex Wedesky (Encore). Elizabeth Mullins (Evermore Hospitality) and Phil Keb (IHG Hotels & Resorts) will delve into social connection in luxury travel. Over 1.1 million professionals and 300 leaders will attend. Registration is open at ilha.org/inspire/register.
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Wyndham Hotels Launches Dolce Nova Targeting Upper-Upscale Lifestyle Segment in EMEA with €250-€300 Room Rates
15 September 2026🏨 Dimitris Manikis, EMEA president of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, announced Dolce Nova on September 14 at Manchester Central Convention Complex. The boutique brand, targeting properties starting at 50 rooms, aims for rates of €250 to €300. Wyndham, with 25 brands, focuses on franchising rather than acquisitions. In Q2 2026, the group reported $102 million in net income, a 17% increase, while its pipeline includes 261,000 rooms across 2,200 hotels, 69% midscale and above.
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Hotels Experience Best Summer Since 2019 with June RevPAR Up 8.4% and July Up 8.2%
15 September 2026🏠 Hotels in the U.S. experienced their best summer since 2019 with June RevPAR up 8.4% and July up 8.2%, reflecting 20 straight weeks of growth. World Cup host cities saw ADR rise by approximately 15%. STR’s 2026 RevPAR growth forecast increased from 0.5% to 4.4% within nine months. Supply growth is just 0.5% with 140,000 rooms under construction, compared to 220,000 in 2019. CoStar Group attracted over 139 million average monthly unique visitors in Q4 2025.
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Hotel Brands Face 334% Rise in Contract Acquisition Costs Amid Shift to Conversions for Growth by 2025
15 September 2026🏨 In 2025, major hotel brands Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG face challenges from a 334% rise in contract acquisition costs, totaling $1.41 billion, compared to 2019’s $325 million. Net unit growth declined by 0.4 percentage points. Conversions surged, representing 36%-52% of new room openings by 2025, up from 12%-22% in 2019. Hyatt’s acquisition of Standard Hotels involved a $150M upfront payment, potentially increasing to $335M. The focus is on incentivizing deals, forming partnerships, or acquiring platforms.
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Boutique Hotels Offer Personalized Experiences and Cultural Connections, Competing with Chain Hotels Through Unique Design and Local Touch
14 September 2026🏨 Boutique hotels, typically with 10-100 rooms, offer personalized stays shaped by local culture and design, unlike chain hotels with 150+ rooms that prioritize consistency and standardized amenities. Boutique hotels thrive in culturally rich neighborhoods and adapt quickly with sustainable practices. Despite challenges from larger chains, they attract travelers seeking unique experiences through personalized service and creative amenities. Smart technology aids boutique hotels in competing effectively by streamlining operations and enhancing guest experiences without the corporate overhead.
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Marbella’s Sala Group Partners with 1912 Hotels to Open First UK Venue in Sheffield This Autumn
14 September 2026🏨 Marbella’s Sala Group partners with 1912 Hotels to launch its first UK venue, La Sala Sheffield, inside voco Sheffield this autumn. Located near Peace Gardens, it will feature food, drink, and entertainment with live music from Thursday to Sunday. Investors include ex-footballers David Bentley and Michael Brown. The venture aims for a national rollout, creating venues with unique identities to attract locals and hotel guests alike.
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Google Introduces AI Mode Booking Capabilities in the U.S., Streamlining Hotel Discovery and Booking Process
11 September 2026📈 On August 27, 2026, Google launched its AI Mode booking feature in the U.S., enabling travelers to explore hotels and book through a conversational interface. This move aims to streamline the booking process by collapsing discovery, comparison, and transaction into one conversation. Significant partners include Booking.com, Expedia, Hilton, and Marriott. AI recommendations depend on accurate hotel data. Accurate content, rates, and availability are crucial for hotels to capitalize on this AI-driven discovery and booking trend.
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AI Impacting Hotel Discovery: Only 6% of Hotels Consistently Featured in AI-Generated Recommendations, 82% Sourced from OTAs
11 September 2026📰 By 2026, AI substantially changes hotel booking, with only 6% of hotels consistently appearing in AI recommendations. 82% of AI-generated hotel data comes from OTAs and editorial media. Marriott and Hilton have implemented conversational AI tools, while Accor and Hyatt are still testing. AI-driven hotel distribution affects independent hotels significantly, as they lack AI-ready data. Google’s AI summaries face legal challenges for inaccuracies. AI is reshaping hotel discovery, emphasizing the need for structured, trustworthy data.
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Google Introduces AI Mode Booking Capabilities in the U.S., Revolutionizing Hotel Discovery and Booking Processes
11 September 2026📱 On August 27, 2026, Google announced AI Mode booking in the U.S., allowing travelers to discover, compare, and book hotels via a conversational interface. Major brands like Hilton, Marriott, and OTAs such as Expedia and Booking.com are involved. AI compresses the travel booking process but raises questions about who controls guest relationships. Hotels need accurate content and direct booking paths to compete effectively in AI-driven environments.
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OpenAI’s Advertising Business Expected to Reach $1 Billion Annually, Marriott Begins Testing the Platform
11 September 2026📰 Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano revealed on September 9, 2026, that the company is testing OpenAI’s advertising platform to enhance hotel visibility for travelers. OpenAI’s ad business, launched in February 2026, is projected to reach $1 billion annually, with tens of thousands of advertisers from over 40 countries. Since May, businesses in Europe can directly buy ad space without intermediaries. Marriott’s initiative demonstrates a shift in AI-driven hotel bookings and advertising.
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IHG and ALAND Sign Agreement to Develop 15 Staybridge Suites Hotels with 2,000 Rooms Across Australia
10 September 2026🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts and ALAND inked a deal to launch Staybridge Suites in Australia. ALAND will build at least 15 hotels, totaling 2,000 rooms. Initial locations: Parramatta (130 rooms) and Leppington (112 rooms) in Greater Western Sydney. Managed by Signature Hotel Management Group, these are the first of a national expansion. Staybridge Suites boasts 355 hotels and 152 more planned globally. This long-term partnership aims to strengthen IHG’s Australian presence in the extended-stay market.
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Google’s EU Hotel Search Unit Removes Pricing and Filters to Comply with Digital Markets Act Regulations
10 September 2026📈 Google’s EU hotel search unit no longer displays prices, date filters, or budget tags due to Digital Markets Act compliance. This change affects hotel bookings and increases competition for Google by pushing comparison sites higher in search results. The Dutch hotel industry faces higher VAT, rising from 9% to 21%, impacting investment. U.S. GOPPAR increased by 7.8% year-to-date, while Mexico saw double-digit declines. IHG’s agreement for 15 Staybridge Suites adds 2,000 rooms in Australia.
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NM Hospitality Acquires EVEN Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown, Expanding Presence in Historic Koffman Building
10 September 2026🏨 NM Hospitality has acquired the EVEN Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown, located in the historic Koffman Building in Pittsburgh’s Central Business District. This acquisition supports NM Hospitality’s expansion in Pittsburgh. The hotel, part of IHG’s wellness-focused brand, is situated in a landmark building. NM Hospitality’s principal, Sapan Mehta, emphasized Pittsburgh’s dynamic growth and the intent to maintain the property’s wellness focus and historic character. The company plans further investments in the local community’s development.
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IHG and ALAND Sign Agreement to Develop 15 Staybridge Suites Hotels Across Australia, Starting in Sydney
10 September 2026🏨 IHG has signed a Master Development Agreement with ALAND to introduce Staybridge Suites in Australia, aiming for 15 hotels with at least 2,000 rooms. The first two hotels, with 130 and 112 rooms, will be in Sydney Parramatta and Sydney Leppington, managed by Signature Hotel Management Group. Staybridge Suites currently has 355 open hotels and 152 in development, focusing on extended stays for corporate and relocation guests.
