Track Premier Inn (parent Whitbread, LON: WTB) in one place. This hub aggregates the latest news, earnings and expansion around the UK’s largest hotel brand, as covered by trusted sources. Follow a leader in budget hospitality.
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Julie White on why sports tourism has become a winning strategy for hotels
16 September 2026From global spectacles such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games to weekly football fixtures and city marathons, sports tourism is reshaping the hospitality industry. As demand for experience-led travel grows, hotels are finding that success lies not only in accommodating fans but in becoming part of the sporting experience itself
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Barry Sternlicht to Receive 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement and Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Awards at ALIS Conference
16 September 2026🏨 Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, will receive the 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2027 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award on January 25, 2027, at ALIS in Los Angeles. Sternlicht’s contributions have reshaped hospitality and real estate, overseeing investments worth over $280 billion and managing assets of approximately $130 billion. Shatterproof, a nonprofit addressing addiction, has raised over $12 million since 2016 via Hospitality Heroes events.
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HFTP and Hospitality Upgrade Host 76 CIOs for 24th Annual Summit on Hospitality Tech Trends in Milwaukee
16 September 2026💻 Last week in Milwaukee at the Hyatt Regency, HFTP and Hospitality Upgrade hosted 76 CIOs and hospitality professionals for the 24th CIO Summit, held from September 9-11. Key topics included AI, cybersecurity, and payment technology. Highlights were a Milwaukee Brewers game, a tour of Pabst Blue Ribbon, and a charitable activity with Ronald McDonald House. The event was supported by sponsors including POST Hospitality Payments and Signature sponsors like Agilysys and Canary Technologies.
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Storytelling Enhances Business Communication by Building Emotional Connections and Brand Loyalty Across Industries
14 September 2026📚 In a recent article by Professor Robert O’Halloran from East Carolina University, storytelling is highlighted as a crucial tool for businesses aiming to connect with customers. Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inns, exemplifies this with his “20 Tips for Success,” emphasizing work ethic and positive attitude. The article underscores storytelling’s importance in marketing, brand loyalty, and educational contexts, enhancing emotional connections and memory retention across various sectors, including hospitality and ecotourism.
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Best Western Hotels in Kendal, Southampton, and Chippenham Listed for Sale at £18.5 Million Total.
11 September 2026🏨 Three Best Western hotels are for sale with a total guide price of £18.5m. Colliers handles the sale after a strategic exit by shareholders. The 99-bedroom Castle Green Hotel in Kendal is priced at £10m, the 97-bedroom Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel in Southampton at £3.75m, and the 50-bedroom Angel Hotel in Chippenham at £4.75m. Collectively, they offer 246 rooms, and are managed by Legacy Hotels and Resorts.
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Global Business Travel Spending Projected to Reach Record $1.71 Trillion in 2026, Says GBTA Research
11 September 2026💰 In Chicago, over 5,500 attendees from 47 countries convened at the GBTA Convention. The event highlighted a projected global business travel spending of $1.71 trillion by 2026, emphasizing efficiency and strategic trip prioritization. While technology transforms the industry, human support remains crucial during disruptions. Submissions for the GBTA WINiT Top 50 Awards are open until September 12. GBTA, with 28,000 members, manages $345 billion in annual travel expenditures globally.
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New UK Research Shows 42% of Gen Z Choose Travel Destinations Influenced by TikTok, Surpassing Google at 37%.
10 September 2026📅 New UK research reveals 42% of Gen Z use TikTok for travel inspiration, surpassing Google at 37% and Instagram at 33%. Additionally, 51% have used AI tools like ChatGPT for holiday planning, with 42% trusting AI for booking and restaurant advice. Platforms like Uber, Jet2holidays, and Airbnb remain popular. AI agents could reshape travel, with Stripe’s Link resolving payment issues. Are your systems ready to accommodate AI-driven transactions?
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Procaccianti Companies and Rugger Capital Acquire Charleston Harbor Resort; Suntex Marinas Acquires Adjacent Marina
10 September 2026🏡 Procaccianti Companies and Rugger Capital acquired the 217-key Charleston Harbor Resort in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, to be managed by TPG Hotels & Resorts. Suntex Marinas acquired the adjacent Charleston Harbor Marina, expanding its portfolio to over 100 marinas in 17 states. Both properties will undergo renovations for long-term value enhancement. John Phelan of Rugger Capital and Robert Leven of Procaccianti emphasized the acquisition’s strategic importance, while Bryan Redmond of Suntex highlighted the complementary relationship between the marina and…
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Signia Hilton Naples Grande Beach Resort Set to Open in 2027 After Major Renovation and Rebranding
10 September 2026🏖 January 2027, Signia Hilton Naples Grande Beach Resort will open in Naples, Florida, joining the Signia Hilton portfolio as the first on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The resort offers 474 rooms, including 50 villas, and is undergoing major renovations managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Amenities include a luxury spa, pools, tennis courts, and gathering spaces. It becomes Signia Hilton’s third property in Florida, alongside Orlando and Diplomat Beach Resort. Reservations are open for January 1, 2027.
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James McComas Discusses Managing Historic Champneys Eastwell Manor Amidst Architectural Challenges and Industry Skill Shortages
10 September 2026🏡 James McComas, General Manager of Champneys Eastwell Manor in Kent, discusses the complexities of managing a historic Grade II listed estate. Challenges include handling architectural issues like sinkholes, sourcing skilled craftsmen, and meeting luxury standards amid a labor shortage. Emphasizing resilience and humor, McComas navigates independent ownership hurdles while maintaining the estate’s reputation for fairy tale weddings and corporate retreats. Listen to the Hoteliers’ Voice Podcast for insights into hospitality leadership.
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FHS World 2026 in Dubai to Host Over 100 Global Industry Leaders, Including UAE Minister, from September 29.
9 September 2026📅 29 September to 1 October 2026, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai hosts FHS World 2026, featuring over 100 global hospitality leaders. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri delivers the keynote on the UAE’s growth in tourism and investment. The agenda covers investment, sustainability, and technology. Networking includes the FHS Dealroom and Investor Breakfast. FHS Living debuts, highlighting investment across seven asset classes. The event concludes with the FHS Leadership Award, celebrating hospitality pioneers.
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Grupo Baleine Implements Daylight PMS at Mexico City’s Roma Nueve Dos to Enhance Luxury Hospitality Services
8 September 2026📰 Mexico City, September 8, 2026 – Grupo Baleine selected Daylight PMS for its Roma Nueve Dos Hotel Boutique, which went live on July 21, 2026. With 11 rooms, this is Grupo Baleine’s first property in Mexico City. The new system enhances reservation management and guest personalization. Grupo Baleine aims to expand into the U.S. and other Latin American countries, leveraging technology to improve service and scale operations. The group currently manages nine properties.
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GMS Estates Lists Covent Garden Hotel Development Site for Over £25 Million with Planning for 80 Rooms
7 September 2026🏨 In Covent Garden, London, Kingsway House and 4 Great Queen Street are for sale for over £25 million, offering an 80-bedroom hotel conversion opportunity. The site, near Holborn Station, spans over 51,000 sq ft with existing planning permission. Knight Frank, managing the sale, has brokered £400 million in central London hotel deals in the last year. Whitbread has acquired Victory House nearby, investing over £100 million in a conversion program.
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Bain Capital and Omnam Group Sell The Lake Como EDITION to Sansiri Capital, Marking Strategic Expansion in Europe
7 September 2026🏠 Bain Capital and Omnam Group sold The Lake Como EDITION to Sansiri Capital, marking a milestone transformation. Set on Lake Como’s shores, this 19th-century palazzo was redeveloped from April 2022, reopening in March 2026 with 148 rooms. The sale showcases international investor interest and Sansiri’s European expansion. The project, involving a significant room reduction and a new spa, achieved LEED Gold certification and exemplifies a shift in luxury hospitality. Completion is expected in several weeks.
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Revinate Study Finds 92% of Calls at 135 Luxury Hotels Fail to Capture Guest Contact Information
4 September 2026📱 Revinate’s mystery shopping of 308 calls across 135 luxury hotels revealed that 92% failed to capture guest contact information, impacting direct bookings. The Americas Great Resorts critique highlights luxury marketing’s neglect of demand origin. A new framework for corporate accounts emphasizes returns over room nights. Kempinski’s path to recovery involves brand clarity and strategy. Novotel’s Longevity Week, a global wellness initiative, runs from September 7-13. St. Louis sees $7 billion in development, boosting market strength through 2027.
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CoralTree Hospitality to Manage Crystal Peak Lodge, Expanding Its Residence Collection in Breckenridge, Colorado
4 September 2026🏔 CoralTree Hospitality will manage Crystal Peak Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado, offering ski-in/ski-out access. The lodge features one- to four-bedroom condos with full kitchens. Guests can enjoy amenities at nearby One Ski Hill Place, including pools, a bowling alley, and a spa. John D’Angelo emphasizes the lodge’s alignment with CoralTree’s strategy to expand in mountain destinations. The addition enhances CoralTree’s Residence Collection, focusing on memorable experiences for families and groups.
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Over 200 Global Travel & Tourism CEOs to Convene in Valletta for WTTC Summit, October 7-9, 2026
4 September 2026🌎 Malta, 7–9 October 2026: Valletta will host the 26th WTTC Global Summit, welcoming over 200 top Travel & Tourism CEOs. This event will highlight Malta’s tourism, business, and investment potential. Key attendees include leaders from Hilton, IHG, Four Seasons, and Trip.com. The “FUTU[RE]SET” theme will address industry changes and collaboration for sustainable growth. The Summit offers Malta a unique opportunity to showcase itself as a top destination and investment hub.
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Before Investing in Hotel AI, Evaluate Data Foundations: Connectivity, Currency, Guest Identities, Governance, and Architecture.
3 September 2026💻 Hotel AI investment requires rigorous data evaluation. 72% of IT leaders report poor infrastructure stalls AI growth. Only 38% of hoteliers cite integration as a major issue. Key inquiries include AI’s data scope, latency, guest identity resolution, access governance, actionability of insights, and whether the system is natively built or assembled. These factors ensure AI recommendations are reliable and effective, rather than adding complexity. Ensure the groundwork supports decision-making before committing.
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Whitbread and 32 Hotels Named for Underpaying Workers Below National Minimum Wage, Owing £4,193 to 342 Employees
3 September 2026💰 Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn, was identified by the government among 658 employers underpaying workers below the National Minimum Wage, affecting 342 employees with a total shortfall of £4,193. Across all businesses, £4 million was repaid to over 27,000 workers, with £7 million in penalties issued. This marks the first naming round since the Fair Work Agency’s inception in April 2026. Since 2011, more than £100 million in penalties has been imposed, with £66 million repaid to 650,000 workers.
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Amadeus and SAP Platforms Expand Hotel Inventory, Creating New Challenges for Rate Consistency and Visibility
2 September 2026📚 On September 2, 2026, Markus Busch highlights the complexities of hotel booking systems, focusing on platforms like Amadeus and SAP. Amadeus handles over 2 million properties, with “120,000 hotels worldwide” in GDS inventory. SAP’s new system offers up to six million options. Navan addresses data conflicts with an AI tool, boosting room rate options by 70%. This tech impacts where and how hotels’ negotiated rates appear, offering corporate travelers a blend of loyalty and savings.
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Soft Branding Gains Popularity Among Hotel Developers for Flexibility and Unique Guest Experience Appeal
31 August 2026🏨 Soft branding is thriving in the hotel industry, attracting Millennials and Gen Z who seek unique experiences. Megan Brumagim of Choice Hotels highlights flexibility and reduced fees as key advantages. Examples include Hotel Lulu near Disneyland, and the Egyptian Motor Hotel with Route 66 nostalgia. The Inn at Lewisburg saw a $16 increase in average daily rate after joining Best Western’s Signature Collection. Eric Lund notes revenue boosts at the Harborview on Lake Michigan, emphasizing local experiences like salmon…
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Marriott and The Reef Resorts to Convert Three Playa del Carmen Properties to All-Inclusive Tribute Portfolio Hotels by 2027
28 August 2026🏨 In 2027, Marriott International plans to convert three Playa del Carmen resorts—The Reef Playacar, The Reef 28, and The Reef Coco—into all-inclusive Tribute Portfolio properties, adding 676 rooms. Renovations start in late 2026. The Reef Coco will expand to 358 rooms by 2028. With 900-person event capacity, these resorts enhance Marriott’s 9,100-property portfolio and 295 million-member Bonvoy program, reflecting growth in Mexico’s all-inclusive market and the Caribbean-Latin America region.
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Jacco van Teeffelen Appointed Managing Director of Omni Homestead Resort Amid $180+ Million Revitalization Effort
28 August 2026🏨 August 28, 2026, Hot Springs, Virginia: Jacco van Teeffelen is appointed Managing Director of The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, tasked with overseeing operations as the resort evolves post its $180+ million revitalization. With over 15 years at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, van Teeffelen brings expertise in operational excellence and strategic growth. The resort, known for its 260-year history, aims to enhance guest experiences in wellness, recreation, golf, and culinary programming.
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KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar to Open 210-Cover Flagship Restaurant in London’s Covent Garden by 2027
27 August 2026🍴 KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar has secured 1a Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, in London’s West End, for a new 210-cover flagship site, opening early 2027. This will be the group’s first Central London location and largest to date. The project is managed by Q&A Interior Design Ltd with murals by Martyna Sabadasz. KIBOU experienced its best trading year with double-digit revenue growth. The expansion is supported by HSBC UK, adding to locations in Battersea, Cambridge, Cheltenham, Clifton, Oxford, and…
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Agilysys Golf Management Platform Reaches 109 Deployments, Used by 39 of Top 100 U.S. Resort Golf Courses
27 August 2026🏌️ Agilysys Golf, a top-tier golf management platform, is now used at 109 golf properties, including 39 of the Top 100 U.S. resort golf courses. As of August 27, 2026, the platform is deployed at premier locations like The Otesaga Resort Hotel. Users report a 20% increase in green fee revenue, a 6% rise in retail revenue, and a 12% reduction in third-party rounds. Agilysys enhances operations by integrating golf management with hospitality services.
