Track Shangri-La Asia (HKG: 0069) in one place. This hub aggregates the latest news, earnings and openings across the luxury hotel group, as covered by trusted sources. Follow a leading Asian luxury hospitality brand.
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Shangri-La Group Announces Songtei Kyoto, A 77-Key UNESCO World Heritage Hotel Opening in 2026 in Japan
14 September 2026🏖 Shangri-La Group plans to open Songtei Kyoto in late 2026 within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Japan. The 77-room hotel, located on the historic site of Kyoto Shoshidai, will fully unveil in early 2027. Designed with views of Nijo Castle, the property will offer art, wellness, gastronomy, and storytelling experiences. Facilities include a spa, baths, pool, gym, dining lounge, Chinese restaurant, kappo-sushi counter, and evening bar.
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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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Hotels.com Report Finds 53% of Canadian Business Travellers Prefer Free Breakfast as Top Hotel Perk
7 September 2026💻 More than half of Canadian business travelers (53%) switch personalities for work, with Gen Z at 73%. Average lodging allowance is C$242 per night, per diem C$122. September is the busiest month for 20% of them. Preferred destinations include Toronto (32%), New York (30%), and London (20%). Free breakfast (53%) ranks as the top hotel perk. High-speed Wi-Fi is essential for 68%, while 59% blend work and leisure easily. Survey conducted between August 10-18, 2026.
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ADERO Scottsdale Resort Appoints Marlon Hirsh as General Manager to Oversee 177-Room Transformation Project Completion by December 2026
26 August 2026🏖️ August 26, 2026, Scottsdale, Arizona: Marlon Hirsh, with over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, is appointed as General Manager of ADERO Scottsdale Resort, a 177-room establishment. Formerly at The Island House and Old Fort Bay Club in Nassau, he will oversee the resort’s transformation, concluding in December 2026. Enhancements include dining, wellness, and gathering spaces. His background spans global roles with The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and more.
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The Peninsula Hong Kong Celebrates Nearly a Century as Historic Landmark with Upcoming 2026 Renovations
11 August 2026🏨 Kadoorie family, an Iraqi-origin dynasty, settled in Hong Kong in the late 19th century, founded The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Company. Sir Ellis Kadoorie initiated a hotel project in Kowloon in 1923, completed from 1924 to 1927. It opened on December 11, 1928, with 168 rooms. The hotel, used by Japanese troops during WWII, became a symbol of luxury, adding a 30-story tower in the 1990s. A HK$450 million renovation was completed in 2013.
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Shangri-La Group Opens 10th JEN Property with JEN Hangzhou by Shangri-La in Gongshu District, Hangzhou
6 August 2026🏨 Shangri-La Group debuts its 10th JEN property with the soft opening of JEN Hangzhou by Shangri-La in the Gongshu District. The hotel features 176 guestrooms and suites, with deluxe rooms offering double bathtubs and suites having private outdoor terraces. It offers over 330 square meters of event space, including a 240-square-meter ballroom. Wellness amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, indoor heated pool, sauna, and spa. The hotel is located near the Grand Canal and Qiaoxi Historic District.
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Travel Agencies Surpass OTAs in Hotel Booking Growth by 11.8% in First Half of 2026, Reports Show
5 August 2026🛫 Expedia acquired Layla on Tuesday 2026; IHG launched AI conversational search last week. Radisson expanded ChatGPT booking. Phocuswright Europe highlights that AI improves travel planning efficiency but fails to boost consumer booking conversions. In H1 2026, travel agencies saw an 11.8% growth in hotel bookings, outpacing OTAs’ 6%. China expects 1,100+ hotel openings in 2026. In the U.S., Q2 hotel sales hit $3.8 billion, a 20% increase. 72% of U.S. travelers find AI bookings stressful; 46% have abandoned due…
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Kurt Macher Departs as General Manager of Shangri-La The Shard London After Seven Years, Succeeded by Jean Louis Fresta
29 July 2026📅 Kurt Macher, general manager of Shangri-La The Shard, London, departs after seven years. He joined in 2019 from Temple House, Chengdu, China. Successor Jean Louis Fresta is promoted from resident manager to acting general manager. Shangri-La The Shard opened in 2014 and is part of a global portfolio exceeding 100 hotels. Macher reflects on rewarding years and teamwork, while Fresta aims to build on past achievements.
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Minor Hotels Appoints Tamer Khedr as Managing Director for Egypt to Lead Planned 50-property Expansion
24 June 2026🏨 Minor Hotels appoints Tamer Khedr as managing director for Egypt, leading expansion plans from within the country. Khedr, formerly CEO of DO Hotels, will report to Dubai. The role coincides with the launch of Anantara Somabay Resort and a strategic partnership with Sunrise Resorts, aiming to develop up to 50 hotels and cruises over 10 years. Egypt is a key market for Minor Hotels, reflecting its long-term commitment to the region.
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Hotel Martinez in Cannes Joins Atout France’s Prestigious Palace Collection as First in City Since 2010
4 June 2026🏨 Emmanuel Michele Martinez was born in 1882 in Palermo. In 1927, he acquired Villa Marie-Thérèse in Cannes and built a seven-storey Art Deco hotel, inaugurated on 20 February 1929. During WWII, it was requisitioned by five armies. In 1949, Martinez was acquitted of collaboration charges but never regained ownership. In 1981, the hotel was sold to Concorde, later Constellation Hotels in 2012. On 2 June 2026, the Martinez entered Atout France’s Palace Collection.
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Six New Hotels Join Prestigious French Palace Distinction Amid Stricter Criteria and Commission Changes
2 June 2026📅 Late 2024 saw a reform in Palace distinctions in France: mandatory RSE and digitalisation, room size at least 26 sqm, and label validity reduced from five to three years. Six new entrants joined, including Cheval Blanc Paris (opened September 2021) and Bulgari Hotel Paris (opened December 2021). Hôtel Martinez regained its Michelin star in March 2025. 27 renewals occurred, while four departures included Mandarin Oriental Paris. The commission, headed by Pierre Ferchaud, emphasizes stringent criteria.
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Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur Opens in 2024, Showcasing Heritage-Inspired Design by Silverfox Studios
28 May 2026🏨 Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur opened in 2024 at Menara Hap Seng complex. 🏨 Designed by Silverfox Studios, this 22-storey hotel blends lush green architecture with a historical nod to Kuala Lumpur’s tin-mining past. 🌿 Part of Hyatt’s fastest-growing brand, spanning 51 hotels worldwide, it caters to “savvy” travelers. 🌍 Features include graffiti by Jefr, biophilic architecture, and a rooftop bar @21 with an infinity pool. 🌆 Surrounded by 24 luxury hotels, it emphasizes cultural authenticity.
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Upper House Hong Kong, a 117-Key Property by Swire Hotels, Sets New Standard in Personalized Service
6 April 2026🏨 Upper House Hong Kong, a two-Michelin-key property, offers personalized service in an intimate setting with 117 keys, including 21 suites and 2 penthouses. Director Edward Tang enhances guest experience by maintaining connections, even visiting past guests. The hotel removes friction through exceptional service like arranging airport transfers and personalized itineraries. Located in a world-class city, it provides a home-like experience with the staff knowing guests by name. Upper House stands apart with its dedication to guest comfort and friendship.
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Capella Hotel Group Appoints Roland Fasel as President to Lead Global Expansion, Aiming to Double Portfolio by 2030
9 March 2026🏨 Roland Fasel appointed president of Capella Hotel Group effective April 6. He aims to double the portfolio by 2030, focusing on expansions in the Middle East and Europe. Fasel, previously COO at Maybourne Hotel Group, has over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, including roles at Aman Resorts and Badrutt’s Palace. He led an $80 million repositioning at Badrutt’s and was key in launching Dorchester Collection, enhancing both culture and performance in luxury hospitality.
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Roland Fasel Appointed to Lead Capella and Patina Hotels, Aiming to Double Portfolio by 2030
9 March 2026🏨 Roland Fasel will lead Capella Hotels & Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts, aiming to double their 12-hotel portfolio by 2030. Fasel, with a background from EHL Lausanne and an MBA from Golden Gate University, previously managed luxury brands at Maybourne Hotel Group and Aman Resorts. His role involves maintaining brand integrity and expanding in Europe and the Middle East. Fasel’s focus will be on operational excellence, service culture, and brand visibility in new markets.
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Luxury hospitality reimagined: Cairns 5-star hotel elevates guest experience with Shiji’s Infrasys POS
10 February 2026🏖️ Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, a five-star luxury hotel in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, upgraded its guest service by implementing Shiji’s Infrasys POS, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experience. The hotel, with 255 rooms, now features faster ordering and real-time updates, improving service across dining venues. Shiji, a leading hospitality tech company, supports over 91,000 hotels globally, offering cloud-based solutions with over 5,000 employees worldwide.
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Luxury Hospitality Reimagined at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns with Shiji Infrasys POS
9 February 2026💻 Sydney, Australia, February 09, 2026: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, upgraded to Infrasys POS, enhancing luxury hospitality with real-time updates and improved efficiency. Nestled between Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea, the hotel offers breathtaking marina views, boasting 255 rooms and suites. This cloud-based system, implemented by Shiji, aligns with Shangri-La’s focus on personalized guest experiences, streamlining operations across venues like The Backyard Restaurant, located near the Great Barrier Reef.
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Mandarin Oriental Names Philippe Kronberg General Manager of Hyde Park London
28 January 2026🏨 Philippe Kronberg appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, effective 12 January 2026. He will also support operations of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Paris, Lutetia, and Conservatorium, Amsterdam, functioning from 14 January. With over 30 years in luxury hospitality, Kronberg’s previous role was Resort General Manager at Shangri-La, Muscat. He holds a Diploma from Les Roches and an Executive MBA from AGSM. Fluent in English, French, and German, he is a former paratrooper.
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Nearly 70% of Hospitality Sector Now Committed to Use Only Cage-Free Eggs, New Industry Report Finds
26 January 2026🍳 Bangkok, 2025: Lever Foundation reports 69% of Thailand’s hotel industry, over 115,000 rooms, pledge for cage-free eggs. Six hotel groups, including COMO and Capella, complete transitions early. Another 28 groups, like Marriott and Hilton, plan global cage-free policies. 31% remain without commitments, including Dusit International. Cage-free eggs are safer and more humane. Lever Foundation aids hotels in adopting sustainable practices, emphasizing food safety and animal welfare.
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Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London welcomes new GM
16 January 2026📄 Philippe Kronberg, appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London & AVP Operations, will also support locations in Mayfair, Paris, Amsterdam, and the newly added Lutetia. The announcement from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, effective Wednesday, highlights Kronberg’s 30-year hospitality experience, including roles in Oman, Sydney, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Brisbane, underlining commitment to luxury service excellence. Kronberg previously managed a multi-property destination with over 640 rooms in Muscat for Shangri-La.
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Mag HON 362-363: Shangri-La Hotels: Asian precision in the service of ultra-luxury
16 January 2026📈 Shangri-La Group is enhancing customer engagement with its Shangri-La Circle loyalty program. By 2024-2025, they plan to expand in Asia and the Middle East, including openings like JEN Kunming and Shangri-La Nanshan Shenzhen. In 2022, Shangri-La Jeddah opened on the Red Sea. Their ESG initiatives reduce plastics and carbon emissions, with local actions in Paris. By 2024-2025, they expect revenue growth and financial discipline, focusing on management and mixed-use projects.
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Shangri-La Signs with United Bodrum Turizm for New Luxury Resort in Bodrum, Turkey
13 January 2026🏨 Shangri-La Group, in a deal with United Bodrum Turizm A.Ş., will manage a new luxury resort in Bodrum, Turkey. The announcement was made in Hong Kong, and the resort will open in early 2029. It will feature 70 guest rooms and 10 private villas, located near Yalıkavak Marina. This marks Shangri-La’s second property in Turkey, following the success of its Bosphorus, Istanbul location.
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Shangri-La signs second luxury resort in Turkey
7 January 2026🏨 Shangri-La Group plans to open its second Turkish resort in Bodrum by early 2029. The project, in collaboration with United Bodrum Turizm A.Ş, will offer 70 guest rooms, 10 villas, a private beach, and panoramic Aegean Sea views. It joins Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul. Shangri-La manages over 100 hotels in 75+ destinations. Bodrum is highlighted for its global luxury appeal.
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Robots in the Travel Industry: 20 Real-World Examples
20 November 2025This article was written by Revfine. Click here to read the original article One of the most exciting technological developments within the travel industry in recent years has been the increased prevalence of robots, with examples ranging from text-based chatbots and front desk robotic assistants to security robots and robotic travel cases. This article takes a closer look at how robots transform tourism, providing eight real-world examples of their use and examining some pros and cons. Understanding Robots Although most…
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Top UK uni teams win Dida’s ‘Future of…
13 November 2025🚀 Three UK university teams won the Future of Travel Innovation Challenge held at the Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard, London. Hosted by Dida and Headstart Global, winners include Team Trip Sentinel from Durham University for AI-powered travel, Team RME Solutions from University College London for sustainability, and Team Synapse from Imperial College London for accommodation design. Each team receives a cash prize and a visit to Dida’s HQ in Shenzhen.
