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.
-
Peninsula Hong Kong: the white elephant that became the Grand Old Lady of the Far East
11 August 2026This article was written by HospitalityOn. Click here to read the original article The story begins in the 1920s, driven by the Kadoorie family, a dynasty of Iraqi origin settled in Hong Kong since the late 19th century. The family traded across Asia’s two leading commercial hubs and eventually established The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Company. The hotel group traces back to 1866, and it was the administrator of the time, Sir Ellis Kadoorie, who pushed for a new hotel…
-
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.
-
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…
-
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.
-
UBTech Robotics Launches U1 Humanoid Companion, Drives Morgan Stanley to Revise 2026 China Shipment Forecast Upward
2 July 2026🤖 On 30 June 2026, Shenzhen, UBTech Robotics launched the U1 humanoid robot, priced at US$17,650 to US$145,000, with over 13,000 pre-orders. Morgan Stanley revised its 2026 humanoid shipment forecast in China to 50,000 units, projecting 446,000 by 2030. Keenon and Pudu Robotics operate in 10,000 hotels and 80,000 units globally, respectively. Expected by 2027–2028, humanoids at sub-$50,000 will become hospitality standards. The sector must balance automation with human touch, emphasizing trust and data privacy.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park appoints Philippe Kronberg as GM
19 January 2026📘 Philippe Kronberg will join Mandarin Oriental as general manager of Hyde Park, London, and assistant vice-president operations on 12 January 2026. Kronberg will also oversee Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Paris, and Amsterdam. The Amsterdam hotel will start as a Mandarin Oriental on 14 January. Previously, Kronberg was at Shangri-La in Muscat, Oman, and has extensive experience in Australasia, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Brisbane. A French and Australian national, he holds an executive MBA.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Shangri-La signs luxury resrot in Bodrum, Turkey
5 January 2026🏖 Shangri-La Group plans to open a new luxury resort in Bodrum, Turkey, in the first half of 2029. Located in Yalikavak, the resort will feature 70 guest rooms and 10 private villas. This is Shangri-La’s second property in Turkey, after Shangri-La Bosphorus in Istanbul. The agreement was signed with United Bodrum Turizm A.Ş. at Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong, attended by top executives from both companies. The resort aims to enhance Bodrum’s luxury tourism appeal.
-
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…
-
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.
-
Shangri-La adds humanoid to workforce at Shanghai hotel
31 October 2025🤖 Shangri-La Traders and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Hotel, China, recently inaugurated with KEENON Robotics’ XMAN-R1 humanoid greeter. The hotel, opened earlier this week, marks Shangri-La’s fifth Shanghai property and the debut of the refreshed Traders brand. XMAN-R1 uses KEENON’s KOM2.0 model for interactive tasks. Supported by robots like W3 for deliveries, S100 for luggage, and C40 for cleaning, the initiative showcases enhanced hotel operations and guest experiences.
