According to consultants HVS, transaction volumes were down 19% overall on the previous year, and at EUR10.7bn, were the second lowest level recorded in the last decade. The average price per room sold was also down 16%, at EUR197,000., they reported in the annual European Hotel Transaction Report. Evidence of the growing impact of higher finance costs came from a quarter by quarter analysis. The first quarter of 2023 saw deal volume ahead of the previous year, while the second quarter volume was 50% below that of the previous year; Q3 and Q4 volumes remained below 2022 comparables. Mainland f ..read more

The rulers of Abu Dhabi have approved a new tourism strategy to drive growth in visitors to the emirate, over the next few years to the 2030 milestone.  In common with other parts of the region, the focus is on broadening the area’s appeal to international tourists, aiming to grow the visitor economy to become a more significant contributor to Abu Dhabi’s economic future. In 2023, the emirate welcomed close to 24m daily and overnight visitors, and the aim is to grow this number to 39.3m by 2030. The economic impact of such a growth in visitor numbers will, it is estimated, grow travel and ..read more

Joining the recently signed Waldorf Astoria in Jaipur, Conrad Jaipur will become the second luxury Hilton hotel in the ‘Pink City’. The new luxury Conrad hotel is expected to open in 2027. Growth across India The 246-key Conrad Jaipur is to be developed in partnership with SunnyRaj Properties Pvt Ltd before its expected 2027 debut. This news follows the 2023 signing of India’s first Waldorf Astoria, which is also coming to Jaipur. Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said: “India is an emerging force of travel demand and a priority growth market for Hilton. Rajasthan in particular boas ..read more

The new Madeleine collection, presented in Revol’s signature alabaster white, is a heartfelt celebration of comfort food. Crafted with meticulous care in Revol’s workshops in St-Uzes, France, these porcelain pieces pay homage to both culinary tradition and our nutritional well-being. Inspired by Ma(g)deleine Carrier, a key figure in our history, this collection commemorates the legacy of the factory, founded in 1768 by Ma(g)deleine and Pierre Revol. Versatile, pieces are designed to enhance a variety of dining experiences. From casual bistros to fine dining establishments, from all-day dining ..read more

Hilton has acquired the NoMad hotel brand, adding to its lifestyle brand stable following the recent acquisition of Graduate Hotels. The move takes the form of the acquisition of a majority, controlling stake in Sydell Group, the organisation that developed the NoMad concept, and has broad experience developing a range of other hospitality concepts, across lodging, restaurants and bars. Under the agreement, Sydell will continue to be responsible for curating, design and management of the NoMad brand. Hilton sees substantial potential for developing the brand from its current startup phase, int ..read more

Serviced apartment group Cheval Collection has signed to link its portfolio to the Global Hotel Alliance, recognising the value of being part of a larger loyalty programme as it seeks to grow its international presence.  The GHA, which lays claim to being the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, is celebrating 20 years in business. Today, it has become a powerhouse driving reservations to those independent properties, via membership of its GHA Discovery loyalty programme, which has no less than 26 million members worldwide.  Building internationally Cheval launched i ..read more

Following the rebranding of an existing property, the hotel will become IHG’s second voco branded hotel in South Korea, following the 2022 debut of voco Seoul Gangnam. A heightened presence Following its recent signing, voco Seoul Myeongdong is set to open by the middle of this year. The 576-room property promises to offer thoughtful, unstuffy and charming experiences led by the three ‘come on in’, ‘me time’ and ‘voco life’ brand hallmarks. James Oh, Korea Representative, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of voco Seoul Myeongdong – a fantastic property t ..read more

Product Innovation – The new shower toilet AquaClean Alba from Geberit by Editor April 17, 2024 Products Introducing the new affordable Geberit AquaClean Alba shower toilet. Available as of April 2024. PLEASANTLY SIMPLE THE NEW AQUACLEAN ALBA.  Simple and elegant, the new Geberit AquaClean Alba blends seamlessly into any bathroom design. The AquaClean Alba is a simple, stylish WC complete with spray functionality that ensures perfect personal hygiene after using the toilet. This perfect entry-level model offers all the most important functions of a shower toilet at a very affordab ..read more

The deal has been explained as a strategic partnership with WaterWalk, which currently has 11 hotels with over 1,500 rooms, across key US city markets including Tuscon, Jacksonville and Wichita. The brand is an upscale extended stay offer, and will become the 25th brand in the Wyndham stable, complementing the group’s existing economy and midscale brands. Created by industry leader WaterWalk was created by Jack DeBoer, an extended stay pioneer who, in previous years helped establish brands including Residence Inn and Candlewood Stuites, now respectively part of the Marriott and IHG brand famil ..read more

Inclusive of a luxury hotel tower, entertainment arena and additional MICE space, the expansion has been designed by original architects of the property, Safdie Architects. Resort expansion The expansion of this iconic resort will see the construction of a luxury hotel tower with its own sky roof, a 15,000-seat entertainment arena and premium MICE space, along with new food and beverage and nightlife venues. Marina Bay Sands aims to make the new arena Asia’s leading entertainment venue, attracting top entertainers from around the world. “With the ongoing support of the Singapore Government, th ..read more