Category Hotel, Organisations & Operators

At a time when travel is no longer defined merely by changing locations but by understanding the soul of the places visited, Marriott International hotels transform Latin America into a living map of flavors, art, history, and traditions. Through a curated selection of properties in Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, and Peru, the company invites travelers to immerse themselves in experiences that foster a deep and meaningful connection with the identity of each destination.

Grand Mercure Business Bay has officially opened its doors in Dubai following the rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay, owned and managed by Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), under a franchise agreement with Accor. This milestone marks a new chapter for the hotel, shaped by Grand Mercure’s distinctive approach to hospitality that celebrates pride of place through refined grandeur, cultural immersion and heartfelt human connection.
Rooted in international hospitality standards while deeply anchored in its destination, Grand Mercure Business Bay reflects the brand’s philosophy of elevating locality through meaningful gestures, warm rituals and intentional service.

Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar officially opened its doors at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City on January 17 following a grand opening celebration with a special appearance by actor Christopher McDonald, aka “Shooter McGavin” in Happy Gilmore, and also known for his role on HBO Max’s Hacks. During the celebration, McDonald participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and mingled with guests and tried his hand on the mini golf course. MTV’s Jersey Shore stars Sammi Giancola aka “Sammi Sweetheart” and Jenni Farley aka “JWoww” also stopped by the event to take a few swings on the course. Located on the Casino Level next to LaScala’s Fire, Ocean’s 18 is the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino and features a full-service bar.

Outform Group, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “Outform” or the “Company”), an award-winning global innovation and experience agency, today announced the launch of Outform Hospitality, a dedicated business division designed to help hospitality brands rapidly design, source, and deliver high-quality guest environments at scale and with greater cost control.

Minor Hotels will pursue a focused approach to growth in 2026, building on a year of record development momentum to prioritise market depth, portfolio diversification and capital-efficient expansion.

The group signed 40 new hotel contracts and master agreements in 2025 – its highest annual total to date – and expects to secure a further 25 signings in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting sustained owner demand and signalling another record growth year ahead.

The vacation rental industry has always faced a fundamental tension: how do you scale a hospitality brand without losing the qualities that make individual properties special? For travelers coordinating group trips or planning milestone celebrations, this isn’t an academic question. Will the mountain cabin in Colorado feel as thoughtfully prepared as the beach house in California? Will someone be available to help if something goes wrong on a Saturday night?

On 24th December 2025, Shangri-La Group announced the signing of an agreement with United Bodrum Turizm A.Ş. to manage a new luxury resort in Bodrum, anticipated to open in the first half of 2029. This marks the Group’s second property in Turkey and reinforces its commitment to expanding its presence across key leisure destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, announces the upcoming launch of NH Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal seaside town. Minor Hotels will assume management of the hotel from 16 January 2026.

NH Hua Hin will offer 152 modern rooms and suites with city and mountain views, starting from 30 sqm. The property provides accommodation options for leisure and business guests, designed for comfort and functionality, including deluxe rooms, family rooms with bunk beds, and one-bedroom suites.

Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces its debut in the Philippines with the opening of The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection. Set across 52 hectares of lush tropical landscape in Lipa, Batangas, this wellness sanctuary marks a transformative milestone for the brand – introducing a destination where growth in health, spirit, and life converges with the Autograph Collection ethos of individuality and immersive storytelling.

Bringing decades of global luxury hospitality experience and a visionary leadership style, Thomas Krooswijk has been appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.

Born in France and raised across Africa and the Middle East, Thomas is celebrated for his people-first philosophy, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He began his Four Seasons journey in 2001 at The Pierre, New York (formerly a Four Seasons hotel), where his early experience in food and beverage shaped his understanding of hospitality, attention to detail, authentic guest connections, and the art of creating unforgettable experiences