Hotel, Organisations & Operators,

Joint venture between Conduit House and H World International. To the left: Grant Healy, Chief Executive Officer Conduit House. To the right: Oliver Bonke, Chief Executive Officer H World International © Steigenberger Hotels GmbH
Deutsche Hospitality, a well-known European hotel company with German roots, is rebranding to H World International to drive the expansion of its ownership group, H World, outside of China.
All of H World International’s brands will be part of the H Rewards global loyalty program and online booking platform. The brand family includes Steigenberger Icons, Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, Jaz in the City, House of Beats, IntercityHotel, Maxx and Zleep Hotels. New to the international brand family is Ji Hotel, one of H World China’s fastest-growing midscale brands with the recently opened Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore as the first of its kind outside of China.“The rebranding to H World International is ushering in a new chapter of international growth, complementing our vast presence in China”, says Jin Hui, CEO of H World. “It is an important step towards our goal to become a world-class global hotel group, with one global team.”Oliver Bonke will serve as CEO H World International alongside the established executive leadership team of the former Deutsche Hospitality. Oliver Bonke and Choon Wah Wong, CFO H World International, will remain Managing Directors of the Steigenberger Hotels GmbH. H World International includes Europe, Middle East, India & Africa (MEIA), as well as Asia Pacific (APAC).“We are excited to bring all of our distinctive brands to key global markets. With our compelling value proposition for owners and investors, we will be able to offer our employees career opportunities across the globe and 218 million H Rewards members more choice – an even more attractive hotel portfolio, in more destinations, and across more brands”, says Oliver Bonke.
Joint venture with Conduit HouseTo kick-start its growth in APAC, H World International has entered into a joint venture with Conduit House, a fully integrated hotel operator and hospitality asset manager in Asia, for pre-opening support, technical services and operations. Bonke continues: “We are encouraged by the prospects of partnering with Conduit House, which is run by industry veterans Grant Healy and Achim Lenders whose Asian expertise, relationships and networks will be hugely beneficial for our ambitious growth plans.”
Five new signings across H World International’s growth regionsH World International just signed an agreement with Tantakitt Company Limited for the Montien by Steigenberger, Surawong Bangkok. Having recently finished a complete renovation, it will be the first Steigenberger hotel in Thailand and carry the brand as of July this year. The legendary and stylish hotel offers 475 rooms, combining timeless Thai style with a contemporary attitude. Furthermore, an agreement was signed with Tai Xiang International Co., Ltd. for the Maxx Huay Yai Villa, Pattaya, Thailand comprising 108 spacious, state-of-the-art villas and with an expected opening towards the end of 2025.
In the MEIA region, the company recently signed an agreement for the new build Steigenberger Resort Byoum Lakeside in Egypt, adding to the existing 16 Steigenberger Resorts in the country. The hotel features 90 luxury rooms and is located about 90 kilometers southwest of Cairo, close to Qarun Lake. It is expected to open in late 2025. Earlier this month, H World International announced the opening of the IntercityHotel Bawshar in Muscat, Oman – the fourth IntercityHotel in Oman and sixth in MEIA overall.ADVERTISEMENTIn Europe, the Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts brand announced the addition of the renovated and historical Bielefelder Hof in Germany. Furthermore, the economy brand Zleep Hotels, of Danish origin, is on the rise with openings in Horsens, Denmark as well as Lausanne and Zürich, Switzerland. Agreements for two further Zleep Hotels were recently signed for the Zleep Hotel Bern, set to open in late 2025, and the Zleep Hotel Göppingen in Southern Germany, which is expected to open in 2026.

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Choice Privileges, the award-winning rewards program of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), has been named one of America’s Best Loyalty Programs 2024 by Newsweek and Statista. This is the fourth year in a row that Choice Privileges has been recognized on this list that assesses rewards programs on six criteria: ease and enjoyment; benefit; overall satisfaction; customer support; trust; and recommendation.
The 2024 study, by Newsweek and Statista, centered around the results of an independent survey of more than 4,000 US customers who are members of loyalty programs across 41 categories of US retailer and service provider segments. In total, over 17,900 evaluations were analyzed, which resulted in the ranking of 266 winning programs.
Over the last year, as part of a continued reinvigoration of the program after the integration with Radisson Rewards Americas, Choice Privileges has expanded rewards and opportunities for guests including:
Launching two co-brand credit cards – the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and Choice Privileges Mastercard – to offer travelers more ways to accelerate the amount of Choice Privileges points they earn while staying at participating Choice Hotels and on everyday spending like gas, groceries and home goods.Expanding Choice Privileges Experiences that members can redeem points for with the additions of NASCAR races, and more college football, basketball, baseball and hockey experiences.Diversifying the types of hotels Choice Privileges members can earn and/or redeem points with including Preferred Hotels & Resorts; PENN Casinos & Resorts; BlueGreen Vacations.Offering complimentary breakfast for Diamond status members at Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, and Park Plaza hotels.Choice Privileges members can earn points by staying at over 7,000 Choice-branded hotels across a diverse portfolio of brands in 46 countries and territories. Choice’s family of brands range from upper upscale and upscale, full service, boutique and resort-like hotels including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Cambria Hotels and the Ascend Hotel Collection, to midscale, economy and extended Stay hotels including Country Inn & Suites, Comfort, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Everhome and Mainstay Suites.
For more information or to enroll in Choice Privileges, visit www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges.ADVERTISEMENT

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Digital sustainability management solution, Weeva, establishes conscious collaboration with forward-thinking travel brand Design Hotels to help its portfolio of independent hotels build data-led sustainability initiatives.
Weeva’s innovative, integrated platform enables hotels to manage their sustainability in one digital system. By tracking, informing decisions and reporting on their commercial viability and environmental and social impact, these businesses can experience the myriad of benefits that come with running a sustainable operation.
Designed by sustainable tourism experts, Weeva champions continuous improvement actions, backed by consistent data management, to boost efficiency, reduce wastage and, ultimately, support profitability and business resilience within the industry.
Renowned for establishing partnerships that keep its member hotels ahead of the curve, Design Hotels™ is currently hosting an ongoing series of online workshops and virtual roundtables to connect its members with partners, industry experts, and each other around actionable insights and forward-thinking ideas and practices.
The first of these conversations, hosted by Elin Kann, Director Sustainability & Culture at Design Hotels™, and moderated by Dr Andrea Ferry, Head of Sustainability at Weeva, focussed on the importance of developing an internal culture of sustainability. A key takeaway was:ADVERTISEMENT“If ‘vision’ is where you are going, ‘culture’ makes sure you can get there.”
Weeva’s reporting tools can generate tailored Impact Reports for hotels to share with their guests, tour operators and other suppliers. Reports show metrics such as the carbon footprint per bed night or an overall view of a property’s impact. It’s not about being perfect, but rather quantifying goals and showing improvement. Using a system like Weeva helps streamline internal management, sharing the load between departments, from HR employee wellness surveys for to showcasing your community projects. It is also an invaluable data aggregator for those wishing to gain certifications.
Julie Cheetham, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Weeva commented:
“We’re so excited to onboard many of the Design Hotels member hotels into our system in 2024, giving them access to all our best-practice educational guides, suggested improvements and easy-to-understand tools and dashboards that track results in real-time.  The travel industry has long needed affordable, accessible sustainability technology to measure and improve operations for the benefit of profit, people and the planet – so it is wonderful to see our software being adopted by hotels of this calibre globally.”
Stijn Oyen, Managing Director of Design Hotels™, said:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Weeva to share the exemplary sustainability efforts and successes of our member hotels in transparent, measurable ways.  By utilizing Weeva’s data-driven, science-backed approach, our aim is to learn more about the impact our hotels have on the planet, and apply these insights to develop new, meaningful initiatives that guide them towards a more conscious, sustainable future.”

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To expand its portfolio and capital partner alliances, Meyer Jabara Hotels welcomes Ian McAuley as Chief Investment Officer. In this newly created position, McAuley will source acquisition opportunities, equity investors, debt financing, and third-party management contracts. His 30 years of extensive publicly traded and privately held real estate experience and hands-on hotel development, operations, and ownership expertise will set the course for continued growth and profitability.“Good things really do come to those who wait,” said Meyer Jabara Hotels President Justin Jabara. “Ian is the rainmaker we have been searching for – for well over a year. He spent his career raising capital from kitchen tables to Wall Street, co-founded a management company, operated hotels, and knows where the money is made. His breadth of experience is profoundly unique in this space. With Ian running the investment side of our business, we can focus more closely on operations, profitability and growth. We welcome him aboard.”
McAuley will relocate from Toronto to the company’s office in West Palm Beach, Fla. Short term, he will focus on getting to know the people, culture, and operating practices that drive margins and reap investment returns. Midterm he will speak to the investment community about MJH’s vast differentiators and focus on securing sources of capital. Long term, McAuley will seek out capital partners that don’t know about MJH and introduce them to the company’s fundamental principles and buy/develop assets to add to the portfolio.
“Meyer Jabara Hotels has been around for 47 years, and it’s my job to make sure the company is set up to thrive over the next 47,” McAuley said. “What excites me about this new role is there is no rush to monetize the assets or sell off properties; no gun to my head to get deals done. At MJ there is a different mindset to growth . . . find the right assets and capital partners, then bring MJ in to provide returns for investors. It’s a great marriage.”
Exceptional Background
Over the years McAuley has incorporated more than $2 billion in real estate transactions across North America. His extensive corporate finance experience with private equity and institutional capital partners includes more than 100 ground-up developments and acquisitions, along with several initial public offerings. He also has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of numerous international hospitality companies.ADVERTISEMENT
Prior posts include Co-founder, CEO, President and Director of VM Hotel Acquisition Corp. where he was successful in raising $100 million at the company’s Initial Public Offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange; Canadian President of Aimbridge Hospitality where he more than tripled the number of Canadian hotel management agreements during his first six months; President of American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP; President and COO of Superior Lodging Corp.; Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Royop Hospitality Corp.; and Co-Founder and Vice President of InnVentures Hospitality Corp.
                         
McAuley is a graduate of the University of Toronto – ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program and holds a Dipl T Hospitality, and Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees. He is a long-standing board member of Northern Vision Development LP, current board member and executive of The Musical Stage Co., former two-term director of the Hotel Assn. of Canada and was a board member of Hilton Hotels Advisory Board, Hallmark Properties Ltd., Airline Hotels and Resorts Ltd., and Theatre Calgary.

“Timing is everything,” McAuley said. “Family owned and operated companies like Meyer Jabara Hotels that span three generations are the ones that are successful. I’m honored that they were not afraid to let a visionary like me in. It’s going to be a win-win-win for everyone. Now it’s time to get to work.”
For more information on Meyer Jabara Hotels, visit www.mjhotels.com

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This exclusive retreat is a celebration of womanhood, crafted by women for women. The programme blends a holistic approach to personal empowerment and self-discovery with the serene natural splendour of Bali to nurture mind, body and soul. The retreat is led by two distinguished practitioners: Beata, a life coach and psychologist known for her expertise in guiding individuals towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the empowerment to shape their reality; and Kimberley, a yoga and meditation expert who guides participants on a dynamic journey of inner peace, self-connection, and personal growth through movement and mindfulness practices.
A curated tapestry of activities will include including mindset reframing, mind training and somatic practice.. The daily itinerary will include a curated tapestry of activities such as:
Grounding VinyasaBreathworkIce Bath Restorative Yoga Jungle Trekking Fire Ritual Evening Meditation Canang Compass Soul Freedom JourneyNestled in the Buahan valley of Bali, Banyan Tree Escape is the perfect backdrop for this life-enhancing experience, directly engaging with nature in its unique no walls, no doors concept.
Beyond is a digital wellbeing companion with a meticulously curated retreats programme, guided by distinguished practitioners applying its codified framework of eight pillars of wellbeing.
A place on the seven-day Buahan Women’s Retreat starts from £4,600 based on two sharing.. The retreat includes: accommodation in a jungle pool; daily brunch, dinner and refreshments; roundtrip airport transfers; a pre-retreat wellbeing assessment call; daily group sessions and workshops; wellbeing activities; one massage and local Balinese cultural experiences.ADVERTISEMENTp >A further programme of retreats is planned for 2024/2025 with dates to be announced.

To book, please visit https://escape.banyantree.com/retreat

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Dusit Hospitality Services, a subsidiary of Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT), one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has expanded its operations in the luxury residential management segment by winning the contract to manage MARQUE Sukhumvit, a super luxury condominium which has the highest price per square meter in the Phrom Phong, Sukhumvit area, for the next three years, effective immediately.
Designed to leverage the strength of the Dusit Thani brand in Thailand and the extensive experience of Dusit’s hotel teams, Dusit Hospitality Services (DHS) was formed in early 2019 offering specialised services for hotels and hospitality businesses based in Bangkok.
DHS focuses on three key areas: facility services and management for the luxury housing market; advisory and training services for residential project operators seeking to deliver five-star service excellence; and Dusit on Demand, an on-demand housekeeping, engineering, banqueting, and stewarding service, which currently works with 10 hotels in Bangkok.
Luxury condominiums currently managed by DHS in Bangkok include Sukhothai Residences on Sathorn Road; COCO Parc Managed by Dusit Hospitality Services, developed by Ananda Development Public Company, on Rama IV Road; and now, the prestigious 205-unit MARQUE Sukhumvit condominium in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district.
“Managing MARQUE Sukhumvit marks an exciting new chapter for DHS’s expansion, and we are honoured to be awarded the contract,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, DUSIT. “Born from a dual vision to fill the gap for five-star service in luxury residences and provide new opportunities for our displaced staff during the redevelopment of our flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, DHS embodies our commitment to balance, expansion, and diversification, and delivering our unique brand of Thai inspired gracious hospitality in innovative ways. Since 2019, DHS has flourished, and I have unwavering confidence that our renowned service, facility management expertise, concierge services, and ‘Dusit on Demand’ housekeeping services will propel us even further.”ADVERTISEMENTThe contract with MARQUE Sukhumvit’s residential juristic person entrusts DHS with the vital task of providing exceptional customer service and care to residents. Leveraging Dusit’s 75-year legacy of hospitality excellence and its diverse service portfolio, DHS aims to take the residential experience at MARQUE Sukhumvit to new heights.
Mr Supakit Tiyawatchalapong, Managing Director of Dusit Well-Being Hospitality, said, “Signing the facility management contract with MARQUE Sukhumvit marks another significant milestone for DHS. We are delighted that the MARQUE team recognises the unique value we offer, not just five-star service standards but the ability to elevate residents’ well-being and enhance their property’s value. This three-year contract, the longest awarded by MARQUE’s Executive Committee, is a testament to our expertise, and we look forward to delivering exceptional service to residents.”
Mr Tiyawatchalapong added that, alongside the target of adding 8 – 10 facility management projects each year, DHS will also seek to expand its advisory and training services for residential project operators and promote Dusit On Demand as an effective solution to the labour shortage facing many owners and operators in the hospitality and condominium management sectors.
“The demand for solutions like Dusit on Demand underscores the pressing challenge of workforce shortages in our industry,” said Mr Tiyawatchalapong. “In response, our team has collaborated closely with both public and private sectors to address this gap by offering targeted training programmes that align with market needs. Our innovative Housekeeping Certificate Programme, featuring Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, provides a tailored approach based on individual skills and availability. This flexibility empowers businesses to select housekeeping services that suit their specific requirements and budgets – a distinctive edge in today’s competitive market. This approach, coupled with our commitment to continuous improvement, ensures we are positioned to drive sustainable growth for our business in the months and years ahead. We now aim to capture a 10-15% increase in facility management market share, solidifying our position as a leader in luxury residential service.”
Alongside providing its various services for third-party developers and property owners in Bangkok, DHS will also oversee Dusit’s very own ultra-luxury condominium project, Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside, part of the highly anticipated Dusit Central Park mixed-use development currently under construction opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok.

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The Gambia Experience is delighted to announce the grand reopening of Kombo Beach Hotel, restored to a premier destination within The Gambia and proudly positioned as a flagship property within the tour operator’s holiday collection. Following an innovative renovation, this beloved hotel on the pristine sands of Kotu Beach officially reopened on January 5th, offering something for everyone. The transformation includes a visually striking frontage, remodelled public areas and room facilities along with new amenities, creating an enhanced experience for families and couples, and has been elevated to a four-grade status rating by the tour operator.
Seven night bed & breakfast packages are priced from £649 per person, including flights and transfers, and for those who prefer an all-inclusive package, The Gambia Experience is offering an upgrade from just £20 per person per night – totaling £799 per person.
Key highlights of the refurbishment include:
Prime Beachfront Location: With its prime position on the golden sands of Kotu Beach guests have direct access to one of The Gambia’s most picturesque and sought-after coastal destinations. The hotel’s exterior has been redesigned to create a visually striking facade that harmonises with the breathtaking beach backdrop, providing a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for guests.
Ocean View Rooms: Set within three-storey buildings amongst the gardens, there are a variety of upgrade options including deluxe and ocean view rooms which have undergone extensive renovation. Each upgraded room has been enlarged, providing guests with ample space and decorated in beautiful neutral tones with new, modern furnishings and contemporary bathrooms. The balconies have been increased in size, providing more room to enjoy the beautiful Gambian sunshine.ADVERTISEMENTSwimming Pools: Guests can now indulge in a luxurious swimming experience with two brand new state-of-the-art pools. Whether looking to bask in the sun or take a refreshing dip, the new pools offer a serene oasis for adult relaxation and family enjoyment with a magnificent free form pool along with a separate children’s pool complete with waterslides.
Live Kitchens/Dine to the sounds of gentle waves lapping the shore: Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by the introduction of live kitchens, where skilled chefs showcase their expertise in crafting international and local cuisine, including delicious fresh seafood, overlooking the beach. This immersive dining experience adds a dynamic and interactive element to the hotel’s culinary offering served on both its remodelled buffet and a la carte beachfront restaurants.
Entertainment: Each evening holds a different musical experience as well as showcasing regular The Gambia’s rich culture through drumming troupes and tribal dancing. Attractive lighting creates a fantastic atmosphere and a cocktail/mocktail menu adds to the evening experience.
From the complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach to the crystalline-blue swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and full-time entertainment team, the four-star Kombo Beach Hotel exudes a friendly vibe. 
Karen Durham, product manager for The Gambia Experience commented:
” We are thrilled to unveil Kombo’s transformation and are delighted to work with the hotel team to offer our customers a fantastic holiday choice on Kotu Beach – the perfect place to enjoy some fantastic winter sunshine. Kombo is well-known for its great customer service and friendly staff, and we delighted this welcoming service will continue.”
For more information visit Gambia.co.uk or call 01489 866939.

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From left to right: Miltos Bosinis, CEO, H&H Development, Francesco Cavalli, Design Manager – Development, H&H Development, Sudhin Siva, Vice President – Commercial Operations, Shamal Holding, Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holding, Shahab Lutfi, Co- founder, H&H Development, Craig Rooney, Vice President Development, Shamal Holding, Clive Ford, Development Director, H&H Development (PRNewsfoto/Shamal Holding)
In an exclusive ground-breaking ceremony, Shamal Holding, a diversified investment firm which manages a unique portfolio of investments, assets and experiences, has inaugurated the start of construction for the highly anticipated Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai.Set to open in 2026, the new Downtown lifestyle development will include two crystal-inspired towers cutting a new feature into Dubai’s skyline, containing Baccarat hotel suites and bespoke residences boasting the brand’s signature design. The luxury offering will be complemented by exceptional dining experiences and the highest quality amenities and services.
An exclusive lifestyle development, Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai will blend Baccarat’s heritage of craftsmanship, the experience and energy of Dubai and a meticulous attention to finer detail, providing authentic elegance, refined comfort, exquisite living and iconic design. The hotel project will be managed by SH Hotels & Resorts.
Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holding – the diversified investment arm that owns Baccarat Hotel and Residences, Dubai said; “For over two centuries Baccarat has defined luxury, translating its essence into contemporary lifestyle offerings including Baccarat Hotel New York, the first hospitality flagship for the brand. Inspired by this, Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai introduces a glimmering new masterpiece with an otherworldly lifestyle experience for those who choose to see life in a new light. We are working alongside a team of extraordinary partners led by H&H Development to deliver an industry-defining project, setting a new standard of elevated living in Dubai”.
“We remain committed to bringing the extraordinary to the communities we invest in, as we play our role alongside our partners and stakeholders in supporting Dubai’s growth and ambitions to be the number one city to live and work in,” continued Binhabtoor.
Award-winning architects Studio Libeskind and interior design studio 1508 London led by renowned Dubai developer H&H Development and owner Shamal Holding will deliver an industry-defining project, setting a new standard of elevated living experience at Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai.ADVERTISEMENT“Our expertise in the region, underpinned by a commitment to excellence and innovation in construction, uniquely positions us to bring this development to life,” stated Miltos Bosinis, Chief Executive Officer, H&H Development.
‘We are proud to be working alongside Shamal Holding, and with our team of world-class partners, we are poised to craft an unparalleled living experience. Situated in Downtown Dubai, the Baccarat Hotel and Residences is a testament to our commitment to crafting spaces that emphasize cutting-edge design and sophisticated luxury, tailor-made for those who express an elevated style of living right in the heart of our city,’ he continued.
Founded by King Louis XV, Baccarat is a legendary French crystal company whose artisans have mastered their craft for over 250 years. The Baccarat name has long been synonymous with royalty, kings and queens, sultans and tsars, moguls and modern-day stars.
To enquire about the private residences, contact the Baccarat sales office on +971 4 590 9988 or visit www.baccaratresidencesdubai.com.

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