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HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION plans to expand its brand portfolio in India and Southwest Asia, with eight new hotels set to open across various leisure and city destinations in 2024. The expansion will focus on Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Centric brands and is timed to coincide with an expected rebound of travel in the country and sub-continent, Hyatt said in a statement. "Southwest Asia continues to demonstrate high growth potential and is among the top global growth markets for Hyatt, said Sunjae Sharma, Hyatt's managing director for India and Southwest Asia. "We have strong expansion plans for 2024 across our portfolio encompassing our legacy brands like Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Centric across destinations that will strengthen our brand presence in key markets. This expansion represents our strong commitment and confidence in the Southwest Asia region." Hyatt is also expanding its luxury and lifestyle brands in India, including the recent launch of JdV by Hyatt with the opening of Ronil Goa, the statement said. JdV by Hyatt is the ninth brand introduced by Hyatt in India, reaffirming its commitment to expanding its presence in the country.

HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION has signed franchise agreements with 3H Group and Presidio Hotel Development to open Hyatt Studios in two states. Led by founder Hiren Desai, 3H Group will introduce the studios in Mobile, Alabama, while Guneet Bajwa heads the effort for Presidio Hotel Development in Marysville, California, and both are expected to open by late 2024 to 2025. Following its April launch, Hyatt has garnered letters of interest for more than 100 Hyatt Studios, marking its inaugural upper-midscale extended-stay brand in the Americas, the company said in a statement. "Hyatt's expansion into these new markets through Hyatt Studios hotels underscores our dedication to developers, guests, and World of Hyatt members," said Dan Hansen, global head of Hyatt Studios. "We've learned that when Hyatt guests stay with a competing brand, they appear to do so for one of two reasons: the absence of a Hyatt hotel within five miles or the choice to stay at a lower chain scale. By offering Hyatt options in these fresh markets, we foster brand loyalty without internal competition and present developers with untapped opportunities."

HYATT HOTELS CORP. plans to open more than 50 new luxury and lifestyle hotels globally within two years, with Europe projected to see a 52.8 percent increase in luxury hotel stock by 2028. Future openings include Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Park Hyatt Johannesburg, Andaz Miami Beach and Andaz Gold Coast, Hyatt said in a statement. Hyatt, with 70 percent of its global rooms in luxury and upper-upscale categories, added 28 luxury hotels in the past three years and doubled its luxury room count since 2017, the statement said. "2024 has been a strong year for the Europe, Africa, and Middle East region, driven by luxury and lifestyle segments, as shown by the strong performance of our hotels and excitement around openings like Park Hyatt London River Thames and Park Hyatt Marrakech," said Javier Águila, Hyatt's group president, EAME. "Our future in these sought-after segments looks brighter than ever, thanks to recent acquisitions like Mr & Mrs Smith and Standard International, as well as our commitment to building dedicated teams and leveraging specialized talent to enhance our luxury and lifestyle offerings."

HYATT HOTELS CORP. expanded its upper-midscale segment with Hyatt Select, a new select-service brand targeting transient guests and designed for easy conversions. The company also opened its first Hyatt Studios location, Hyatt Studios Mobile/Tillmans Corner in Mobile, Alabama, developed by 3H Group and led by CEO Hiren Desai. Hyatt Select is the sixth brand in Hyatt's Essentials portfolio, initially focused on the Americas before expanding globally, Hyatt said in a statement. "For Hyatt, launching a new brand is never just about adding to our portfolio-it's about strengthening our network in a way that benefits both owners and guests," said Jim Chu, Hyatt's chief growth officer. "Hyatt Select hotels will meet a specific need in the market by offering a cost-effective, conversion-friendly option for owners, while delivering an experience for guests who want reliability, comfort, and thoughtful design in the upper-midscale segment."

HYATT INDIA RECENTLY launched the Vocational Education and Training Swiss Professional Diploma program across its properties, including Hyatt Regency Delhi, Andaz Delhi, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon and Hyatt Regency Lucknow. The company worked with the Confederation of Indian Industry and EHL Hospitality Business School to offer an 18-month program for students who have completed their higher secondary education with at least 50 percent marks in English. The program, divided into foundational, intermediate and advanced levels, will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the hospitality industry, according to a joint press statement. "At a time when India is emerging as a global leader in the hospitality industry, there is significant growth potential for the youth of India who choose the VET by EHL program offered by the Confederation of Indian Industry," said Sunjae Sharma, Hyatt Hotels' managing director, India and Southwest Asia. "We are proud to be the first international hotel chain in India to collaborate with CII and EHL for this initiative and to contribute to training a new generation of hoteliers. I am confident that the learning and training imparted at Hyatt will enable these young minds to stand out in this competitive sector and achieve their dreams."

3H GROUP INC., led by Hiren Desai as president and CEO, broke ground on Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga, Hyatt Hotels Corp.'s inaugural launch of the brand in Tennessee. The upscale 123-room hotel, developed under a franchise agreement, is set to open in early 2026. The company is developing a Hyatt Studios hotel in Mobile, Alabama, slated to open in early 2025. "Our decision to continue our collaboration with Hyatt stems from their unwavering commitment to understanding the needs of both owners and guests," said Desai, also the owner of the Chattanooga property. "Caption by Hyatt is an innovative brand, and that approach, coupled with its flexible design and focus on guest experience makes it an attractive addition to our portfolio. We're excited to bring the vibrant energy of the first Caption by Hyatt hotel to our hometown of Chattanooga and look forward to enriching the local hospitality landscape."

HYATT CORP. HAS expanded its relationship with group hospitality analytics firm Knowland, a statement said. The new partnership is aimed at increasing sales, the company said. With this partnership, Hyatt became the first global hotel brand to offer access to the Knowland database through a portfolio-driven program to its properties, the statement added. Hyatt will use Knowland's business tools that provide intelligence within meetings and events booked in its current markets as well as feeder markets. The expanded Knowland relationship standardizes program terms pre-approved for all Hyatt branded hotels, including franchise operators. "At Hyatt, it's important to be nimble in our commitment to providing technology for all of our hotels," said Steve Enselein, senior vice president of events at Hyatt. "Access to Knowland data allows our hotel sales teams to generate topline revenue that can maximize profit through group sales, creating value across our portfolio for hotel owners and operators."

PEACHTREE GROUP PROVIDED $114.6 million in bridge loans to recapitalize two Hyatt hotels owned by McWhinney: Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin, Texas, and Hyatt Place Denver Peña Station in Denver. The company originated a 48-month floating-rate bridge loan for the 246-room Austin hotel and a 60-month fixed-rate bridge loan for the 226-room Denver hotel, Peachtree said in a statement. Peachtree is led by Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO; Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO; and Mitul Patel, principal. "The Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin is a standout property that embodies Austin's energy and appeal," said Jared Schlosser, Peachtree's executive vice president of hotel originations and head of CPACE. "This recapitalization reflects our confidence in the asset's potential and McWhinney's vision for creating exceptional destinations."

HYATT HOTELS CORP. reported a third-quarter net income of $471 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $275 million-an 8.9 percent increase over the same period last year. Systemwide RevPAR rose 3 percent year-over-year, and net rooms grew approximately 4.3 percent for the quarter. "We reported solid third-quarter results, with gross fee revenues reaching $268 million," said Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt. "Our pipeline reached a record 135,000 rooms, up 10 percent year-over-year, and World of Hyatt membership expanded to 51 million members, growing 22 percent. Our capital strategy, including asset-disposition completion, the acquisition of Standard International, and a joint venture with Bahia Principe, reflects the strength of our asset-light model, leading to over $1.2 billion returned to shareholders through repurchases and dividends this year."

HYATT HOTELS CORP. reported an almost 85 percent growth in its global pipeline since 2017, reaching a record of 129,000 rooms. During this period, the company doubled its luxury rooms, tripled its resort rooms, and quintupled its lifestyle rooms. Pictured is a rendering of the New Andaz Miami Beach in Miami Beach, Florida. The company is expanding its brand portfolio both nationally and globally, selecting new and existing markets to enhance its network effect for owners and guests, Hyatt said in a statement. "Hyatt leading the industry in net rooms growth for seven years is a result of our unique approach to development," said Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt's president and chief executive officer. "We strategically expand our portfolio of brands, intentionally selecting new and existing markets to enhance our network effect for owners and guests. Our commitment to thoughtful organic growth and strategic acquisitions amplifies our asset-light business model. Our goal is not to be the largest hospitality company, but the company most valued by colleagues, guests, and owners."

The Hyatt House In Beaverton, Oregon, is now open. It is a joint venture developed by NewcrestImage led by Mehul Patel as chairman and CEO and Canterbury Hotel Group led by Arvind Patel as CEO. The 125-room, 5-floor extended-stay Hyatt House by NewcrestImage is near Beaverton's city hall, the 550-seat Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, the Tualatin Valley and Cooper Mountain Nature Park. Also close are corporate headquarters for Nike, Reser's Fine Foods and optics manufacturer Leupold & Stevens. Hotel amenities include a 635-sq. ft. meeting room, two indoor lounges and an outdoor patio and BBQ area. It is the first joint venture by NewcrestImage and Canterbury Hotel Group. "The opening of this Hyatt House is powerful testimony that hoteliers continue to provide the best of hotel experiences even during challenging travel times," Mehul said. "We've created a property that is safe, comfortable, and special - where travelers can rest easy after a tough day on the road."

SHATTERPROOF, A NATIONAL nonprofit addressing the U.S. addiction crisis, will recognize Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corp., for his contributions to mobilizing hospitality leaders to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding addiction. The event will be during Shatterproof's seventh annual Hospitality Heroes Reception on Jan. 23 during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit at the J.W. Marriott in Los Angeles. Hoplamazian and Hyatt have been longtime supporters of Shatterproof and its mission to end the addiction crisis, Shatterproof said. Recently, Hyatt served as the presenting sponsor for Shatterproof's annual walk in Chicago, the city where Hyatt is headquartered. The upcoming event aims to generate funds supporting Shatterproof's initiatives to reshape how addiction is treated in America. In 2023, Hyatt and more than 60 hospitality companies sponsored the event in solidarity with Shatterproof's mission and its founder and CEO, Gary Mendell-a former hotelier and chairman of HEI Hotels & Resorts, according to Shatterproof. Moreover, the event raised more than $2 million, contributing to solutions for addiction and addressing the public health crisis in the U.S.

HYATT HOTELS CORP. is set to launch a lifestyle group following the acquisition of Standard International, the parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels. The new group would focus on developing future projects included in the acquisition. Amar Lalvani, former executive chairman of Standard International, will serve as president and creative director of the new group. It will be headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in Austin and Bangkok, Hyatt said in a statement. "The lifestyle segment isn't for the faint of heart; it takes creativity and commitment," said Lalvani. "But if you get it right, you reap the benefits of strong guest loyalty and developer returns. Hyatt respects the creativity needed to deliver our experiences, while we value Hyatt's history, global infrastructure, and commercial services."

Caption by Hyatt Downtown Nashville - The Gulch is now open in the Gulch neighborhood of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The hotel, developed in partnership with HRI Hospitality and C.B. Ragland Co., is the brand's second U.S. location. It is co-owned by Peachtree Group. The hotel will be managed by HRI Lodging LLC, the companies said in a joint statement. "HRI is thrilled to open the second Caption by Hyatt hotel in the U.S. and play a pivotal role in the growth of this select-service upscale brand," said Michael Coolidge, HRI Hospitality's chief investment and development officer. "The Caption by Hyatt brand brings a fresh design perspective and unique food and beverage offerings to the heart of Nashville's Gulch district. We look forward to collaborating with Hyatt to continue growing this exciting brand together."

HYATT HOTELS CORP. reported a 5 percent year-over-year RevPAR increase in the fourth quarter and 4.6 percent for 2024. The company added 81 hotels with 20,721 rooms in the fourth quarter, including Standard International and Bahia Principe properties, bringing net rooms growth to 7.8 percent in 2024. However, it posted a $56 million loss in the fourth quarter but ended the year with a $1.3 billion profit. "The purposeful evolution of our business model and strong brand focus accelerated our network effect, benefiting each of our stakeholders," said Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt's president and CEO. "Our fourth-quarter results demonstrate the strength of our commercial offerings, as evidenced by the growth of the World of Hyatt loyalty program, which reached approximately 54 million members. Our operating results and industry-leading net rooms growth allowed us to achieve record levels of gross fees while returning more than $1.2 billion to shareholders in 2024."

HYATT HOTELS CORP. reported strong early 2024 performance, with RevPAR and revenue growth, fueled by pipeline expansion driving its core hotel business and global franchise network. Systemwide RevPAR surged by 5.5 percent compared to 2023, while all-inclusive resorts net package RevPAR soared by 11 percent. Meanwhile, U.S. RevPAR increased by approximately 2 percent, excluding the Easter impact, indicating normalized growth. Net rooms grew by about 5.5 percent, with net income at $522 million and adjusted net income at $75 million, Hyatt said in a statement. Adjusted EBITDA stood at $252 million, dropping by 9 percent compared to Q1 2023, mainly due to the Super Bowl in Phoenix, increased real estate taxes, higher wages, and transaction costs from ongoing asset sales.

NAVIKA GROUP OF Companies and Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions have acquired the Andaz Wall Street hotel, now known as the Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York. The 253-room hotel's guestrooms and lobby were recently redesigned, but Navika plans to invest approximately $5 million in the property over the next several years. Real estate company Navika Group and Blue Sky management company both are led by Naveen Shah as president and CEO. Also, Haridas Kotahwala is chairman at Navika Group. The Hyatt Centric Wall Street is expected to reopen Jan. 26, according to Blue Sky. "The competitive advantages provided by Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York, our first hotel in New York City, make it an ideal addition to our current portfolio of 53 owned and operated hotels throughout the U.S.," said Ernie Catanzaro, executive vice president with oversight of the management team, BSHS. "The hotel has some of the larger rooms in New York City, ranging in size from 345 to 1,500 square feet, as well as an unmatchable location and address. Our planned multimillion-dollar renovation will reinforce the hotel among the most desirable locations in New York City."

HYATT HOTEL CORP. plans to acquire Dream Hotel Group's lifestyle hotel brands, including the Dream Hotels, The Chatwal Hotels and Unscripted Hotels brands, for approximately $300 million. The deal will add more than 1,700 rooms to Hyatt's lifestyle portfolio and increase Hyatt's room count in New York City by more than 30 percent. The acquisition includes a portfolio of 12 managed or franchised lifestyle hotels, with another 24 signed long-term management agreements for hotels expected to open in the future, Hyatt said in a statement on Nov. 29. The transaction, expected to close in the coming months, continues Hyatt's asset-light growth strategy following acquisitions of Two Roads Hospitality in 2018 and Apple Leisure Group in 2021. Post-acquisition, Hyatt will pay a base purchase price of $125 million, with up to an additional $175 million over the next six years. It would generate management fees of about $12 million a year on the first dozen hotels.

THIRD-PARTY HOSPITALITY management company, Twenty Four Seven Hotels, has opened the 128-room Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown, a statement said. Twenty Four Seven is led by David Wani as CEO. The adaptive reuse project, owned and developed by Hume Development, Inc., repurposed the former Eastern Star Hall located at Sacramento's art, music and cultural scene. According to the statement, the Romanesque Revival-style building first opened in 1928 as a Masonic women's meeting place and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation included the redevelopment of five floors within the original structure, keeping the major architectural features of the historic building intact. "The Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown is the perfect marriage of the classic and the contemporary, providing the latest amenities and services in a setting that draws heavily from its nearly century-old history to provide a uniquely Sacramento experience," said Amanda Hawkins-Vogel, chief operating officer at Twenty Four Seven Hotels. "This hotel is an extension of our presence in Northern California and marks our first opening this year with two more to come in 2023. As the newest hospitality offering in the city, we expect the Hyatt House Sacramento to quickly take its rightful place as the segment and market leader for business and leisure travelers."

HYATT HOTELS CORP. reported $26 million in net income for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $220 million for the year. Comparable system-wide RevPAR grew by 9.1 percent during the same period and 17 percent for the full year of 2023, outperforming figures from 2022 and exceeding the previous full-year outlook. Adjusted net income reached $68 million in Q4 and $276 million for full-year 2023, Hyatt said in a statement. "The fourth quarter marks the completion of a transformative year and demonstrates the progress towards our strategic vision and earnings evolution," said Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt's president and CEO. "RevPAR growth exceeded the high end of our guidance range and we had industry-leading net rooms growth for the seventh consecutive year. This led to a record level of fees and the highest free cash flow in Hyatt's history. We returned $500 million to our shareholders and achieved an asset-light earnings mix of approximately 76 percent for the full year, a testament to the successful execution of our strategy."