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ORAVEL STAYS, OYO'S parent company, plans to expand its premium brand, SUNDAY Hotels, to 100 properties globally by fiscal year 2026, according to a PTI report. The four- and five-star brand, launched in May 2023 as a SoftBank-Oravel Stays joint venture, has expanded to 10 countries with 30 hotels. The brand is present in India, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. The initiative is part of Oravel's strategy to grow its premium hotel footprint globally, PTI reported, citing a spokesperson. "There are 30 SUNDAY Collection hotels already open across 10 countries, including India, and the company plans to ramp up expansion in FY26, targeting 100 hotels," the spokesperson said.

BWH HOTELS HAS partnered with Tesla to introduce electric vehicle charging stations at its North American properties, with plans for international expansion. The installation of Tesla's Universal Wall Connectors at selected hotels will begin in 2024. The charging stations are designed to charge a variety of North American EV models, BWH Hotels said in a statement. "This collaboration with Tesla underscores BWH Hotels' unwavering commitment to sustainability and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences," said Michael Morton, vice president for brand management and member services, BWH Hotels. "As the hospitality industry evolves, we will continue to blend eco-conscious initiatives with the service, value and comfort that guests expect from BWH Hotels." EV charging stations are an attractive amenity for travelers with electric vehicles, the statement said. In line with its Earth, People, and Community initiative, BWH Hotels collaborates with hoteliers to broaden sustainability efforts by installing EV charging stations across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Indianapolis Airport is open in Indianapolis. The hotel is owned by Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions led by President and CEO Naveen Shah. The 240-room hotel is near Indianapolis International Airport and eight miles from downtown Indianapolis. Other nearby attractions include Lucas Oil Stadium, The Indianapolis Zoo, the Indianapolis Children's Museum, Eli Lilly, Rolls Royce, Indiana University and Purdue University. The hotel has 5,193 square feet of meeting space, including a 4,370-square-foot ballroom and two smaller boardrooms. "This marks our second Delta Hotel in the Indianapolis marketplace, allowing for shared economies of scale and best practices," Shah said. "Our familiarity with the market and the brand will allow the hotel to ramp up quickly as Marriott continues the global expansion of Delta."

TECHNOLOGY HOTEL BRAND EV Evolution and construction solutions firm ServiceTry recently created a joint venture, EV Hotel Corp. The $400 million deal will fund the development of EV Evolution Venue hotels in international markets. Their new hospitality concept, The Eloise Project, is set to debut its first property by late 2025. ServiceTry will acquire a 40 percent equity stake in EV Hotel Corp., gaining access to all of EV's global revenue streams, the companies said in a joint statement. "We're not just building hotels; we're crafting worlds," said Ken Patel, EV Hotel Corp's., chairman and CEO. "The Eloise Project is about immersing guests in luxury and wonder. We're creating spaces where every moment is memorable, and every stay is extraordinary." The partnership will expand EV Hotel's global presence with ServiceTry as its largest shareholder, the statement said. The concept offers Dubai-style amenities and guest-centric experiences.

INDIA'S ITC CONGLOMERATE plans to expand its hotel business internationally, focusing on neighboring countries and West Asia. The company recently demerged its hotels division, ITC Hotels Ltd., which will list on bourses in the next couple of weeks. The listing date for ITC Hotels is yet to be announced but is expected in the "next few weeks," PTI reported, quoting ITC Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri. The company aims to expand its portfolio from 140 to more than 200 hotels across India, PTI reported. Formerly a division of ITC, the hotel business will gain operational autonomy post-demerger. ITC shareholders will hold 60 percent of the new unit, with the parent company retaining the rest.

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.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL reported a 16 percent year-over-year increase in net income to $299.7 million in 2024 and a 12 percent rise in adjusted EBITDA to a record $604.1 million, exceeding its full-year guidance. The company's global system size grew 3.3 percent to 653,810 rooms, including 4.3 percent growth in its domestic upscale, extended-stay and midscale portfolio. It opened 407 hotels globally in 2024, a 21 percent increase, including its 515th extended-stay hotel in the fourth quarter, Choice said in a statement. "Choice Hotels generated another year of strong results in 2024, exceeding the top end of our earnings guidance and delivering a 4.3 percent year-over-year net increase in our more revenue-intense domestic rooms portfolio, a testament to the success of our growth strategy," said Patrick Pacious, Choice president and CEO. "In 2024, we also successfully relaunched four brands, expanded our partnerships business, increased our international footprint, achieved record organic rewards program growth, and unlocked new value through additional ancillary revenue opportunities."

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS reported global RevPAR growth of 3 percent for 2024 and 4.6 percent in the fourth quarter, with the Americas rising 2.5 percent and 4.6 percent for the year and quarter, respectively. The company acquired Germany-based lifestyle hotel brand Ruby for about $116 million, aiming for global expansion, including the Americas. It opened 371 hotels globally in 2024, up 24 percent, and added 714 to the pipeline, a 34 percent increase, including 16,832 rooms opened and 26,552 signed in the Americas, IHG said in a statement. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teams around the world, 2024 was an excellent year of financial performance, strong growth and important progress against a clear strategy that is unlocking the full potential of our business for all stakeholders," said Elie Maalouf, IHG's CEO. "RevPAR growth accelerated in the fourth quarter, reflecting the breadth of our global footprint and improvements in all three regions. Together with strong system growth, notable margin expansion and the benefit of returning surplus capital through buybacks, we're pleased to report adjusted EPS growth for the year of 15 percent."

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL recently relaunched Radisson Individuals in the Americas as an upper-upscale soft brand targeting full-service, boutique and independent hotels. This is the first time the brand is offered to owners since Choice's 2022 acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas. The launch marks the company's expansion into the upscale and upper-upscale segments, Choice said in a statement. "Choice is a different company today than we were just a few years ago," said Patrick Pacious, Choice's president and CEO. "We've seen strong interest in our upscale and upper-upscale brands, including Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson Red, Ascend Hotel Collection and Cambria. This reflects the strategic investments we've made to provide value to developers looking to grow in these segments." Radisson Individuals is one of the fastest-growing soft brands globally, with more than 30 properties opened since 2020, including 15 franchised by Choice in the Americas, the statement said.

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."

Bill Fanning is now the chief revenue officer at Stayntouch, a cloud-based hotel property management software developer. Previously, he was senior vice president of sales at Compeat, part of Restaurant365's enterprise suite, covering accounting, inventory, scheduling, payroll, and HR solutions. In his new role at Stayntouch, Fanning will oversee revenue strategy and expansion efforts, focusing on customer value, strategic partnerships and global commercial growth across North America, Europe and global markets. "We are pleased to welcome Bill Fanning to our team," said Jacob Messina, Stayntouch's CEO. "His exceptional track record and experience in the hospitality industry and enterprise sales make him the perfect fit to lead our commercial strategy. Bill shares our unwavering commitment to customer success and innovation. His expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our relationships with hotel partners and enterprise customers, ensuring we continue to deliver solutions that address the most pressing challenges faced by hotel owners and operators today."

NETHERLANDS-BASED CITIZENM HAS inaugurated its first hotel at Meta's Menlo Park campus in California, marking its second U.S. opening this year after the launch of citizenM Miami Center. CitizenM currently operates 14 hotels in the U.S. and has plans for additional openings in 2024, including locations in Austin, Boston, and another in South Beach, Miami. The global hospitality company was founded by Rattan Chadha in 2015. The five-story hotel, spanning 79,400 square feet, features 240 modular rooms, citizenM said. The brand's modular design has not only reduced construction waste by up to 60 percent but has also shortened the development timeline by three to four months compared to traditional construction methods. The hotel at Meta's Frank Gehry-designed headquarters campus has been designed by citizenM's architectural partner, Baskervill. "We're excited to open in Menlo Park, a burgeoning tech hub," said Robin Chadha, chief brand officer at citizenM. " CitizenM, designed to seamlessly connect remote and in-person work with private nooks and versatile workspaces in our Living Rooms, along with societyM meeting rooms. This dynamic property will provide a unique experience for Meta employees and mobile citizens in the area."

HILTON WORDLWIDE HOLDINGS aims to double its 350 lifestyle hotels by 2028, planning to add 350 more within four years, including 100 this year. Also, the company appointed Kevin Osterhaus as president of global lifestyle brands to oversee the growth, design, and development of Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Graduate by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Tempo by Hilton. The growth will be supported by the addition of the Graduate and NoMad brands, Hilton said in a statement. The company added more than 50 new lifestyle hotels and approved another 100 in 2023. Additionally, this year will mark the debut of Hilton's 400th property in this category. "As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hilton's entry into the lifestyle segment, we look ahead to even more rapid growth with a powerhouse lineup of brands that will meet the needs of developers and guests alike in some of the world's most desirable locations," said Kevin Jacobs, Hilton's chief financial officer and president, global development. "The recent addition of the Graduate and NoMad brands to our lifestyle and luxury lifestyle portfolio will accelerate our growth as we look for more opportunities to deliver the exceptional experiences guests want in the world's top hotel destinations."

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS reported growth in net rooms and its development pipeline for the third quarter. Global systemwide rooms increased 4 percent year-over-year, with 1 percent growth in the U.S. and 8 percent internationally. Global RevPAR rose 1 percent in constant currency compared to 2023, with a 1 percent decline in the U.S. and 7 percent growth internationally. The company's adjusted net income for the third quarter was $110 million, a 1 percent decrease year-over-year but a 3 percent increase on a comparable basis, Wyndham said in a statement. "Our teams delivered exceptional results, executing our growth strategy and achieving 7 percent growth in comparable adjusted EBITDA, driven by system expansion, higher royalty rates, and increased ancillary revenues," said Geoff Ballotti, president/CEO. "We awarded 10 percent more franchise contracts domestically, driving 5 percent growth in our development pipeline. Stabilizing RevPAR trends and increasing infrastructure demand are expected to lead to improved results in the coming quarters. We remain focused on delivering value to our guests, franchisees, and shareholders, having returned nearly $380 million year-to-date through dividends and share repurchases."

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL reported a record $428 million in third-quarter revenue, a 1 percent increase from last year. Net income rose 15 percent to $105.7 million. As of Sept. 30, the global pipeline surpassed 110,000 rooms, an 11 percent increase from the previous year, with conversion rooms up 54 percent. Domestically, the room pipeline grew 10 percent year-over-year, with conversion rooms rising 68 percent, Choice said in a statement. "Choice Hotels generated another quarter of record financial performance, demonstrating the successful execution of our growth strategy and giving us the confidence to raise our full-year guidance," said Patrick Pacious, president and CEO. "We accelerated unit growth, expanded our global pipeline, grew our international reach, and significantly increased our rewards program. This momentum, combined with our strong business model, positions us to sustain growth while returning significant capital to shareholders."

CROWNE PLAZA HOTELS & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' portfolio, recently rolled out its "New Modern" design across U.S. properties with zones for productivity, restoration and collaboration. The design caters to the growing bleisure travel segment. The company expects 70 percent of Crowne Plaza's Americas estate to feature updated designs by late 2025, IHG said in a statement. "As the once firm lines between business and leisure travel blur further, Crowne Plaza remains a trusted leader at the forefront of serving the new blended traveler," said Ginger Taggart, IHG's vice president, brand management for global premium brands. "Our latest design approach introduces more inviting gathering spaces that inspire connection and enable guests to balance business and social interaction."

ORAVEL STAYS LTD., OYO's parent firm, and SoftBank Group recently launched their premium hospitality brand, SUNDAY, in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, OYO's serviced hotels business saw 250 percent growth in its first year, adding 700 hotels since September 2023, surpassing its target of 200. The international expansion is part of OYO's ongoing efforts to strengthen its premium property portfolio globally, the company said in a statement. "Our data shows growing demand for premium, experience-driven accommodations," said Puneet Yadav, Oravel's UK business head. "This strategic move allows us to tap into the luxury segment while maintaining our commitment to delivering value across all price points."

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL IS introducing its "City Express" brand to the U.S. and Canada, marking its entry into the midscale transient segment. Previously known as Project Mid-T, this expansion underscores Marriott's commitment to enhancing its midscale offerings and providing lodging options for all travel purposes. The brand has attracted interest from owners and franchisees and expects to sign agreements, with potential hotel openings in the U.S. and Canada in the coming months, Marriott said in a statement. "Since entering the affordable midscale space with the acquisition of City Express in the Caribbean and Latin America just over a year ago, we have seen significant interest for the brand and are pleased with its growth across the region," said Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Marriott's senior vice president and global brand leader of select brands. "With this announcement, Marriott aims to continue growth in the affordable midscale segment and provide a new option for value-conscious travelers in the U.S. and Canada."

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."

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL REPORTED record growth in 2024, opening 123,000 gross rooms and achieving 6.8 percent net room growth. The company ended the year with more than 577,000 rooms in its development pipeline and signed more than 1,200 deals-an average of three per day-totaling nearly 162,000 rooms globally. The company signed a record 608 deals in the U.S. and Canada last year, Marriott said in a statement. "2024 was a year of growth for Marriott, with regional milestones, segment entries, brand expansions, and market debuts," said Anthony Capuano, Marriott's president and CEO. "We remain focused on connecting people through travel, and I'm excited about the work our global teams are doing to drive growth, innovation, and deliver strong results for our owners and franchisees."