Hotels & Resorts
Different things to different people: Chelsea Toronto unveils renewed brand, $85 million transformation
After a four-year, hotel-wide transformation – representing and investment of over $85 million – Chelsea Toronto has arrived. The iconic Toronto hotel unveiled its renewed brand – which reflects a clearer expression of the kind of experience Chelsea has delivered for generations -- during a celebratory event at the property this week. Shane Downey, managing director of Chelsea Toronto, told those attending the late September event that: “Chelsea has always meant different things to different people, and that is one of our greatest strengths.” Based on research with over...
Global hotel rates set to rise again in 2027: Amex GBT
According to American Express Global Business Travel’s (Amex GBT) new Hotel Monitor 2027, hotel rates are expected to continue rising globally in 2027, as resilient corporate travel and meetings demand and persistent inflation put upward pressure on prices across the Americas and Europe. However, the outlook varies considerably by destination. Canadian markets sit toward the more moderate end of the forecast, with hotel rate increases expected to remain below 3%. Healthy hotel inventory and steady demand are expected to limit significant pricing pressure in Canada. Mexico City is...
RIU unveils revamped RIU Partner Club website for travel advisors
RIU Hotels & Resorts has launched its new RIU Partner Club website -- the loyalty program from RIU designed exclusively for retail travel agents. The platform has been completely revamped to offer an independent, more visual, accessible and user-friendly environment, specifically crafted to help agents optimize their time and easily access all the benefits the program has to offer. Created to recognize the hard work and commitment of travel agents to RIU, the Riu Partner Club serves a dual purpose: helping professionals deepen their product knowledge to boost sales while...
Minor Hotels launching new lifestyle, wellness resort in Australia
Minor Hotels has announced Avani Cypress Lakes Resort -- a premium lifestyle and wellness resort set to launch in phases from October 2026 in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley. The development will bring together the existing Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and adjoining Elysia Wellness Retreat across 340 acres, creating what will become Australia’s largest integrated resort wellness precinct. Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will be the largest Avani property in Australasia, offering 204 rooms and suites across two distinct accommodation experiences. Facilities will include an 18-hole golf...
A Blockbuster Deal: Royal Caribbean Group acquires 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts
It is a blockbuster of a deal. Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts have signed an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space, that includes a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts' more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group's vacation platform. The partnership brings together two of the travel industry's most celebrated vacation companies, pairing...
Sandals and Beaches Resorts in 10 Minutes featuring Sandals Dunn’s River
“Sandals and Beaches Resorts….in 10 Minutes” – the popular, bite-sized, live training sessions developed exclusively for the Canadian market by Unique Vacations Canada – returns with a special fall edition. The upcoming discussion on Fri., Sept. 25 will focus on Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Canadian travel advisors are invited to join host Lorna Richards, National Training Manager, Unique Vacations Canada and her special guest, Carnel Smith, Director of Sales, Groups and Conventions, Sandals Dunn’s River as they have a brief but informative conversation...
Royalton returns to full strength in Jamaica with reopening of five resorts
Royalton Hotels & Resorts has reopened its complete Jamaica portfolio, welcoming travellers back to five resorts across Negril and Montego Bay following a significant investment in accommodations, public spaces and the overall guest experience. Royalton Negril, Royalton Hideaway Negril and Grand Lido Negril are now welcoming guests on Jamaica’s celebrated west coast, while Royalton Blue Waters and Royalton Hideaway Blue Waters have reopened in Montego Bay, bringing the company’s full Jamaican resort collection back into operation. Across the five resorts, extensive...
RIU marks a milestone with Thailand debut
RIU Hotels & Resorts marks a new international milestone with the launch of the Hotel Riu Palace Phuket, a sophisticated 5-star establishment that represents the company's long-awaited debut in Thailand. This newly opened hotel enjoys a prime beachfront location on the northwest coast of Mai Khao, adjacent to Sirinat National Park, and is 16 kilometres from Phuket International Airport and 40 kilometres from the historic city centre. The hotel offers 24-hour All Inclusive service. The resort's culinary experience has been crafted to bridge the richness of Thai gastronomy...