IHG launches sharable rewards: In partnership with the Coca-Cola Co., IHG has introduced the Share Forever promotion. From May 1 through September 7, IHG Rewards Club members will be able to share points and free nights with others.
Read more at the Share Forever website
IHG launches China Ready program: IHG has unveiled Zhou Dao, its global China Ready program for its hotels around the world. As part of the program, hotels will offer Mandarin-speaking staff working on front desk or via phone support, acceptance of China UnionPay cards, a Chinese welcome pack, complimentary Chinese tea in the guest room and Chinese channels available on in-room televisions.
Read more at Travel Daily News Asia
Hilton Garden Inn comes to Hawaii: Hilton Worldwide signed a franchise license agreement to operate the first Hilton Garden Inn in Hawaii, bringing the brand to all 50 U.S. states. The Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay is scheduled to open in 2016 and will be the only Hilton branded hotel on the island of Kauai.
Read more on Hilton Garden Inn’s website
Accor grows in Australia: Accor announced a new-build Sofitel Hotel in Adelaide, Australia. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2018 and will be the sixth Sofitel in Australia.
Avani to debut in Australia: Minor Hotel Group is planning its first Avani Hotel and Residences in Australia. The new development will include a 15-story hotel with 250 guestrooms and a 14-story residence with 200 serviced apartments.
HTNG names CEO: Hotel Technology Next Generation named Michael Blake to succeed Douglas Rice as executive vice president and CEO. Blake will join the company immediately, and will assume the title of CEO when Rice retired on August 1.
Red Roof enters Canadian market: Red Roof Inn signed a 20-year deal with Glenn Squires to build and brand 40 hotels across Canada. The first hotels are set to open in 2016.
Hotel Equities to run new Louisiana Fairfield: Hotel Equities was selected as the management firm for the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott under development in West Monroe, Louisiana. The hotel will break ground later in 2015.
Dusit expands in China: Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts signed an agreement with Zaozhuang Thai Cultural City Development Company Limited to manage the Dusit Thani Resort in Zaozhuang, Shandong Province. The resort is scheduled to open in 2018 and will be the first internationally branded and luxury five-star resort in the city.
Regal signs in China: Regal Hotels announced the signing of the Regal Kangbo Hotel & Residence in Dezhou of Shandong Province, China. The hotel will open later in 2015 and include 270 guestrooms, fitness center and self-service laundry.