Deutsche expands in Africa. Deutsche Hospitality has signed management contracts with The Resort Group to develop two new hotels in the Cape Verde archipelago, which will become home to the Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts and Jaz brands. The two hotels will be developed on a single site located at Santa Monica Beach on the island of Boa Vista.
Ctrip expands. Ctrip.com, China’s biggest online travel company, has announced it will buy air-ticketing specialist Skyscanner for about $US1.7 billion to expand beyond a home market. Ctrip’s deal gives it a strong foothold in Europe as Skyscanner is one of the region’s larger flight ticketing services with more than 60 million monthly active users.
Dublin luxury leader. MHL Hotel Collection (previously the John Malone Partnership) has completed the acquisition of three Dublin hotels – the Spencer Hotel, the Morgan Hotel and the Beacon Hotel – from the Fitzpatrick Lifestyle Hotel group. Following these acquisitions MHL will become the largest owner of luxury hotels in Dublin City center with more than 1,150 guest rooms. All of the hotels will continue to trade under their existing names and brands.