MGM files preemptive lawsuits: MGM Resorts, which owns the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino and the Route 91 Harvest Festival, is suing victims of October’s mass shooting on the festival grounds. According to Fortune magazine, the company is filing preemptive federal complaints against more than 1,000 people who attended the concert, saying that it can’t be held liable for any deaths, injuries or other damages. MGM says a 2002 federal act protects them from liability claims.
Thailand cancellations: Chinese tourists are cancelling reservations in Thailand by the thousands – 7,300 so far – after a tourist boat capsized on July 5, killing nearly 50 people, off the island of Phuket. About 3 million Chinese tourists visit Thailand per year, according to the Straits Times.
Napa Valley purchase: Mani Brothers Real Estate Group of West Hollywood, California, purchased the 205-room Embassy Suites Napa Valley. The company says it’s the second property in its hospitality collection and will undergo redevelopment into a Curio Collection property. RLJ Realty Trust sold the property for US$102 million, or about US$498,000 per key, according to Baird Equity Research analyst Michael Bellisario.
Radisson Blu in Prague: Radisson Hospitality signed a new Radisson Blu Hotel, Prague in the Czech Republic. The owner, Wenaasgruppen, will rebrand the hotel, currently the Sheraton Prague Charles Square Hotel, and reopen it in mid-2019.
Worthy in Spokane: Worthy Hotels Inc. purchased the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park in downtown Spokane, Washington, assuming management and operation of the 401-room hotel, which it will rebrand as the Centennial Hotel Spokane. The purchase price and seller were not disclosed. Worthy owns four other hotels in Spokane, all members of Marriott Autograph Collection.
IHG in Sri Lanka: InterContinental Hotels Group signed a management agreement with Pearl Grand Tower Hotel (Private) Limited to open the InterContinental Colombo in 2019, a 307-room, 42-story hotel in the city’s downtown.