Virgin CEO steps down: Virgin Hotels’ Raul Leal will step down as chief executive officer after holding that position for 10 years. Raul joined Virgin Hotels in 2010 as the first employee when the company was building its initial pipeline of projects and developing its lifestyle hotel offering. Leal has decided to step back from the day-to-day management of the business and focus on new personal projects, according to the company. He will also continue consulting for Virgin Group on brand and design-related matters. A new CEO for Virgin Hotels will be announced in the coming weeks.
Meet Oku: Oku Hotels, a new hotel brand from owners Westfort Capital, will open in the Mediterranean Islands this spring in Kos, Greece, and Ibiza, Spain. The brand launched out of the ashes of the former Casa Cook Hotels, with these two properties purchased after the collapse of the Thomas Cook brand in 2019. Now, after a design transformation under the London-based Westfort, the 184-room Oku Ibiza will open April 30, and the 100-room Oku Kos will open April 5.
Omni in talks to sell five hotels: Billionaire Robert Rowling’s Omni Hotels & Resorts is in talks to sell five hotels. London & Regional Properties is in contract to acquire the hotels, which apparently include properties in Austin and Dallas. The U.K.-based hotelier is paying roughly US$150 million, according to one of the people, who asked to remain anonymous because the transaction is private.
Wyndham enters Nepal: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will enter Nepal via the newly opened 90-room Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu-Thamel. This latest opening builds on Wyndham’s continued commitment to growth for the sub-Indian continent, the company says. The property has three on-site F&B outlets, a rooftop plunge pool, a spa and salon, fitness center and a meeting room to accommodate up to 60 conference attendees or 80 banquet guests.
Ascott first Singapore trust to secure green loan: Singapore-based Ascott Residence Trust has obtained a S$50 million (US$38 million) five-year green loan, making Ascott the first hospitality trust in Singapore to secure a green loan. Proceeds from the green loan will be used to finance Ascott’s maiden development project and coliving property, Lyf One-North Singapore. The 324-unit co-living property will be fitted with green, energy-efficient and smart building features. This includes an energy monitoring system, dual-technology motion sensors and LED light fixtures.
Choice and Penn partnering on Ascend: Choice Hotels International has entered into a partnership with Penn National Gaming, in an agreement to expand benefits for loyalty members of both companies, allowing members of Choice Privileges to book Penn properties directly with Choice — while earning and redeeming Choice Privileges points for their stays once fully implemented. Slated to roll out in phases this year, the alliance will offer reciprocal earning and redemption benefits for Choice Privileges members and members of Penn’s Mychoice loyalty program.