Profitability of Trump DC in question: The U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee have released documents suggesting The Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., lost more than US$70 million between 2016 and 2020, counter to claims of former President Donald Trump, who said the hotel was highly profitable. Trump’s income from the hotel during that period was more than US$156 million, according to the committee, yet the property suffered a net loss and had to take a US$27 million loan from one of Trump’s holding companies. More than US$24 million was not repaid and was instead converted to capital contributions, the committee said.
Drift launching in Mexico: TMC Hospitality is launching its second brand, Drift, with the first 29-room property set to open in San José del Cabo, Mexico, in November. The team led by Philip Bates also has plans to expand the Drift brand into Santa Barbara, California, and Nashville, Tennessee, in 2022. Similar to TMC Hospitality’s Bode brand, the more upscale Drift brand is also catering to “social group travelers” with edgy minimalistic design, locally sourced décor and immersive experiences. Amenities in San José del Cabo will include a mezcal bar developed in partnership with Mezcal Exiliado and a local taco truck accompanied by live music in the courtyard.
Singapore, South Korea open travel lane: Singapore will start quarantine-free travel for vaccinated travelers between the island nation and South Korea from November 15. Both countries have agreed upon a “vaccinated travel lane,” through which vaccinated travelers from South Korea can enter Singapore without having to quarantine. Travelers, however, will have to take a COVID-19 test. As part of the understanding, travelers will also have to fly between South Korea’s Incheon International Airport and Changi Airport in Singapore. The U.S. has been in talks with Singapore regarding a potential travel lane between the two nations.
Hyatt Place in Dusseldorf: A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise deal with EuroAtlantic Group for a 300-key Hyatt Place Dusseldorf Mercedesstrasse at Tadao Ando Campus & Tower. This will be the second Hyatt Place in Germany, besides the Hyatt Place Frankfurt Airport. Scheduled to open in 2024, the hotel is designed by and named for Tadao Ando. Besides the hotel, there will also be a Dusseldorf Arts Club, the Cyber Tech Campus and the EuroAtlantic Museum of Digital Art.