Modern hospitality is moving beyond luxury to embrace culture, authenticity and a true sense of place. Travellers now seek experiences rooted in local identity, from architecture inspired by regional craft to culinary immersion such as olive harvests or sake brewing. Staff act as cultural ambassadors, while partnerships with artisans preserve heritage and support local communities. As wellness and travel intersect with tradition and craft, hospitality is shifting towards meaningful connection and belonging.
Homemove has acquired Home.co.uk, one of the UK’s oldest property portals, to build a free-to-list platform for estate agents. The deal follows Homemove’s £3.8m funding round and aims to connect every part of the moving journey. Home.co.uk will retain its name and benefit from AI-led upgrades, while founders Horton and Shephard stay on as advisers.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Lumbini Heritage Limited to develop Crowne Plaza Lumbini, scheduled to open in 2026. The 147-key hotel will strengthen IHG’s premium presence in Nepal, catering to spiritual and MICE travellers. Located near Lumbini’s pilgrimage site and Gautam Buddha Airport, the hotel aims to set a benchmark for world-class hospitality.
Cross Hotels & Resorts is set to be acquired by Sono International Co. Ltd., a leading South Korean hospitality group. The move combines Cross’s lifestyle and luxury hotel expertise with Sono’s regional knowledge and operational strengths. With 28 properties across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan, the partnership positions the brand for further expansion across Asia.
HFA Architecture + Engineering has acquired Boston-based life sciences specialist TRIA, marking its formal entry into the Science + Technology sector. The move brings TRIA’s laboratory and biomanufacturing design expertise into HFA’s national architecture and engineering platform, strengthening its ability to serve biotech, pharmaceutical and research clients across the US while expanding its geographic footprint.
JLL Capital Markets has arranged $107 million in construction financing for ReDiscover Logistics Park, a new 808,448-square-foot industrial scheme in Phoenix. The loan, secured on behalf of ViaWest Group and Barings, will support development across four industrial buildings in the Deer Valley submarket. The site benefits from direct access to Loop 101 and Interstate 17 and proximity to the TSMC mega-plant.
![[IRHM] logo](https://irhmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IRHM-AWARDS-2025-1024x683.jpg)
