Sri Lankan hospitality suppliers showcased their products and services at Hotel Asia 2026 in the Maldives. Facilitated by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council, the delegation engaged with buyers and government officials to strengthen regional commercial links. Participating firms spanned sectors including food and beverage, technology, construction materials and wellness, aiming to tap into the Maldivian tourism market.
The Ascott Limited has partnered with DETECH Group to introduce the Oakwood Premier brand to Hanoi, Vietnam. Scheduled to open in 2029 within the My Dinh - Cau Giay central business district, the 127-unit hybrid hospitality project will expand Ascott’s nationwide footprint to 45 properties and over 12,300 units. The mixed-use scheme targets growing corporate, leisure and expatriate demand across the capital.
The International Air Transport Association and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance have partnered to align sustainability standards across aviation and hospitality. Signed in Brussels, the agreement focuses initially on airline procurement of hotel accommodation. The joint initiative will establish tender criteria, ESG contracting guidelines and practical case studies by linking IATA’s Integrated Sustainability Program with WSHA’s Universal Sustainability KPIs Programme to streamline travel supply chain practices.
Seed Group has entered a strategic partnership with London-based proptech firm VerbaFlo to expand AI-driven leasing and resident communication tools across the UAE. VerbaFlo's platform handles enquiries 24/7 across multiple channels in over 200 languages. Supported by Seed Group, part of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, VerbaFlo aims to connect with regional property owners, developers and institutional stakeholders.
Minor Hotels has announced its debut in Morocco through the signing of Anantara Retreat Rabat. Developed in partnership with Bloom Holding, the 38-key luxury property in the capital is scheduled to open in early 2030. Located in Rabat's diplomatic district, the development will feature luxury rooms, suites, seven three-bedroom villas, and an Anantara Spa, supporting the country's growing tourism sector.
Real asset investment manager Patrizia has announced plans to raise and deploy £1 billion for essential housing across the UK. The initiative follows discussions between chief executive Asoka Wöhrmann and Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Berlin. The expansion aims to connect mayoral housing priorities with institutional capital, potentially supporting 4,000 homes for 10,000 people across key growth regions.
