GHA reports 17% growth in H1 with hotel revenues at $1.5bln
International stays accounted for 70% of all room revenue, totaling $810 million, a 21% jump compared to the same period last year. The UAE took the top slot, followed by Thailand, Spain, Singapore, and Italy.
The US remained the leading international source market for GHA's 850-plus properties worldwide, with GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme members based in the country generating 15% of all international room revenue in H1. The top feeder markets were the UK, Germany, China, and Australia.
Q2 2025 saw steady growth across all KPIs, contributing to the solid first half. Metric improvements included an 18% increase in hotel revenues versus Q2 2024 and a 19% increase in room nights. The GHA network's power to generate cross-brand revenues was clear, with a 18% growth to $94.7 million in Q2, contributing to H1 cross-brand revenues of $188.8 million, up 15% year-on-year. Direct bookings across GHA's digital platforms also surged 19% in H1 2025, helping hotels reduce their dependence on high-cost third-party channels.
GHA DISCOVERY surpassed the 30-million-member mark in Q2, reaching 30.9 million members thanks to a 16% rise in new enrolments compared to Q2 2024. The program's innovative rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), saw exceptional growth in redemptions, rocketing 61% in Q2 year-on-year.
'With demand for international travel continuing to rise, our hotel brands are reaping the benefit of belonging to a truly global alliance. GHA DISCOVERY members are travelling further, staying longer, and booking directly, driving hotel profitability across our portfolio,' said Chris Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance.
'These results reflect the trust members place in GHA DISCOVERY and the strength of collaboration across our expanding network of brands and hotels. Even amid ongoing market uncertainty, the momentum we've built – supported by new brands and hotels joining the alliance – positions us well for a strong and resilient second half of the year.' -TradeArabia News Service
Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Photos: UAE President visits Hungary, celebrates 35 years of diplomatic relations
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, held talks in Budapest today on ways to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and Hungary across various sectors, with a particular focus on the economy, renewable energy, trade, investment, and culture. The talks took place at the Hungarian Parliament Building, where President Tamás Sulyok welcomed the Ruler of Abu Dhabi during his official visit to Hungary. The Hungarian President expressed his hope that the visit would contribute to further advancing bilateral ties and expanding avenues of cooperation in areas that serve the mutual interests of both nations. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that the UAE and Hungary share a friendship and cooperative relationship based on mutual respect and a joint commitment to progress. He noted that these growing bilateral ties aim to support the aspirations of both nations and their peoples for development and prosperity. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening UAE-Hungary relations and exploring new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation across a range of sectors. In a post on X, Sheikh Mohamed said that he discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the developmental and cultural fields, with the Hungarian president, and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. "As we celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations this year, we affirm the UAE's commitment to continuing to build bridges of developmental cooperation with Hungary for the benefit of both countries and their peoples," his post read. Sheikh Mohamed wrote an entry in the VIP guestbook expressing his pleasure to be visiting Hungary and noting the significant progress witnessed in relations between the two countries. He highlighted the UAE's keenness to continue working together to strengthen ties in a way that serves the shared development goals of both nations, and he wished Hungary, its leadership, and its people continued prosperity and success. The UAE President and the President of Hungary also exchanged symbolic gifts reflecting the culture and rich heritage of their respective nations. The meeting was attended by the delegation accompanying His Highness the UAE President, along with a number of senior Hungarian officials.


The National
4 hours ago
- The National
After 20 years as an Overseas Filipino Worker in the UAE, here are six life lessons I've learnt
Time flies so fast. In a few months, I will have been in the UAE as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for two decades. Like life itself, there have been ups and downs, but they haven't stopped me from growing and continuing to learn every single day, despite being far away from home. Being an OFW is both difficult and fulfilling. Here are six life lessons I've learnt over the years that have helped me stay strong and positive. 1. Protect your mental health Yes, loneliness, homesickness and burnout are real and common. Even after all these years in Dubai, I still experience homesickness. I try to overcome it by making sure I go home every year to my beloved hometown Cebu, and spend time with my family, relatives and friends – even just for a short while. If not, I take short holidays elsewhere or enjoy local staycations here in the UAE to pause and recharge. For me, life isn't all about work – you must find balance or you'll eventually reach burnout. Build a support system, whether it's with your partner or friends. If you're social, join community groups. To sum it up: Take breaks, talk to someone and never ignore your emotional needs. Always protect your mental health at all costs. Learn to take care of yourself first. 2. Save and invest early Earning in a foreign currency is a blessing, but it won't last forever. In Dubai, temptation is everywhere. Many fall into the trap of overspending or constantly sending money home without saving. Live within your means. Don't spend what you don't have. Budget smartly, save and invest – whether in property, mutual funds, bonds or business ventures. These are essential for long-term security. I even have the old-school habit of saving in a piggy bank in addition to my actual bank accounts. I now have my own house in the Philippines and every time I visit, I pat myself on the back and say: 'Well done.' It may sound like a cliche, but always save for the rainy days. Our time as expatriates is temporary, so we must spend our hard-earned money wisely. 3. Set boundaries and learn to say 'no' Never feel guilty about saying 'no' nor afraid to set financial boundaries. Saying yes to every request can leave you with nothing. There's nothing wrong with helping families back home, but do so within your means. Don't send everything you earn and end up with nothing for yourself. I always advocate helping wisely – give a fishing rod, not fish every day. I believe constantly giving money can create overdependence, or worse, encourage laziness. 4. Never stop learning To keep growing, and earning, you must never stop learning. Skills open doors, but continuous learning keeps you relevant. Consider learning a new language, earning certifications, or upskilling in your field to get better jobs or promotions. Also, learn about financial literacy – it's just as important as your paycheck. 5. Don't forget your roots I sometimes hear fellow Filipinos say they don't want to return home and would rather stay abroad, and I respect that. But never badmouth or look down on your own country. Success abroad becomes even more meaningful when you stay grounded. Stay connected with your culture and values. Don't let pride, comparison or materialism define your identity. The Philippines isn't perfect, and neither is any other country. But love it anyway, because that's where you came from. As for me, I will always be proud to be a Filipino – and I wouldn't trade that for any other citizenship. 6. Plan for retirement and reintegration I've been an OFW for two decades now, and I'm also not getting any younger. I'm at a point where I'm seriously thinking about retirement. My goal is to retire early, to enjoy life while I still can. As early as now, I'm already planning my exit strategy. Think about what you want to do once you're back home – whether it's starting a business, working part-time online or just simply retiring. Prepare for that chapter of your life now. And part of that preparation is reintegrating slowly. I admit, after so many years abroad, I'm no longer familiar with many things in Cebu – from people I used to know, relatives, friends, even the environment. So, whenever I go home for vacation, I make an effort to reconnect and reacquaint myself with the place I will always call home.


The National
4 hours ago
- The National
From wall climbing to a serene wellness centre, why this Phuket resort caters to every kind of traveller
Spread over 24 hectares, surrounded by the Sirirat National Park and overlooking the Andaman Sea, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort offers a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Thai island 's main tourist town. With the promise of diverse dining options, a wellness centre and varied activities, The National checks into the property to find out whether it truly offers an all-round rejuvenating getaway. The welcome A loud gong announces my arrival to staff at the front desk, who quickly take my luggage and passport. I am welcomed with a fragrant floral wristband, cold towel, refreshing butterfly pea and lemon tea, and a goji berry and nut snack. After about 10 minutes, I am escorted to my room on a buggy and my luggage follows swiftly. The room The resort has 76 rooms across 13 categories. I stay in a spacious deluxe pool villa. The decor blends traditional Thai architecture with modern Asian influences; white walls are offset by dark wooden furniture and accents. Hotel room essentials are all available – there is a mini bar, which contains chargeable snacks and drinks, as well as complimentary teas and coffees. A safe, robes and slippers, as well as an umbrella (an essential for tropical Phuket) are inside the wardrobe, while there is also a wicker bag that guests can use for the beach or pool. There is a large desk in the room, with ample charging points to power up all devices. Complimentary toiletries are by The Essence of Anantara Spa brand and are available in refillable containers. I particularly like the fragrant lavender, ylang-ylang and lemongrass bath salts in little jars next to the stand-alone bathtub on the deck. Outside my room I have a private pool, which is cleaned every day during my stay, and a deck where I can bask in the sunshine in solitude. Spa and wellness Layan Life Wellness Centre is a minimalist building in a quiet corner of the hotel grounds, surrounded by lush foliage and a pond. The centre offers treatments that encompass beauty and wellness. The property is also home to a spa, which offers treatments that use freshly grown herbs from the garden next to it. Treatments at the spa start from 4,700 baht ($145), but the signature massage, at 5,885 baht, I am told, is one of the most popular. There is also a salon on site. Hotel facilities There are three pools at the hotel and a stretch of private beach. Guests can partake in a number of activities, including tennis, wall climbing, pottery and one of the longest ziplines in Phuket. Located on the cliffside of the active zone, the 400-metre long zipline is suspended 15 metres above ground and offers panoramic views of Layan beach. There are also water activities on offer, including kayaking and paddle boarding. Family-friendly factor Little ones can play with clay and dabble in other arts and crafts in the children's club. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, such as nature discovery trails and an in-house farm. For those who would rather do something more sporty, the active zone has a children's area, which has a separate pool and slides for little ones. The hotel also caters to teenagers, with archery, foosball, air hockey, snooker and Muay Thai boxing on offer. The food Guests are spoilt for choice at this hotel when it comes to food. Breeze restaurant, which serves Italian food, has a separate multi-cuisine wellness menu with dishes that are wholesome and nutritious. My personal favourites are the delicious and spicy som tam salad (700 baht) and lamb fillet koftas (1,200 baht), as well as the sumac-saffron marinated chicken (900 baht). The red fruit cheesecake (600 baht) is a delicious guilt-free dessert option. The floor above Breeze, where breakfast is served, turns into a Zuma restaurant in the evening; I spot several well-heeled guests dining late into the night at the popular international Japanese venue. My best meals are at the Thai restaurant, Dara, where Khun Jenny and Khun Bee offer recommendations for their top dishes and drinks. The offerings here are elevated, well-balanced and taste extremely fresh thanks to the restaurant's approach of cooking with vegetables grown at the hotel's farm. My favourite dishes include peek gai yang (chicken wings with sea salt, lime and spices; 530 baht), pad Thai noodles (980 baht) and khao man koeng kai (black sticky rice, coconut butter, yellow curry and chicken roulade; 850 baht). The mango sticky rice (450 baht) is among the best I've had. The hotel is also home to Age, an industrial-chic restaurant that is known for its meat dishes. It has a room of dry-aged meats, allowing diners to choose their cuts. Age also offers a selection of oysters and caviar, alongside fresh seafood dishes. I am not a major meat eater but, thankfully, they have chicken options on the menu and I quite enjoy digging into my flat iron baby chicken (980 baht) with a side of Dauphinoise potatoes (200 baht). The breakfast scene The breakfast spread is impressive. As well as staple buffet options – eggs, baked goods, yoghurts etc – the highlight is the hotel's range of multi-cuisine offerings. I notice new dishes in the halal section each day, and there are also Indian options and several Asian dishes on offer. I find the fruit station particularly impressive, with its array of freshly cut Thai fruits, such as papaya, mango, watermelon and dragon fruit. The station also allows guests to create their own acai bowls. I am not the only fan, either; the hotel's rescue macaw pops by for breakfast every morning, demanding his fair share of the fruits. The wellness corner is another highlight, with a variety of fruit-and-nut-based snacks on offer. Insider tip The hotel's Thai restaurant, Dara, offers stargazing experiences. When the weather permits, guests can book a spot to see the night sky from the observatory on the rooftop. The telescope here is the largest in Phuket. The service In a word: flawless. From the staff at the wellness centre and concierge, to the room cleaners and the servers at the restaurant, I am always greeted with a smile and a polite 'sawadee kha', and every request is attended to quickly. Accessibility and sustainability Most of the resort is set on ground level, but there are lifts wherever necessary, such as the building that houses Breeze and the rooftop bar. However, I did not see any ramps. The hotel has a focus on sustainability, with refillable toiletries and reusable water bottles. The bottom line The deluxe pool villa costs from Dh2,018 ($549) a night. Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is at noon.