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Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
UAE-based Global Hotel Alliance reports continued growth in H1 2025
Image: GHA Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the Dubai-based collective of independent hotel brands, reported solid growth in H1 2025, fuelled by a surge in international travel and a strong Q2 performance. Revenues for the group's member hotels reached $1.5bn for the six months ending June 30, up 17 per cent year-on-year from $1.3bn in H1 2024. International stays, which continue to form the backbone of GHA's business, accounted for 70 per cent of room revenues, climbing 21 per cent year-on-year to $810m. The group noted that the United States remained the top source market for international bookings, contributing 15 per cent of all room revenues. The UK, Germany, China and Australia followed as key feeder markets. The most popular destinations for GHA DISCOVERY loyalty members in H1 were led by the UAE, followed by Thailand, Spain, Singapore and Italy. GHA's 850-plus properties also saw strong Q2 performance, which supported the positive H1 results. Hotel revenues rose 18 per cent year-on-year in Q2, while room nights increased by 19 per cent. Countries with the highest average daily rates during the quarter included the Maldives, the UK, Japan and Fiji. Cross-brand revenues – generated when members stay at hotels outside their primary brand – rose 18 per cent in Q2 to $94.7m, contributing to a total of $188.8m for the first half of the year, up 15 per cent from H1 2024. Direct bookings through GHA's digital platforms increased by 19 per cent in H1, a gain that helps member hotels reduce reliance on third-party platforms with higher commission costs. Global Hotel Alliance's loyalty programme sees 16 per cent YoY rise The group's loyalty programme, Use of the programme's rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), also surged, with redemptions jumping 61 per cent in Q2 compared to the same period last year. GHA added 48 new properties to its portfolio in the first six months of 2025, including hotels from newly joined brands such as Cheval Collection and Cinnamon Hotels. The expansion reinforces GHA's presence across Asia, the UK and the Middle East. '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 of 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,' he added. Read:
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GHA CEOs see steady travel growth despite uncertainty
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, convened in Brussels last week for its annual CEO meeting, bringing together leaders from across its portfolio of more than 45 hotel brands to explore the evolving landscape of global travel – and the outlook was unanimously optimistic. Hosted at the elegant new Corinthia Hotel Brussels, the event welcomed more than 30 CEOs and senior representatives from GHA hotel brands around the world to address shared challenges and opportunities impacting the hospitality industry. With a surge in Asian outbound travel, the sustained strength of the US market, and a solid Q1 2025 performance for GHA brands, tourism has been on an upward trajectory, they said. Leaders also aligned on the qualities essential for navigating ongoing uncertainty – adaptability, resilience, and collaboration emerged as critical to long-term success. 'We are operating in a volatile global environment, but as an industry, we have learned to adapt and stay agile in response to these fluctuations, and therefore remain optimistic,' said Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance. 'Travel demand is rising, particularly in the luxury and upscale segments where we specialise, and the strength of our alliance – driven by our loyalty platform, GHA DISCOVERY – positions our brands to capitalise on this momentum, particularly as many emerging growth markets are yet to reach their full potential.' Hartley moderated the event's headline panel discussion, 'Navigating the Future of Travel', which included key insights from Simon Naudi, Managing Director & Group CEO of Corinthia Group; Barbara Muckermann, Group CEO of Kempinski Hotels; Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor Hotels; and Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group. He opened the event with a tourism landscape snapshot, citing UN Tourism data revealing more than 300 million tourists travelled globally in Q1 2025, up 5% on Q1 2024, and 3% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in travel and tourism services. Europe, long a bellwether for global travel trends, welcomed 125 million international arrivals from January to March, a 2% rise over 2024, led by markets like Spain, which posted 9% growth, whileTurkey (+7%), Greece, Italy and Portugal (all +4%) also saw healthy Q1 2025 growth, while France reported a 6% increase for the period, according to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. STRONG PERFORMANCE IN EUROPE, WITH THE US LEADING DEMAND The 363 properties operated by 17 GHA hotel brands in Europe delivered $1.1 billion in revenue from GHA DISCOVERY loyalty members in 2024. European members of GHA DISCOVERY were among the most active, spending $733 million on the continent and $417 million further afield. Across the board, the US market was cited as the top international source of guests. All four CEOs confirmed that US travellers were the single largest contributor to their hotel revenues. 'One-third of our customers are from the US and this will remain a key market for us going forward,' revealed Simon Naudi, Managing Director & Group CEO Corinthia Group. 'But we're also focused on new markets in Asia. India and China have huge outbound potential, and we're seeing more affluent travellers from these markets coming to Europe.' ASIA RISING, LED BY CHINA AND INDIA Q1 2025 data from UN Tourism showed a 12% year-on-year increase in international arrivals to Asia and the Pacific, the fastest of any region. Panellists agreed that the burgeoning middle classes in China and India with an appetite for 'experiences and exploration', represent enormous opportunity. 'The China and India outbound markets are exploding,' said Choe Peng Sum, CEO Pan Pacific Hotels Group. 'Unless you know how to tap into those markets, particularly the FIT sector, you'll miss out. That's where the alliance can help. We can pivot, we can be nimble – and that's key.' GHA'S LOYALTY ECOSYSTEM DELIVERS RESILIENCE AND GROWTH In addition to scale and reach, CEOs emphasised the unique advantage of belonging to the GHA ecosystem, empowering independent brands to maintain their identity while benefiting from collective reach and repeat business. 'The beautiful part of the alliance is that our hotels retain their DNA,' said Choe. 'For the guest, that's powerful. And it works – in Tokyo, 70% of our bookings came through GHA DISCOVERY within three months of opening.' Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO Minor Hotels, which operates more than 300 hotels in Europe, added: 'GHA DISCOVERY offers simplicity, choice, and value; guests can choose from 850 unique hotels around the world and earn DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) instead of complicated points, and that keeps them in the ecosystem, spending and staying with the growing number of hotels in the loyalty programme.' EXPANSION CONTINUES ACROSS KEY GLOBAL MARKETS All four CEOs shared significant expansion plans. Corinthia recently opened hotels in New York, Bucharest and Brussels, with Rome to follow later this year. Kempinski remains the leading luxury brand in Germany, with a history and heritage that resonates with clients in the US, Middle East and UK in particular. Minor Hotels, already Europe's largest operator in Spain, is adding 30 hotels across the region, while Pan Pacific is using its high-performing London flagship as a launchpad for further European growth. Barbara Muckermann, CEO, Kempinski Hotels, noted that while global headwinds exist, the outlook is positive: 'Whenever there's uncertainty, there are opportunities. We are not seeing a slowdown in travel; in fact, we believe the next five years will be exceptionally strong for our industry. China is a sleeping giant, and it's waking up.' OUTLOOK FOR 2025 AND BEYOND: RESILIENT AND RISING All indicators point to sustained travel growth with UN Tourism sticking to its January projection of 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for 2025, noted Hartley. GHA is aligned – having posted record results in 2024 with $2.7 billion in hotel stay revenue, this upward trajectory continues in 2025 with Q1 revenue up 15% to $746 million. Meanwhile, Minor Hotels has reported a record Q1 in 2025, revealed Minor's Rajakarier. The alliance also continues to grow its portfolio. With new brands like Cinnamon Hotels (Sri Lanka), Sunway (Malaysia) and Rotana joining in 2025, GHA is fast approaching the 1,000-property milestone. 'Independent brands want to remain unique, but they also want reach – that's what GHA offers,' said Hartley. 'And as more travellers look for authentic, luxurious, and experiential stays, our model delivers exactly that.' He added: 'Our goal has always been to create value for our hotel brands and GHA DISCOVERY members alike. We've built a platform that's simple, powerful, and growing fast, which is key to driving resilience and repeat guest revenue.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
GHA reports strong double-digit gains for Q1
The Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), one of the largest alliance of independent hotel brands, reported strong first-quarter results for 2025, with double-digit gains across all key metrics. The alliance's award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, now commands a 30-million-strong global membership. Total hotel stay revenues reached $746 million in Q1 2025, up 15% on Q1 2024, while total room nights and Average Daily Rate increased by 3% across its portfolio of 850 hotels. Cross-brand revenue increased by 11%, driven by members staying with different hotel brands. The loyalty programme added around 850,000 new members in Q1 2025, an 8% year-on-year increase compared to Q1 2024. Redemptions of DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) rocketed 60% year-on-year, with members based in Spain, Germany, China, and Singapore leading the way. 'These results reflect the continued evolution of GHA DISCOVERY as a powerful platform for driving growth and guest loyalty,' said Chris Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance. 'We're seeing its impact deepen across every key metric – from revenue and redemptions to cross-brand engagement. With strong international travel demand and members spending more, even when redeeming rewards, our hotel brands are capturing more revenue from the programme at a lower cost of sale. Q1 2025 HIGHLIGHTS & EMERGING TRENDS: International travel dominates: International stays made by the 30 million GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme members continue to lead growth, accounting for 70% of hotel room revenues year-on-year. This reflects a sustained appetite for international travel by GHA DISCOVERY members, particularly in Asia. The Maldives and Thailand remained the top two countries for hotel room revenue from international guests (100% and 95% respectively) followed by Hong Kong SAR (84%) and the UAE (82%). Top feeder markets stable: The USA, UK, Australia, China, and Germany remained the top five international source markets for member revenues at GHA hotels in the first quarter of 2025 with the US and the UK maintaining their positions as the top two markets globally. Growth shifting: GHA DISCOVERY member international stay room revenue from China (+19%), France (+15%), and Spain (+13%) outpaced growth from the US (+3%) and UK (+10%) in Q1 2025, signalling increased outbound momentum in EMEA and Asia and a slight slowdown in outbound US travel activity during the period. Q1, 2025 destination hotspots: Thailand and Singapore were the top international choices for GHA DISCOVERY members in key feeder markets. Travellers from Germany and Russia favoured Thailand, while those in China and Australia leaned towards Singapore. UK-based members headed to the UAE, while US members chose the UK as their preferred destination. A significant portfolio boost came in March 2025, further emphasising GHA's growing attraction for independent brands, with Rotana, a leading UAE-based hospitality group, joining the alliance. With 80 hotels across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, Rotana expands GHA's presence in strategic markets and strengthens its position in the UAE. 'It's been a great start to the year,' said Hartley. 'We're building on the momentum of a record 2024, continuing to grow our portfolio, and seeing strong returns from member engagement in our loyalty programme. With new brands like Rotana joining the fold and our metrics trending upward across the board, we're well-positioned for another year of solid performance.'
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GHA reports strong double-digit gains for Q1
The Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), one of the largest alliance of independent hotel brands, reported strong first-quarter results for 2025, with double-digit gains across all key metrics. The alliance's award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, now commands a 30-million-strong global membership. Total hotel stay revenues reached $746 million in Q1 2025, up 15% on Q1 2024, while total room nights and Average Daily Rate increased by 3% across its portfolio of 850 hotels. Cross-brand revenue increased by 11%, driven by members staying with different hotel brands. The loyalty programme added around 850,000 new members in Q1 2025, an 8% year-on-year increase compared to Q1 2024. Redemptions of DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) rocketed 60% year-on-year, with members based in Spain, Germany, China, and Singapore leading the way. 'These results reflect the continued evolution of GHA DISCOVERY as a powerful platform for driving growth and guest loyalty,' said Chris Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance. 'We're seeing its impact deepen across every key metric – from revenue and redemptions to cross-brand engagement. With strong international travel demand and members spending more, even when redeeming rewards, our hotel brands are capturing more revenue from the programme at a lower cost of sale. Q1 2025 HIGHLIGHTS & EMERGING TRENDS: International travel dominates: International stays made by the 30 million GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme members continue to lead growth, accounting for 70% of hotel room revenues year-on-year. This reflects a sustained appetite for international travel by GHA DISCOVERY members, particularly in Asia. The Maldives and Thailand remained the top two countries for hotel room revenue from international guests (100% and 95% respectively) followed by Hong Kong SAR (84%) and the UAE (82%). Top feeder markets stable: The USA, UK, Australia, China, and Germany remained the top five international source markets for member revenues at GHA hotels in the first quarter of 2025 with the US and the UK maintaining their positions as the top two markets globally. Growth shifting: GHA DISCOVERY member international stay room revenue from China (+19%), France (+15%), and Spain (+13%) outpaced growth from the US (+3%) and UK (+10%) in Q1 2025, signalling increased outbound momentum in EMEA and Asia and a slight slowdown in outbound US travel activity during the period. Q1, 2025 destination hotspots: Thailand and Singapore were the top international choices for GHA DISCOVERY members in key feeder markets. Travellers from Germany and Russia favoured Thailand, while those in China and Australia leaned towards Singapore. UK-based members headed to the UAE, while US members chose the UK as their preferred destination. A significant portfolio boost came in March 2025, further emphasising GHA's growing attraction for independent brands, with Rotana, a leading UAE-based hospitality group, joining the alliance. With 80 hotels across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, Rotana expands GHA's presence in strategic markets and strengthens its position in the UAE. 'It's been a great start to the year,' said Hartley. 'We're building on the momentum of a record 2024, continuing to grow our portfolio, and seeing strong returns from member engagement in our loyalty programme. With new brands like Rotana joining the fold and our metrics trending upward across the board, we're well-positioned for another year of solid performance.' Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rotana, the UAE's leading hospitality company joins Global Hotel Alliance
Abu Dhabi-based Rotana will offer the 30 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme 80 additional properties to choose from across five brands in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe & Turkey Dubai, UAE: Two UAE-based hospitality powerhouses have come together in a milestone partnership as Rotana, one of the Middle East's leading hotel management companies, joins Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) – the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. This strategic move positions GHA among the top hospitality groups in the UAE, with an impressive portfolio of around 70 hotels offering an unrivalled choice of upscale and luxury hotels to the 30 million members of its GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme in this popular tourism destination. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Rotana currently operates 36 hotels in the UAE, spanning popular destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Al Ain, offering a range of hotels, from beach resorts to premium business properties. A fast-growing company, Rotana provides GHA DISCOVERY members access to an expansive portfolio of 80 properties across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, with more opening soon. GHA has started the integration, and all properties of Rotana's brands - Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Centro by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, and Edge by Rotana - will be live in the programme in early 2026. For Rotana, joining GHA not only expands its global reach and visibility – with GHA DISCOVERY generating US$2.7 billion in revenue and 11 million room nights in 2024 – but also for current Rotana Rewards members – which will become Rotana DISCOVERY on completion of the integration - it offers an expanded range of loyalty benefits. These include: DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) where members can earn and spend D$ (with D$1 equal to US$1) at any property in the GHA DISCOVERY portfolio; rewards from the first stay and VIP benefits such as room upgrades, flexible check-in/check-out exclusive services, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more; and Local Offers – member-only access to hotel facilities, with or without a stay. Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, said: "Welcoming Rotana to GHA is a significant milestone, particularly in a region where the brand is the largest hotel operator. With Rotana commanding a growing presence across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, this partnership cements GHA DISCOVERY's position as a top loyalty programme both regionally and globally, giving our members access to an even greater selection of properties and destinations. With Rotana joining, we will be close to 950 hotels, and we have high hopes to hit 1,000 hotels very soon.' Rotana thus benefits from the GHA DISCOVERY's cross-brand activity – where members move between alliance brands generated US$370 million in incremental revenue last year. Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, added: "At Rotana, we are committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, and being part of GHA enables us to extend this promise to a global audience. GHA and Rotana share the same values – offering a guest-centric approach that gives travellers choice, flexibility, and meaningful rewards. With GHA DISCOVERY, we are enhancing the benefits available to our loyal guests while expanding our reach through a world-class alliance of independent hotel brands.' For more information visit Global Hotel Alliance, GHA DISCOVERY and Rotana GHA DISCOVERY is complimentary to join, and travellers can sign up online or download the GHA DISCOVERY app and register on their mobile phones. Travellers can also connect with GHA DISCOVERY on Instagram and Facebook. Media contacts: Global Hotel Alliance Rotana Hotel Management Corporation Andrea Krenn Larisa Uskar E: E: About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 45 brands and 850 hotels in 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programme—GHA DISCOVERY—provides 30 million members recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay. GHA DISCOVERY generated US$2.7 billion in revenue and 11 million room nights in 2024. Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. For more information, visit or About Rotana: Rotana currently manages a portfolio of over 114 operational and pipeline properties throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye, with an aggressive expansion plan in place. Rotana has chosen to acknowledge how precious time is by making all time spent in their range of hotels 'Treasured Time'. This means Rotana has pledged to understand and meet the individual needs of all guests. In so doing, Rotana has evolved its product brands to include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Edge by Rotana, and The Residences by Rotana. Treasured Time. The Rotana promise to you.
