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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on June 10, 2024
Accor Greater China, in collaboration with Changzhou High-Speed Railway Town and Changzhou High-Tech Group Co., Ltd., has announced a significant hospitality project in the burgeoning community of Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town. This ambitious development will see the introduction of three prominent Accor brands: Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living, marking a major expansion in this key economic zone of Jiangsu province.
The new hospitality project aims to create a diverse and vibrant community in Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town, which is rapidly becoming one of the most crucial economic development zones in Changzhou. This area is strategically linked to the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone and is known for its advancements in sustainable technology, artificial intelligence manufacturing, and various high-tech industries.
Sofitel Changzhou will bring French luxury and sophistication to the heart of Star City, located next to Changzhou North Station. This hotel will feature 310 elegantly designed guest rooms, a luxurious spa and wellness center with a pool, an executive lounge, and a variety of dining options. Additionally, Sofitel Changzhou will offer extensive meeting facilities, including two elegant ballrooms ideal for weddings and special events. This establishment is set to become a beacon of luxury in an area surrounded by modern businesses, high-end offices, and tech enterprises.
In the nearby Changzhou International Talent Plaza, Accor will develop Novotel Changzhou and Novotel Living Changzhou. Novotel Changzhou will feature a 324-guestroom tower, providing a balanced and welcoming environment for travelers. The adjoining Novotel Living Changzhou will offer 223 rooms designed for extended stays, catering to the needs of modern travelers and young business professionals who prefer a home-like experience. Novotel Living is designed to offer comfortable, apartment-style accommodations, making it ideal for those who mix business with leisure and seek deeper connections with the local community.
This project is part of Accor’s broader growth strategy in Greater China. The company recently celebrated the opening of its 700th hotel in the region, with plans to open more than 100 hotels by the end of the year and over 150 development projects currently underway. Gary Rosen, CEO of Accor Greater China, said “Accor is a market leader in matching the right brand with the right destination, in line with our partner’s development objectives. Working with Changzhou High-Tech Group, we have the ideal opportunity to create an inspired mix of luxury, midscale and extended stay hotels that we believe will be ideally suited to the vibrant and booming community of Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town.”
Ge Yafang, Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of Changzhou High-Speed Railway Town and Changzhou High-Tech Group, said “Accor is an obvious leader when it comes to offering a wide range of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, such as Sofitel and Novotel, which we are excited to bring to the city of Changzhou. The addition of Novotel Living will add a modern and fresh spin on the hospitality experience, which is particularly important to the young business travelers who are increasingly traveling to Changzhou and wanting to connect with the local community.”
Accor’s entry into Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town with Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living marks a pivotal moment in the area’s development. This project not only enhances the hospitality landscape but also supports the broader economic growth of this key region.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on November 2, 2026
The Imperia by Dhaba in New Jersey has expanded its vegetarian menu with six new appetisers featuring baby corn, paneer, cheese, corn and assorted vegetables. The latest additions bring together crispy textures, sweet-and-spicy sauces and Indo-Chinese-inspired flavours, with a culinary contribution from Assistant Chef Himanshu Joshi.
The new selection explores different ways of preparing familiar ingredients, combining fried textures, tangy sauces and simple seasonings to offer more variety for diners looking for vegetarian starters.
Honey Chili Baby Corn features crispy baby corn coated in a honey and sweet chilli sauce, complemented by bell peppers. Golden Fried Baby Corn offers a simpler preparation, with golden-fried baby corn served alongside duck sauce for a contrast of textures and flavours. For paneer lovers, Paneer Sweet Chili brings fried paneer pieces together with bell peppers in a light gravy, combining sweet and spicy notes.
The menu also includes Chili Sesame Toast, which features cheese toast coated in fried batter and topped with sesame seeds. Corn Shooters offer a different presentation, serving corn mixed with chopped onions and tomatoes in phyllo cups. Rounding out the selection, Veg Salt and Pepper focuses on crispy vegetables seasoned with salt and pepper.
Together, the six dishes showcase how everyday ingredients can be presented through different cooking techniques, sauces and serving styles. From crispy baby corn and spicy paneer to cheese toast and bite-sized corn appetisers, the additions offer a mix of flavours and textures. With these new dishes, The Imperia by Dhaba aims to broaden its vegetarian appetiser selection while keeping the focus on familiar ingredients and bold seasoning.
Published on October 25, 2026
Ensana Fürstenhof in Bad Griesbach, Bavaria, has officially reopened following extensive modernisation, bringing a refreshed hospitality and wellness experience to Germany's Lower Bavaria region. The historic hotel has been upgraded with 148 redesigned rooms and a refurbished 4,500-square-metre spa area, marking Ensana Hotels' expansion into the German market.
The reopening ceremony was attended by General Manager Ralf Müller and Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana Hotels, who welcomed invited guests. The event also brought together Bad Griesbach Mayor Jürgen Fundke and Deputy District Administrator Cornelia Wasner-Sommer. The renovation has repositioned Ensana Fürstenhof as a destination for wellness, relaxation and hospitality, combining modern facilities with the region's natural thermal resources. The next phase of the hotel's development will introduce dedicated medical facilities, scheduled to open in early 2027.
The hotel's refurbished spa is a key part of its offering, featuring two indoor swimming pools and an outdoor thermal-water pool, alongside two whirlpools, saunas, a steam room and a salt grotto. Spacious relaxation areas and an outdoor sunbathing space covering approximately 1,000 square metres provide additional facilities for guests. Ensana Fürstenhof's wellness concept combines natural healing resources, medical expertise and hospitality.
A central feature is the fluoride-containing sodium hydrogen carbonate chloride thermal water sourced from Bad Griesbach's therapeutic springs. The planned medical facilities will expand the hotel's wellness offering with personalised programmes focused on areas including musculoskeletal health, stress reduction and holistic wellbeing. The new services are scheduled to be introduced in early 2027.
Beyond its spa facilities, Ensana Fürstenhof offers culinary experiences and a programme of activities throughout the year. Seasonal dining events, regular brunches and live music form part of the hotel's plans to attract visitors beyond traditional wellness stays. On 15 November 2026, the hotel will host its traditional Martinmas goose lunch from 12 noon to 1:30 PM. Guests can also enjoy a relaxed brunch every second Sunday from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. Live music performances featuring a changing line-up of artists are scheduled every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 PM to 10:30 PM, adding to the hotel's entertainment offerings.
Located in Lower Bavaria's spa triangle, Ensana Fürstenhof also offers access to outdoor activities and sporting experiences. Golf enthusiasts can visit the nearby golf resort, which features ten courses spread across 476 hectares, making it one of the region's attractions for visitors seeking an active holiday. The hotel's location allows guests to combine outdoor pursuits with thermal spa experiences and relaxation. This combination supports its positioning as a destination for both wellness-focused stays and leisure travel.
With its renovated rooms, expanded spa facilities, dining experiences and planned medical services, Ensana Fürstenhof is preparing to develop its offering further. The reopening marks a new phase for the historic property as Ensana strengthens its presence in Germany's wellness and hospitality market.
Published on October 24, 2026
Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has appointed Agnes Cheng as General Manager, bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience across luxury, upscale and boutique hotels in Singapore. In her new role, she will oversee the hotel's operations, commercial strategy and financial performance, with a focus on guest satisfaction and business growth.
Agnes has held senior positions at several established hospitality groups, including Naumi Hotels, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Far East Hospitality and The Ascott Limited. Her experience covers hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue optimisation, food and beverage (F&B) management and strategic partnerships.
Before joining Varel Singapore, Agnes served as General Manager of Naumi Hotel Singapore, where she managed hotel operations, commercial performance and financial performance while overseeing the Rang Mahal restaurant. During her tenure, she led operational improvements and major asset enhancement initiatives, including restaurant refurbishment and enhancements to the hotel's façade.
Under her leadership, Naumi Hotel Singapore received the Best Boutique Hotel accolade at the TTG Travel Awards in both 2025 and 2026. The hotel also received the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Award 2026 during her tenure.
Agnes also brings experience in hotel openings, having played key roles in the launches of Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore, Bay Hotel Singapore and Grand Park Orchard. Across these appointments, she developed new business opportunities, built long-term client relationships and guided sales teams towards achieving revenue targets.
Known for her hands-on and collaborative management approach, Agnes places importance on team development, operational efficiency and service quality. Her leadership approach focuses on empowering employees, creating a positive working environment and maintaining consistent service standards while supporting business performance.
Fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, Agnes brings a combination of operational knowledge, commercial expertise and experience across different hotel brands to her new role at Varel Singapore. As General Manager, she will focus on building on the hotel's existing foundation, strengthening guest satisfaction and supporting its continued growth in Singapore's hospitality market.
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