Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is charging ahead in the EMEA region, officially surpassing 720 operational hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. The first half of 2025 alone saw over 60 new hotel openings, adding more than 4,700 rooms and delivering a 5% year-on-year organic system growth in the region.

This growth reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to expanding access to quality, branded accommodation across high-growth markets, with 27 new hotel signings further solidifying its regional presence.

Some of the standout openings include Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa, Monasteri Golf and Spa in Sicily, and the Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Türkiye. The group also ramped up operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with hotel launches in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan.

Momentum is particularly strong in Eurasia, where Wyndham opened 21 new hotels in just six months, with a significant presence in India, now one of the company’s most dynamic and fastest-growing hospitality markets.

Wyndham’s strategic partnerships are also paving the way for iconic brand introductions. The globally recognised Super 8® by Wyndham is making its debut in Saudi Arabia and Iberia, with plans for 100 hotels across the Kingdom and 40 hotels in Spain and Portugal in the coming decade.

“With more than 720 hotels now open across EMEA, we're seeing incredible momentum. Travel is thriving and we're meeting that demand with a growing portfolio that reflects the energy and diversity of this region. From stunning resorts in Sicily to one-of-a-kind cave stays in Cappadocia, we're adding experiences that truly inspire,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “And with new signings in markets like Iberia and Saudi Arabia, we're not just growing – we're creating new opportunities for our partners and giving travellers even more great places to stay across the region.”

Globally, this expansion contributed to Wyndham’s 20th consecutive quarter of developmental pipeline growth, bringing the global pipeline to 255,000 rooms. The company also achieved 4% global organic net room growth and 7% constant currency RevPAR growth in the EMEA region.

Some key milestones from H1 2025 include:

• Türkiye now hosts over 125 Wyndham-branded hotels, including the newly launched Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, and Wyndham Alanya.

• India and South Asia saw growth with new openings like Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport, Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, and Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Chhoi.

• New European destinations saw brand introductions like La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi in Georgia and Tor’re Astana, Trademark Collection in Kazakhstan.

• The Super 8® by Wyndham expansion into Saudi Arabia and Iberia is a landmark move, targeting value-conscious travellers in these rapidly evolving markets.

Driving this expansion is Wyndham Advantage, a platform offering best-in-class marketing, distribution, and technology support to hotel owners, bolstered by nearly $350 million invested in digital transformation and access to over 120 million Wyndham Rewards® members globally.

With bold new destinations and an aggressive pipeline, Wyndham’s EMEA footprint continues to grow rapidly, making it a major player in global hospitality.

India took a bold step onto the global wine stage at the ASI Bootcamp Asia & Pacific 2025 in Singapore, where five promising Indian sommeliers participated in the prestigious international training event for the very first time. Organised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), the bootcamp brought together rising stars from across the region for an intensive three-day learning experience—and this year, thanks to the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), Indian talent was officially in the mix.

Representing a country where wine culture is still steadily gaining ground, this milestone holds special significance. The participation not only showcased India’s emerging wine expertise but also marked the country’s growing recognition in global sommelier circles. Through this initiative, SAI—India’s first non-profit sommelier organisation—opened a powerful door for its members, fulfilling its mission to offer world-class exposure and education to the next generation of beverage professionals.

“Watching our sommeliers represent India at the ASI Bootcamp for the first time was a proud and emotional moment,” said Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President, Sommeliers Association of India. “Through SAI, we’ve worked to create global pathways for Indian talent, and now we are seeing that vision take shape. This is not just a win for the individuals who went—it is a defining step forward for India’s presence on the global stage.”

Held from July 1 to 4, 2025, in Singapore, the bootcamp was a non-competitive, high-impact program that immersed participants in masterclasses, wine service drills, curated tastings, and wine list building workshops—all conducted by some of the world’s finest wine professionals, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and ASI World Champions.

Representing India at the Bootcamp were:

• Jai Singh – Winner, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India | ASI Diploma Gold

• Pankaj Singh – 2nd Place, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India | ASI Diploma Bronze | Advanced Sommelier CMS

• Amber Deshmukh – 3rd Place, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India

• Savio Cardoza – Semi-Finalist, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India

• Karan Patyal – Quarter-Finalist, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India

Each of them returned with not only sharper skills but also a renewed drive, a clearer sense of purpose, and valuable international connections that will help them—and India’s wine community—grow stronger.

In their words:

“ASI Bootcamp was a dream come true. Every moment was incredibly valuable—from curating impactful wine lists to planning our study journey better.” – Jai

“Learning from some of the world’s finest, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, was unforgettable. Blind tastings were the highlight for me.” – Pankaj

“It helped me identify exactly what I need to improve. This experience gave me real clarity on how to move forward.” – Amber

“The structured, high-level learning and blind tasting drills gave me a fresh perspective on how top sommeliers train.” – Savio

“It was a powerhouse of knowledge and motivation. I gained insights, connections, and confidence that I’ll carry forward forever.” – Karan

About Sommeliers Association of India (SAI)

https://sommeliersassociationofindia.com

Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is the country’s first nonprofit sommelier organisation and a proud member of the College of Applicants within the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). SAI aims to build a strong, inclusive, and vibrant wine and beverage community in India—supporting professionals through education, competitions, and networking.

In February 2024, SAI was unanimously voted into ASI's College of Applicants during ASI’s 55th anniversary celebrations—an achievement that reinforces its commitment to excellence in beverage service and education. One of SAI’s key initiatives includes the SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, which serves as a launchpad to the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and eventually, the Best Sommelier of the World.

India's wine story—rooted in a history of grape cultivation going back to 7000 BC—is now finding its voice in the modern world. Through training, ethics, and global exposure, SAI is guiding this journey forward, shaping India’s future in wine with passion and purpose.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled its 2025 mooncake collection just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it’s nothing short of a cinematic experience.

Drawing inspiration from a historic moment in 1916, when the very first film screening in Hanoi took place at the Metropole itself, this year’s theme, “Metropole Cinema: Hanoi through Film” captures the soul of the city in a nostalgic, artistic light.

These hand-baked mooncakes, crafted with no preservatives and filled with both classic and creative flavours, reflect the refined legacy of the hotel.

The collection includes varieties like Red Bean & Pistachios, Lotus Seeds & Macadamia Nuts, Green Bean & Date, Traditional Mix, Green Bean with Apricot & Salted Egg, and Black Sesame with Sunflower Seeds. Each one is prepared by Metropole’s culinary experts and is available in both traditional baked and snowskin styles.

The mooncake boxes are a visual treat too, designed with care and an eye for Hanoi’s past, echoing the city’s old cinematic vibe.

There are special deals too: early birds who place their orders before September 26 can grab one complimentary six-piece Heritage Box for every eight boxes purchased. Orders of 15, 30 or more boxes qualify for up to 15% off, and Accor Plus members, companies and agencies get an extra 10% discount. These discounts apply to single invoices and not across multiple orders. Note that promotional rates are not available for the two-piece, lacquer, or Super VIP boxes.

Tet Trung Thu, or Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time for families in Vietnam to reconnect, share mooncakes, sip tea, and wish for a prosperous future. Metropole’s 2025 mooncake range is more than just a seasonal delight, it’s a journey back in time, rich in memory and elegance.

To order or learn more, visit the Metropole website or contact their team at 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8200) or via email at Bang.Au@sofitel.com or visit https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/dining/metropole-2025-legendary-mooncakes/.

Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless  a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.