Global Hotel Alliance Reports Strong Revenue and Loyalty Growth in Q3 2026

Global Hotel Alliance Reports Strong Revenue and Loyalty Growth in Q3 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2026

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has reported strong commercial and loyalty growth for the third quarter of 2026, with total revenue rising 27% year-on-year to US$1.04 billion.

The performance was supported by stronger room demand, international travel and increased engagement with the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme. Total room revenue increased 28% to US$843 million, while room nights grew 33% and average length of stay increased by 6%.

For the first nine months of 2026, GHA generated US$2.8 billion in total revenue, representing a 21% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Revenue from cross-border stays reached US$1.97 billion, highlighting the continued contribution of international travel to the alliance's performance.

Cross-Brand Stays Drive Loyalty Growth

GHA DISCOVERY continued to see strong member engagement during the quarter. New enrolments increased 17% to 1.3 million in Q3, taking total membership to 38 million.

Redemptions of DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) increased 58% during the quarter. The loyalty currency can be earned and redeemed across GHA's portfolio of approximately 1,000 hotels.

The increased use of D$ also contributed to higher cross-brand activity. Cross-brand revenue rose 53% to US$168 million, indicating greater movement of members between the alliance's more than 60 independent hotel brands.

Direct bookings also recorded strong growth, increasing 44%, supporting hotels in generating revenue through their own booking channels and reducing reliance on higher-cost distribution channels.

Commenting on the results, Chris Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance, said the performance reflected continued international leisure demand, stronger member engagement and increased value from cross-brand stays and direct bookings.

International Travel Remains Key Growth Driver

International travel remained the strongest contributor to GHA's Q3 performance. International room nights increased 40%, generating US$589 million in room revenue.

Domestic travel also recorded growth, with domestic room revenue increasing 19% to US$254 million, giving the alliance growth across both international and domestic segments.

At the destination level, Spain generated the highest total room revenue among GHA destinations at US$73 million, up 33% year-on-year. The UK followed with a 28% increase, while the UAE recorded particularly strong growth of 75%.

Thailand and Italy also recorded growth of 48% and 18%, respectively.

Among international destinations, Thailand ranked first for room revenue, increasing 53% compared with Q3 2025, followed by Spain, Italy, the UK and Singapore.

US Remains Largest International Feeder Market

The United States continued to be GHA's largest international feeder market, generating US$101 million in international room revenue, up 31% year-on-year and accounting for 17% of total room revenue.

The UK ranked second, followed by China, Australia and Germany.

Travel patterns varied across markets. US members showed strong demand for Italy, the UK, Greece and the Netherlands, while UK travellers favoured Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Australian members continued to focus largely on regional destinations including Singapore, Fiji, Thailand and Indonesia. Chinese travellers showed strong demand for Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Thailand and the Maldives, while German travellers favoured nearby European destinations.

GHA Adds 36 Hotels

GHA continued to expand its global portfolio during the quarter, adding 36 new properties.

Expansion included new homegrown brands such as PURO in Poland and The Marmara in Turkey, along with additional properties from existing GHA brands including NH Hotels, Rotana and AVANI.

The continued expansion increases the range of destinations available to GHA DISCOVERY members while providing participating hotel brands with access to a wider international loyalty network.

Looking ahead, Hartley said international travel demand remains resilient and that continued portfolio expansion and member engagement provide a foundation for further growth through the final quarter of 2026.


Kalyani Developers Targets 1,400 Hotel Keys Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad

Kalyani Developers Targets 1,400 Hotel Keys Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad

By Hariharan U

Published on October 29, 2026

Bengaluru-based Kalyani Developers plans to expand its hospitality portfolio to over 1,400 keys across Bengaluru and Hyderabad over the next two years, including a dual-brand hotel development with Hilton featuring approximately 600 keys in Bengaluru.

The planned development will bring together two Hilton brands within a single integrated project, with Hilton targeting the upper-upscale segment and Conrad positioned in the luxury segment. The partnership marks a significant step in Kalyani Developers' plans to strengthen its presence in India's premium hospitality market.

Beyond the Bengaluru project, the company is in discussions with leading international hotel operators for an additional 825 keys as it works towards its broader expansion target.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad at the Centre of Growth

Kalyani Developers has identified Bengaluru and Hyderabad as key markets for its hospitality growth strategy. Both cities have established business districts and growing demand for accommodation catering to corporate travellers, leisure guests and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

The company's planned expansion aims to complement its existing real estate portfolio while creating opportunities in markets where premium hospitality offerings can serve business travel, tourism and large-scale events.

Commenting on the strategy, Priyanka Raju, Director, Kalyani Developers, said, "Our hospitality business is an important part of our long-term growth strategy, and our aim is to build destinations that are relevant to the evolving needs of the markets we operate in. Bengaluru and Hyderabad are at the centre of our strategic growth plans for hospitality. Both markets are evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for world-class, globally benchmarked hospitality experiences. Our focus is to bring exceptional quality, service and experiences to these markets by partnering with leading international hotel operators. Our objective is to create hospitality developments that meet global standards while being deeply relevant to the needs and opportunities of each market."

Building a Larger Hospitality Portfolio

The proposed expansion reflects Kalyani Developers' intention to establish a stronger presence in the hospitality sector through partnerships with international hotel operators. The dual-brand Bengaluru development will combine an upper-upscale offering with a luxury hotel under the Conrad brand, catering to different segments of the premium accommodation market.

With discussions underway for the additional 825 keys, the company's target extends beyond a single project and points to a broader development pipeline across Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

As demand for premium accommodation, business travel and MICE facilities continues to shape these urban markets, Kalyani Developers is positioning hospitality as a complementary growth area alongside its real estate business.


Ramada Gurgaon Central Welcomes Chef Dharmender Singh to Its Culinary Team

Ramada Gurgaon Central Welcomes Chef Dharmender Singh to Its Culinary Team

By Hariharan U

Published on October 29, 2026

Ramada Gurgaon Central has welcomed Chef Dharmender Singh to its team, bringing over 18 years of hospitality industry experience to the property's culinary operations.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Lucknow, where he studied from 2004 to 2007, Chef Dharmender has built his professional journey in the hospitality sector. His appointment adds to the hotel's culinary expertise as it continues to focus on food quality, consistency and guest satisfaction.

Culinary professionals play a key role in shaping a hotel's food and beverage identity, from developing food concepts and maintaining kitchen standards to ensuring consistency across dining experiences. Their work also contributes to guest satisfaction and the overall perception of a property's dining offerings.

Strengthening Culinary Operations

At Ramada Gurgaon Central, Chef Dharmender's addition comes as hotels continue to respond to evolving guest expectations around food quality, presentation, variety and service. Experienced culinary professionals contribute to these priorities through their knowledge of kitchen operations, culinary techniques and quality standards.

Located in Gurugram, the hotel serves a diverse audience that includes corporate travellers, business professionals, local diners and leisure guests. Its culinary operations form an important part of the overall hospitality experience offered to these visitors.

Chef Dharmender's appointment marks a new chapter in his career and strengthens the experience within Ramada Gurgaon Central's culinary team as the property continues to focus on its food and beverage offerings.

About Ramada Gurgaon Central

Ramada Gurgaon Central is part of the Ramada brand under Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Located in Gurugram, the hotel caters to business and leisure travellers, offering accommodation, dining and hospitality services in one of the region's commercial destinations.


The Westin Chennai Velachery Appoints Dinesh Kumar as Executive Chef

The Westin Chennai Velachery Appoints Dinesh Kumar as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on October 29, 2026

The Westin Chennai Velachery has appointed Dinesh Kumar as its new Executive Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership with a professional experienced in kitchen operations and dining across established hospitality brands in Chennai.

Chef Dinesh joins the hotel from Four Points by Sheraton Chennai Velachery, where he served as Executive Chef. His professional journey also includes nearly five years as Executive Sous Chef at Hilton Chennai, from November 2019 to August 2024, and an earlier stint as Sous Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Chennai.

In his new role, Chef Dinesh will oversee culinary operations across the hotel's food and beverage outlets, with responsibilities spanning menu development, food quality, consistency and the overall dining experience. He will focus on evolving the hotel's culinary offerings while catering to the diverse preferences of Chennai's diners.

Commenting on the appointment, Deepraj Mukherjee, General Manager, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, “We are delighted to welcome Chef Dinesh to our culinary team. His experience and understanding of the hospitality industry will be valuable as we continue to create distinctive dining experiences for our guests.”

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Dinesh Kumar, Executive Chef, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, “I am delighted to begin this journey with The Westin Chennai Velachery. I look forward to working with the team to bring fresh ideas to the table, celebrate good food and create memorable culinary experiences for our guests.”

With experience across multiple hospitality properties, Chef Dinesh's appointment reflects the hotel's continued focus on culinary development, food quality and guest-centric dining experiences.

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