IHG Expands Garner Brand Across Europe with New Hotel Signings

IHG Expands Garner Brand Across Europe with New Hotel Signings

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 21, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts is accelerating the expansion of its midscale brand, Garner, with four new signings across Europe. Launched in August 2023, Garner offers guests a straightforward experience at competitive prices while giving hotel owners flexibility and faster returns. The new properties will open in the UK, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Türkiye, strengthening the brand’s presence across key European markets.

In the UK, two Garner hotels are scheduled to open in late 2024. Garner Hotel Reading Centre will feature 53 rooms and is located near the city’s commercial and shopping hubs. The second property, Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury, will have 80 guest rooms and easy access to the M6 motorway, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Garner’s Northern Europe expansion includes more than 50 new hotels in Germany, developed through a long-term partnership with NOVUM Hospitality. These properties are being converted from NOVUM's Yggotel, Select, and Novum brands. Key locations set to open later this year include Garner Hotel Hamburg Nord, Garner Hotel Mannheim City, and Garner Hotel Berlin – Mitte. Additional properties are planned for Vienna, Austria, and Maastricht, Netherlands, further extending the brand's footprint in Europe.

The brand will also enter Türkiye in 2025 with a 126-room hotel near Istanbul Airport. Developed in collaboration with FRT Turizm and supported by AB Consulting, the property will cater to travelers passing through one of the busiest airports in the world.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG, expressed excitement about Garner’s rapid growth: “Our newest brand offers owners quicker returns by minimizing pre-opening costs and accelerating time to operation. We are pleased to see such strong interest from partners across Europe and look forward to welcoming guests to these new properties soon.”

The Garner brand has signed 79 properties worldwide since its launch, including locations in the US, Japan, and Germany, with four hotels already open and operating. With its focus on simplicity, accessible locations, and 24/7 refreshment options, Garner aims to meet the needs of today’s travelers looking for no-fuss stays.


Unwrap the Magic this Festive Season with the Perfect Getaway at W Kuala Lumpur

Unwrap the Magic this Festive Season with the Perfect Getaway at W Kuala Lumpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 13, 2025

As the festive spirit takes over, W Kuala Lumpur invites travellers to celebrate the magic of the season with ‘Made The List’, a curated collection of experiences designed to make every moment unforgettable. Perfectly located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Centre, the hotel offers postcard-perfect views of the Petronas Twin Towers, setting the stage for a year-end escape filled with indulgence and sophistication.

Crafted for the modern tastemaker, ‘Made The List’ goes beyond traditional getaways, blending luxury, culture, and creativity into every offering. From bold culinary journeys and inspired gifting to music-driven experiences and wellness indulgences, each detail reflects W’s signature blend of energy and elegance.

Guests can explore the Made The Guest List, which brings alive the festive vibe through a dynamic lineup of celebrations such as the lavish Sleigh The Eve Buffet and the indulgent Unwrapped Brunch. The Made The YEN List takes fine dining a step further, featuring Yum Cha at YEN, a curated weekend dim sum affair and XXO Indulgence, a private multi-course experience crafted by Chef Weng.

For those who seek rejuvenation, Made The Spa List at AWAY Spa and Made The Feel-Good List, offering a Hi-Tea edition and Café Pop-Up with Veuve Clicquot, promise a perfect balance of wellness and celebration. Meanwhile, Made The Gift List presents a handpicked range of festive treasures, ideal for thoughtful gifting or self-indulgence.

Speaking on the season’s offerings, Mr. Volker Burth, General Manager of W Kuala Lumpur, shared, “At W Kuala Lumpur, we design experiences that spark connection, celebration, and unforgettable moments. This festive season, we’re raising the bar with curated packages that blend bold luxury, cultural richness, and the electric energy W is known for. Inspired by the vibrant Indian spirit of togetherness and celebration, each experience is crafted to unite, delight, and immerse our guests in moments worth remembering.”

For nightlife enthusiasts, Made The It List brings high-energy music experiences and sound activations that define the city’s festive scene. Guests can also discover Made The Stay List, designed for those looking to celebrate in spectacular style. The Celebrate In Spectacular Style package includes a rejuvenating 60-minute treatment at AWAY Spa, cocktails and canapés at the Living Room, entry to signature festive celebrations, and access to the WET Deck Countdown Party. Each stay is complemented by an in-room turndown ritual featuring decadent desserts and W’s signature scent.

For those seeking a luxurious year-end reset, Sparkle In The Sky offers a 3-day, 2-night stay complete with daily breakfast for two, festive dining at FLOCK, access to the Festive Café at Living Room, and exclusive amenities that promise rejuvenation and renewal.

With Made The List, W Kuala Lumpur redefines the art of festive living, where every celebration feels extraordinary, every stay is boldly luxurious, and every guest leaves with memories that shine long after the season ends.

For reservations and enquiries, email reservations.wkualalumpur@whotels.com.


Raffles Hotel Le Royal Marks 96 Glorious Years with Charity Gala and Art Auction

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Marks 96 Glorious Years with Charity Gala and Art Auction

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2025

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic luxury heritage hotels, is celebrating its 96th anniversary this month with a grand charity gala and an inspiring art exhibition that honours young Cambodian creativity.

The hotel will host a charity gala dinner and art auction on November 24 at its award-winning Restaurant Le Royal. The evening will feature a gourmet three-course dinner with fine wines and a live auction of artworks created by children from Sunrise Cambodia, a local non-profit organisation supporting underprivileged children. All proceeds from the event will contribute to Sunrise Cambodia’s educational and welfare initiatives. Tickets are priced at $96 for two persons, and the event begins at 6 p.m.

Earlier this month, Raffles Hotel Le Royal unveiled a heartfelt art exhibition titled “I Spy – The Magic of Raffles”, encouraging guests to explore the timeless beauty and cultural heritage of the hotel through the eyes of Cambodian youth. The exhibited artworks, created by the children of Sunrise Cambodia, will also be part of the upcoming auction.

Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, said, “Through the eyes of Cambodia’s youth, this unique art project captures not just the beauty of our historic hotel, but also the essence of heritage, imagination and hope.”

The initiative involved 25 children from Sunrise Cambodia who participated in an art competition under the guidance of celebrated Cambodian artist Chhim Sothy, with support from artists Li Ming Hang and Emmeline Mulder. Their creative expressions of “The Magic of Raffles” reflect both artistic curiosity and cultural pride. On Children’s Day, five of the best artworks were selected and turned into limited-edition postcards, available at the Raffles Boutique, with proceeds going to Sunrise Cambodia’s creative education programs.

The 96th anniversary celebrations also coincide with Raffles Hotel Le Royal receiving the Green Globe Certification for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices. The certification recognises the hotel’s excellence in energy efficiency, waste reduction, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

The Green Globe programme, founded after the 1992 United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, remains the world’s leading sustainability certification for tourism and hospitality. It evaluates hotels on 44 criteria across four categories, supported by over 380 indicators.

As Raffles Hotel Le Royal celebrates nearly a century of timeless elegance, community engagement, and sustainable innovation, it continues to serve as a beacon of Cambodia’s cultural and environmental legacy.


Kenya Tourism Board Crowned Best in Africa

Kenya Tourism Board Crowned Best in Africa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 11, 2025

The Kenya Tourism Board has been crowned as the Best Tourism Board in Africa at the prestigious Africa Tourism Awards 2025 (The Balearica Awards), held on 1 November at the Hilton London Canary Wharf.

The Kenya Tourism Board triumphed over other leading contenders, including the Egypt Tourism Authority, Rwanda Development Board, South African Tourism, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, and Instituto do Turismo de Cabo Verde. The recognition reinforces Kenya’s position as a continental benchmark for destination marketing and promotion.

Adding to the country’s pride, the Masai Mara National Reserve was named the Best Safari Destination in Africa. Competing against globally acclaimed parks such as Chobe, Kruger, Serengeti, South Luangwa, and Volcanoes National Parks, the Masai Mara stood out for its extraordinary wildlife experiences, particularly the world-famous annual wildebeest migration and its community-driven conservation initiatives.

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Kenya’s achievements extended across multiple categories. The Kenya Tourism Board received commendations for Best Tourism Video with its acclaimed campaign “This is the Real Deal,” Best Country Destination, Best City Destination for Nairobi, and Best International Airport for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Together, these recognitions highlight Kenya’s strong tourism infrastructure and its diverse appeal to global travellers.

Speaking about the awards, Allan Njoroge, Acting CEO of Kenya Tourism Board, said,

“These accolades are a strong testament to Kenya’s extraordinary natural heritage and our commitment to sustainable tourism growth. The Masai Mara remains our crown jewel and one of the world’s premier safari destinations. Our recognition as Best Tourism Board reflects KTB’s innovative marketing strategies, strategic partnerships, and concerted efforts to grow visitor arrivals, boost revenue, and create millions of jobs for Kenyans.”

The awards coincided with the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where the Kenya Tourism Board led a vibrant delegation to promote the country’s tourism offerings. KTB used the platform to strengthen partnerships, highlight Kenya’s latest travel products, and attract international visitors.

With its unmatched wildlife adventures, rich cultural traditions, scenic coastlines, and warm hospitality, Kenya continues to set the gold standard for African tourism and remains a leading choice for travellers across the globe.

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