Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA represents a collection of 40 brands with 800 hotels spread over 100 countries serving more than 20 million members. Which means there’s a fit for every travel need, from iconic European palaces, overwater Maldivian villas, safari escapes, and sybaritic spa retreats (all perfect for honeymoons or other trips á deux), to business-friendly hotels perfectly situated in the centre of the most global hubs.
GHA’s brands include Anantara, Araiya, Avani, Campbell Gray, Capella, Corinthia, Discovery Destinations, Divani, Doyle, Elewana, Fauchon, GLO, JA Resorts, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno, Marco Polo, Mysk, NH Hotels, Niccolo, Nikki Beach, NUO, Oaks, Outrigger, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, PARKROYAL, Patina, The Residence by Cenizaro, The Set Collection, Shaza, Sukhothai, Sun International, Tivoli, Ultratravel Collection and Viceroy.
Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is a programme that connects the independent brands and unique hotels of Global Hotel Alliance. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. Recently the programme has evolved to include an additional tier and flexible paths to upgrade through nights/stays, eligible purchases or number of brands stayed, making it easier and faster for members to reach elite status.
Unlike more traditional programmes, GHA DISCOVERY does not ask members to count points towards their next upgrade. Instead, members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy members-only Experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers. Through its ‘Live Local’ concept, it creates a member community and offers access to local hotels’ facilities and events.
-
26 Nov 24
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Unveils Travel Plans, Preferences And Top Destinations For 2025Japan and Thailand holiday favourites for second year running, followed by China, Australia, New ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Unveils Travel Plans, Preferences And Top Destinations For 2025 - News & announcements- Japan and Thailand holiday favourites for second year running, followed by China, Australia, New Zealand and Italy
- Business travel makes a comeback (13% increase in planned business trips globally), led by travellers in China, Germany and Spain
- Asia and Europe dominate business and leisure travel plans for 2025
- Longest vacations planned by travellers in China, Thailand, and the UAE
- Relaxing and unwinding overtakes exploring new destinations as #1 travel motivation
- Friends and family recommendations remain the leading source of inspiration
- Loyalty platforms still the top tool for hotel search and booking
-
12 Nov 24
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Highlights UK Market’s Global Influence In 2025 Travel Trends Report Launched At Ultras In LondonUK the number two international source market; customers spend £135 million on international stays ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Highlights UK Market’s Global Influence In 2025 Travel Trends Report Launched At Ultras In London - News & announcements- UK the number two international source market; customers spend £135 million on international stays in 2024
- Thailand, UAE (Dubai) and Japan emerge as most desired travel destinations for 2025
- Beach and tropical destinations are back, with UK travellers seeking relaxing experiences
- Sustainability matters with 61% of UK travellers preferring eco-conscious hotels
- 65% prioritise hotel quality over price and location
- The top three countries visited by UK travellers in 2024 were the United Arab Emirates, Portugal and Thailand vs. the top three countries they are most excited about traveling to in 2025 being Thailand, UAE (specifically Dubai) and Japan.
- UK travellers plan to take six leisure trips on average and more than five business trips with an overnight stay in 2025.
- In terms of the regions they plan to travel to for leisure in 2025, Europe came out top (79%), followed by Asia (54%) and the Middle East (41%).
- Their preferred travel experiences are shifting back to beach and tropical destinations (79%) and city escapes (64%), with the desire to relax and unwind topping their reasons for travel (73%).
- Europe (39%) was also named as top region for business trips in 2025 followed by Asia (17%) and North America (14%).
- A key trend revealed by the survey is UK travellers’ growing demand for sustainable travel. More than 61% of survey respondents based in the UK indicated a preference or appreciation for hotels that prioritise sustainability, reflecting a broader global trend towards eco-conscious travel choices.
- Additionally, quality remains a decisive factor for UK holidaymakers, with 41% citing hotel quality as their top consideration (being the highest preference indicator among all member countries), surpassing price and location in importance. UK travellers are discerning, expecting more from their accommodation in terms of both luxury and environmental responsibility.
- GHA DISCOVERY plays a pivotal role in UK travellers’ hotel choices, with loyalty programme ranking as the second most important factor when choosing a hotel, ahead of location, price, and hotel brand
- 41% of members value room upgrades and early check-in/late check-out as the most important benefits. 29% also seek exclusive member rates and discounted rooms when booking, followed by status recognition, and achieving or retaining elite status
- UK members’ preferred place to search for and book hotels is hotel loyalty programme websites or apps.
-
15 Oct 24
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Reports Outstanding Q3 Numbers As All Key Performance Indicators Hit Double-Digit GrowthHotel revenues reach U$2 billion up 15% year-to-date, with room-nights up 16% Cross-brand revenues ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Reports Outstanding Q3 Numbers As All Key Performance Indicators Hit Double-Digit Growth - News & announcements- Hotel revenues reach U$2 billion up 15% year-to-date, with room-nights up 16%
- Cross-brand revenues hit US$276 million, up 30%, and direct bookings soar 40%
- International stays dominate, contributing 66% of room revenue
- US, UK, Germany and Australia are top feeder markets for Q3, together delivering 26% of total international room revenue
- DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) redemptions double year-on-year
-
23 Apr 24
Partner News
A Year Since Launch, Global Hotel Alliance’s Green Collection Adds Hotels, Builds Awareness & AdoptionOver 220 hotels, resorts and palaces in the Green Collection are committed to creating ...Read moreA Year Since Launch, Global Hotel Alliance’s Green Collection Adds Hotels, Builds Awareness & Adoption - News & announcements- Over 220 hotels, resorts and palaces in the Green Collection are committed to creating a more sustainable future to protect the people and the planet
- 15% increase in the Green Collection hotel portfolio compared to 2023
- US$1 donation to charitable causes for every Green Collection hotel booking made via GHA DISCOVERY channels until 30 April 2024
-
19 Apr 24
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Celebrates 20th Anniversary At Ihif Emea In Berlin Demonstrating Its Enduring Value For Independent Hotel BrandsUAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, celebrated its ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Celebrates 20th Anniversary At Ihif Emea In Berlin Demonstrating Its Enduring Value For Independent Hotel Brands - News & announcementsUAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, celebrated its 20th anniversary this week in Berlin at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), where the then start-up was first announced in 2004. GHA was the loyalty partner of the IHIF EMEA event, which welcomed over 2,500 attendees from around the globe, and GHA CEO Chris Hartley shared his insights on the power of partnerships on the main stage. GHA was conceived along the airline alliance model, with the goal of helping independent hotel brands to compete with the major global players, and to become less dependent on high-cost third parties for distribution. The majority of the alliance’s 800 hotels are owner-operated and GHA gives them the tools, technology and marketing reach that are difficult to achieve alone. “The hospitality industry has seen significant consolidation over the last two decades, making it costlier for the smaller players to maintain market share; nonetheless, many owners remain fiercely independent, and so collaboration with like-minded independent brands is a great way to remain competitive”, says GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “We are majority-owned by two of our founder member brands Kempinski and Pan Pacific Hotels Group, plus Minor and Corinthia, and our primary goal has always been to drive incremental revenue and reduce costs for their hotels, rather than to maximize profit for the alliance.” GHA now has 40 brands with 800 hotels in 100 countries and continues to grow. In Q1 alone, the alliance welcomed The Lore Group and Cheval Collection as its latest member brands, as well as launching a partnership with Plum Guide, offering rewards for stays at its 38,000 luxury vacation homes. All GHA member brands and hotels share one loyalty platform – GHA DISCOVERY – which in 2023 delivered US$2.3 billion in total revenue and 10 million room nights from its 26 million members; and the unique, multi-brand loyalty program has won 120 awards for its programme innovation. To commemorate two decades of success, the GHA team was joined by its shareholders, brand executives, and hundreds of industry guests back at the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin this Tuesday evening for a 20th anniversary party, where it all began in 2004, dancing the night away to the legendary Boney M, who had performed at the same venue all those years ago. Reflecting on the last two decades, Hartley concluded, “We are proud to celebrate 20 years of collaboration, and hope that we can continue to grow and help the independent hotel sector to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.” -
23 Oct 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Q3 Performance Peaks Across The Board; Remains On Track For A Record Year For Revenue2023 revenue, room nights and total stays now all higher than 2019 year to ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Q3 Performance Peaks Across The Board; Remains On Track For A Record Year For Revenue - News & announcements- 2023 revenue, room nights and total stays now all higher than 2019 year to date (YTD)
- Total revenue doubled YTD compared to 2022 and hits US$1.7 billion
- Q3 revenues up 41% versus Q3 2022, and room nights up 31%
- GHA DISCOVERY hits 25 million members in loyalty programme milestone
- Spain, Thailand and Italy deliver highest room revenue in 2023 YTD
- Cross-brand revenues pick up 55% to $79 million in Q3 compared to Q3 2022
- DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) redemptions rocket 90% compared to Q3 2022
-
01 Aug 23
Partner News
Another incredible six months for Global Hotel AllianceBy: Christopher Hartley, CEO at Global Hotel Alliance Well it’s been another incredible ...Read moreAnother incredible six months for Global Hotel Alliance - News & announcementsBy: Christopher Hartley, CEO at Global Hotel Alliance Well it’s been another incredible six months for Global Hotel Alliance and so as we head into the summer holiday season up north, I thought I would reflect on some of our biggest achievements and milestones so far this year. Business has continued to recover strongly, with #leisuretravel still leading the way, while #businesstravel and #meetings and #events are coming back at a more modest pace. US travellers are leading the way in international travel demand, followed by the UK, while China is showing the first signs of a recovery six months after reopening. Our GHA DISCOVERY revenues grew an amazing 122% to US$1.2 billion, of which US$135 million was cross-brand revenue (i.e. revenue from customers moving between our member brands, which is what we’re all about!). We saw several significant new hotel openings, further expanding and enriching the choice for our GHA DISCOVERY members, including some new icons such as the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, the NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Capella Hotels and Resorts in Sydney and in Japan, the BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel and HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel which are already our most booked hotels! We are very proud that four of our hotel brands appeared in Travel + Leisure Co. world best awards, with Capella Hotels and Resorts being at number one, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts at number three and Viceroy Hotel Group and Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas also in the top 20! We had an in-person gathering of our three most senior committees, with our CEO meeting hosted by Sun International in Cape Town, our Alliance Strategy Board hosted by Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas in Dubai; and our Brand Champions at the beautiful Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. And it's so much more productive and fun to be meet again in person! And last, but certainly not least, we launched a first-of-a-kind partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, meaning customers booking a luxury cruise with Regent Seven Seas can earn our expanding digital currency, Discovery Dollars (D$), of which we have now issued over D$100 million (= same in US$). We have a like-minded customer base that love travel and luxury experiences, and so this has all the makings of a fruitful collaboration. Thanks to all my colleagues in the fabulous GHA team, and to all of our member brands around the world for making this alliance such a successful (and fun!) business to work in. More to come in the second half of 2023 and beyond! -
14 Jul 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Reports Another Strong Quarter To End H1 On A High With Even Sunnier Conditions Forecast For Summer And BeyondRoom revenue spike 122% over 2022 by the end of Q2, with first-half GHA ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Reports Another Strong Quarter To End H1 On A High With Even Sunnier Conditions Forecast For Summer And Beyond - News & announcements- Room revenue spike 122% over 2022 by the end of Q2, with first-half GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme revenues topping US$1.2 billion
- International leisure stays dominate, led by resurgent demand into Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia
- China’s travel comeback evident in H1 revenue growth
- Cross-brand revenue hits US$135 million in the year through June
- 116 million DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) have been issued since the digital currency’s launch 18 months ago
-
09 May 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Kicks-Off 2023 In Growth Mode As New Hotels Join Portfolio And Q1 Results Prove Travel Is Back To Pre-Pandemic HighsThailand, Maldives, UAE, Spain, Singapore and Caribbean lead room revenue hikes 16 new hotels ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Kicks-Off 2023 In Growth Mode As New Hotels Join Portfolio And Q1 Results Prove Travel Is Back To Pre-Pandemic Highs - News & announcements- Thailand, Maldives, UAE, Spain, Singapore and Caribbean lead room revenue hikes
- 16 new hotels across nine brands join GHA portfolio since January
- Room revenue and rooms nights bounce back to 2019 levels in Q1
- Total revenue hits US$550 million for the quarter, up 127% on 2021
- International stays surpass pre-pandemic figures since November
- Cross-brand revenue hits US$61m in Q1 and is forecast to reach $260m in 2023
-
12 Apr 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Stages Hotel CEO Conference In South Africa For The First Time; Highlights Upbeat Global Outlook And Trends For 2023• South Africa selected following Sun International joining GHA in 2022• Conference to highlight ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Stages Hotel CEO Conference In South Africa For The First Time; Highlights Upbeat Global Outlook And Trends For 2023 - News & announcements• South Africa selected following Sun International joining GHA in 2022
• Conference to highlight key trends influencing traveller mindsets in 2023
• GHA to reveal positive Q1 results with room revenue and room nights back to 2019 levels
• GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme has seen 79% hike in members from Africa since end of 2019 UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels brands, is staging its annual CEO conference in South Africa for the first time, with the leaders of its 40 hotel brands representing 800 hotels in 100 countries gathering at Sun International’s The Table Bay Hotel from April 12th to 14th to discuss the positive global travel industry outlook in 2023. The host location was selected after Sun International, headquartered in Johannesburg, and one of South Africa’s largest gaming and hospitality groups, joined GHA in 2022, providing the 24 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme expanded choice on the African continent, where today, GHA hotel brands operate 7,364 rooms across 57 hotels. Sun International’s portfolio enhanced the offering adding the flagship Sun City Resort, including The Palace of the Lost City, as well as leading luxury and lifestyle hotels such as The Table Bay in Cape Town and The Maslow Sandton, Johannesburg. Graham Wood, COO of Sun International, said: “It is a privilege to host GHA’s hotel brand CEOs in South Africa and be part of the conversation highlighting global trends and performance in 2023. Since joining GHA, we have benefitted from the marketing and distribution power of GHA DISCOVERY, which has delivered an increase in business to our properties from new and existing markets, and from other GHA hotel brands, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead, as travel’s rebound accelerates.” Q1 research conducted by GHA in 94 global markets has revealed four major trends influencing traveller mindsets in 2023, details of which CEO Chris Hartley will share and discuss with hotel brand CEOs in depth at this month’s conference to collectively identify the opportunities they present. The research found consumers are increasingly making travel decisions based on new inspiration sources, such as TV series or social media while blended travel, such as remote work or tagging holidays onto business trips, is a trend that is here to stay. Against a backdrop of rising inflation, travellers want to make the most of their trips and expect quality in return for rising prices. Since the pandemic, there has been growth in celebratory trips and people are looking to make up for lost time with trips that will create moments and memories for themselves, with friends or with family members. New leisure travel genres are emerging too, from trips with positive impact and sabbaticals to subscription models, with consumers willing to pay for exclusive hotel benefits. GHA’s CEO conference also reflected on the alliance’s bullish Q1 performance, with repeat-stay room revenue and room nights across now back to 2019 levels. International stays grew strongly from November 2022 onwards, with destinations leading the strong recovery in room revenue into Q1 2023 including Thailand, Maldives and the Caribbean. In terms of domestic and international stay room revenue, Thailand leads again followed by the UAE, Spain, Maldives and Singapore respectively. Total GHA DISCOVERY revenue was over US$550 million in Q1, while cross-brand revenue hit US$61 million and is forecast to reach $260 million by the end of the year, up from $168 million in 2022.The success of GHA DISCOVERY’s digital rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), whereby members can earn D$ for their spend across the GHA network, to use on their next stay at any GHA hotel, has been a key growth driver, with GHA research revealing the most common occasion for using D$ is towards a holiday. “Building on GHA’s stellar performance in 2022, the outlook for 2023 is even stronger, with Q1 figures revealing growth beyond pre-pandemic levels as travel demand accelerates and GHA DISCOVERY members fully leverage the loyalty programme’s many benefits across our growing portfolio of hotels,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. There are opportunities for GHA DISCOVERY to tap into new travel trends deliver more business to our hotels, and it is always a pleasure to discuss this evolving hospitality landscape with our CEOs, who are some of the most respected leaders in the global hospitality sector. He added: “With Africa being a key growth market for GHA, and now that Sun International is part of the alliance, it is fitting that we stage our event in South Africa to bring the potential of this region into focus.” GHA DISCOVERY membership in South Africa has increased significantly since Sun International joined GHA, with numbers up 79% since the end of 2019. The top five member source markets for GHA properties in Africa are the US, South Africa, the UK, France and Russia. -
23 Mar 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Launches Green Collection To Highlight Hotels Taking Action To Protect People And The Planet● Green Collection features nearly 200 hotels from GHA DISCOVERY’s global portfolio● It empowers ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Launches Green Collection To Highlight Hotels Taking Action To Protect People And The Planet - News & announcements● Green Collection features nearly 200 hotels from GHA DISCOVERY’s global portfolio
● It empowers GHA DISCOVERY’s 24 million members to make conscious and responsible travel choices
● Global Hotel Alliance to make a US$5 donation to charitable causes for every Green Collection hotel booking made via GHA DISCOVERY channels before 30th April 2023 UAE-based Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has launched its Green Collection, bringing under one umbrella nearly 200 hotels, resorts and palaces operated by GHA hotel brands that are demonstrating their commitment to protecting people and the planet. Every Green Collection property has attained at least one certification from a globally recognised environmental organisation, with EarthCheck, Green Growth 2050, Green Key and Green Globe among the 15 leading certification bodies represented, and each requiring hotels to meet the highest international standards for sustainability initiatives and performance, with regular third- party audits conducted to retain certification. Achieving certification demonstrates a hotel’s long-term pledge to upholding these standards, with each Green Collection property being a pioneer of practices that preserve the natural environment and benefit local communities in the destinations where they operate. “Across GHA’s 800 properties from 40 brands, located in 100 countries around the globe, there are some world-class examples of practices and initiatives with a positive environmental and social impact, and we are incredibly proud of these efforts, which we celebrate with the launch of Green Collection,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “It also helps travellers, including the 24 million members of our GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, to make more informed travel decisions based on their values and priorities, which today include hotel sustainability credentials and treading as lightly as possible in the destinations they visit.” “By launching Green Collection, we are reiterating our alignment to the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), which guide the development of the hospitality industry for a more sustainable future,” Hartley added. With 69% of travellers actively seeking sustainable travel options in 2023, according to a recent World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report, Green Collection meets this accelerating demand, empowering the 24 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme to make conscious and responsible travel choices. In 2022, members demonstrated their preferencefor Green Collection hotels, which contributed to 32% in stays, 39% in nights, 47% in room revenue and 49% in total revenue. Green Collection accounts for almost one-quarter (24%) of the GHA DISCOVERY portfolio and represents half of its brands, from mid-scale to high-end, including Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Avani Hotels & Resorts, Capella Hotels & Resorts, Corinthia Hotels, Elewana Collection, GLO Hotels, JA Resorts & Hotels, Kempinski Hotels, Marco Polo Hotels, NH Hotels, NH Collection, nhow, Niccolo Hotels, Oaks Hotels Resorts & Suites, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Patina Hotels & Resorts, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, PARKROYAL, Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Resorts & Hotels and The Set Collection. From city hotels to beach resorts, the collection is geographically diverse and is present in 44 countries and 112 destinations, spanning every region. In the Middle East and North Africa, Green Collection properties account for half of the GHA DISCOVERY’s portfolio, while in Africa and Asia, it account for 37% and 36%, respectively. Countries with the highest density of Green Collection hotels are the Netherlands with 31 properties (97% of GHA hotels in that country); Thailand with 16 hotels (52%); the UAE with 15 hotels (52%); China with 13 hotels (31%); Kenya with 10 hotels (77%); and Belgium and Argentina with 7 hotels (54% and 50%, respectively). Many GHA brands have achieved certification for every property in their portfolio or are well on their way to attaining this goal, with examples including Elewana Collection, GLO Hotels, JA Resorts & Hotels, Kempinski Hotels, Capella Hotels & Resorts and Outrigger Resorts. Properties in the Green Collection are taking action in line with Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) guidelines, which encompass the implementation of effective sustainable planning; maximising social and economic benefits for local communities; enhancing the cultural heritage of destinations where they operate; and reducing negative environmental impact. To celebrate the launch of the Green Collection, GHA DISCOVERY is giving back to the causes important to members and its hotel brands. For every Green Collection hotelbooking made on www.ghadiscovery.com or the GHA DISCOVERY mobile app before the end of April 2023 and completed by 31st July 2023, GHA will donate US$5 to the charities it supports as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, which includes Environmental Protection, Healthcare & Wellbeing, Children & Youth Programmes, and Animal Welfare. “Social awareness and environmental sustainability are core values that GHA has embraced since its inception. Our overarching philosophy is to treat people and the planet with the utmost respect, creating a more resilient, equal, and sustainable global ecosystem, and the efforts of our Green Collection properties are a testament to this,” said Hartley. “We are committed to ensuring GHA remains a favourite global brand in hospitality, not only trusted for the high-quality products and services we offer to our hotel brands and GHA DISCOVERY members, but the responsible approach we take to delivering them. The launch of Green Collection and our donation contribution are the first of many philanthropic elements we have planned in 2023, aligned to what customers and stakeholders now value most", he concluded. Examples of Green Collection Hotels’ sustainability efforts: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore is the country’s first ‘garden-in a-hotel’, home to 2,400 trees, shrubs and groundcovers, which serve as natural air purifiers. Featuring 210 solar panels, an urban farm that supplies its spa and restaurants, an in-room filtered water system, and a double-glazed glass roof, the waste and energy reduction gains are significant. Some 51,300 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions were prevented by rejuvenating instead of rebuilding the hotel, so it received a BCA Green Mark Gold certification upon opening in 2020. Every property in the Avani Hotels & Resorts portfolio must hold an independently audited Green Growth 2050 certification. As part of the brand’s effort to become a Net Zero Carbon organisation by 2050, it is introducing science-based targets for energy, carbon and water intensity, as well as pledging to cut organic waste to landfills in half in the next eight years. Avani has pledged to reduce the usage of single-use plastic by 75% by 2024, and every nature-based property will support long-term habitat or species conservation by 2023. Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites and Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel have both been awarded the prestigious Green Growth 2050 certification for their sustainability practices, with Avani Palm View Dubai receiving Green Growth’s Platinum certification in recognition of its water and energy conservation programmes; aluminium-can, glass and cooking oil recycling; tree planting; and green public transport awareness campaign. More than 36 Anantara properties globally have been awarded Green Growth 2050 certification based on GSTC-recognised hotel industry standards. Awards received by Anantara recognise excellence in human rights, child protection, employee protection, community development, environmental stewardship, and tourism ethics and sustainability. A few examples include Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort preserving the coral reefs protecting its beaches, and the marine life in the island’s lagoon, by initiating the Coral Adoption Programme, encouraging guests to take part by planting coral in a reef nursery, while The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai, Thailand, supports the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, providing a home for elephants, mahouts and their families. Kempinski Hotels aims to measure 100% of energy emissions across all properties by the end of this year and has set out to fully implement science-based targets for emissions reductions aligned with the Paris Agreement by the end of next year. The luxury hospitality firm is rolling out the EarthCheck Certified programme across its portfolio, with participating hotels actively monitoring and reporting the environmental and social impacts from their operations, including energy and water consumption, carbon footprint, waste generation, community engagement and more. Economic concerns addressed by EarthCheck include employment conditions, support for the local economy, use of fair-trade goods and services, and recognition of the seasonality of revenue streams. GHA’s Green Collection features 14 Kempinski hotels that are EarthCheck certified in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts was the first hospitality company in the state of Hawai‘i to commit to earning the prestigious Green Seal sustainability certification for its hotels and resorts, as well as the first hospitality brand to pursue the certification outside of the United States. Green Seal is the gold standard of global health and environmental leadership, and Outrigger has implemented science-based standards at properties including Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Castaway Island, Fiji and Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel has been recognised as a sustainability leader with EarthCheck Gold Certified status, meeting performance targets regarding greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, social and cultural engagement, waste management and more. Recent initiatives include the restaurant serving sustainable dishes. JA Resorts & Hotels is a leading pioneer on sustainable initiatives in the GCC region’s hospitality arena. Green practices include saving more than five million pieces of single-use plastic through on-property water bottling plants, composting food waste into soil residue which is then used in bio-farms across the Emirates, amongst other sustainability measures. For more information on Green Collection, including the full list of globally recognised certifying bodies, and examples of how GHA hotel brands are making a difference, visit www.ghadiscovery.com/explore-green-collection. -
20 Feb 23
Partner News
Global Hotel Alliance Reports Stellar 2022 Results With Room Revenue And Nights All Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Levels In Q4• Total revenue hits US$1.4 billion, a 60% increase over 2021, and ahead of ...Read moreGlobal Hotel Alliance Reports Stellar 2022 Results With Room Revenue And Nights All Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Levels In Q4 - News & announcements• Total revenue hits US$1.4 billion, a 60% increase over 2021, and ahead of 2019 by Q4
• Repeat stay revenue up almost 80% in Q4
• UAE takes top spot as most preferred stay destination in 2022, followed by Spain and Thailand
• Cross-brand revenue rockets to US$168 million in 2022, 25% ahead of 2019
• Strength of recovery reflects the impact of the new GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, NH joining the alliance and bullish travel sentiment UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of 40 independent hotels brands, has reported robust 2022 results, with every performance indicator exceeding 2019 levels by Q4 – an indication of travel’s full post-pandemic recovery. Room revenue generated by the 23 million global members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme exceeded 2019 levels from mid-November onwards, driven by higher average daily rates (ADR), and soaring by 50% in the last two weeks of the year, while repeat stay room revenue was consistently ahead of 2019 levels from June onwards, up almost 80% by the end of 2022. Room nights, which had lagged behind earlier in the year, surpassed pre-pandemic levels by the end of Q4. In contrast to 2021 when domestic stays dominated the travel mix due to pandemic related restrictions and concerns, international stays by GHA DISCOVERY members picked up significantly in 2022, accelerating in Q4 to surpass 2019 levels by 40% in the December holiday period, with Singapore, The Maldives, Thailand, Mexico and the Caribbean leading this recovery. Domestic stays exceeded 2019 figures throughout most of 2022. With the percentage of revenue attributed to international stays stabilising at 70%, the same as in 2019, demand patterns are returning to the ‘old normal’, though leisure travel now dominates. The UAE has retained its top spot as most preferred stay destination among members, delivering US$32 million in room revenue in Q4 alone and reflecting GHA’s growing presence in the country. With the recent opening of NH’s first hotel in this market, NH Collection Dubai The Palm, there are now 28 GHA properties in the UAE under nine brands. Spain took second slot on the ‘Top 15 Countries for Stays’ list in Q4, generating $31 million in room revenue and indicating the success of Madrid-headquartered NH Hotel Group joining GHA in June 2022, bringing with it more than 350 hotels and 10 million loyalty programme members. The top feeder markets in Q4 were the US, delivering $43 million in room revenue, with 80% of members in this market travelling internationally, reflecting the strength of the US dollar, followed by the UK ($28 million), Spain ($26 million), Germany ($24 million) and Australia ($19 million). China, which traditionally leads in outbound traffic, came in 6th place with its domestic strength; but with travel restrictions now lifted, it could bounce back to number one in 2023. With GHA DISCOVERY empowering members to earn and spend their digital rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), at any property globally, cross-brand revenue rocketed to $168 million in 2022, 25% ahead of 2019. Anantara, Kempinski and Pan Pacific Hotels Group took the lead in receiving and sending cross-brand revenues and NH Hotels contributed some $14 million revenue in stays to other brands after they joined mid-year. Record growth was also buoyed by 1.6 million new GHA DISCOVERY member enrolments. “GHA’s 2022 results are phenomenal, not only for our partner hotel brands, but for the global travel and tourism sector as a whole, with significant improvements across every key performance indicator pointing to a full industry recovery and perhaps the end to pre-pandemic comparisons at last,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “This rebound to levels exceeding the 2019 ‘old normal’ not only reveals a bullish travel sentiment, but the true power of GHA DISCOVERY, bolstered by new hotel brands and members coming on board and with the entire eco-system fully leveraging cross-brand stay opportunities, as the figures clearly reveal.” He added: “The outlook for 2023 is incredibly positive as we capitalise on 2022’s gains and unleash the true potential of GHA DISCOVERY. With cross-brand revenue taking off, and millions of dollars of rewards in our customers’ virtual wallets, we have ambitious goals for driving this to new record heights to the benefit of members and brands alike.” GHA’s robust 2022 results were supported by several milestones In addition to NH Hotels joining the alliance, Sun International, The Set Hotels and Palazzo Versace Dubai also came on board, collectively adding 358 new hotels and 21 new cities, taking the total to more than 800 properties from 40-plus brands in 100 countries. GHA DISCOVERY issued D$72 million (with D$1 worth US$1), and with 2 out of 3 redemptions being at a new hotel, the cross-brand revenue potential in 2023 is clear, especially since GHA brands are themselves expanding further, with plans to add up to 100 hotels between now and the end of 2024. GHA also entered into a strategic partnership with ASMALLWORLD, the world’s leading travel and lifestyle community, with both companies becoming shareholders in each other’s businesses. GHA DISCOVERY elite members enjoy all the benefits of the ASMALLWORLD network, including events and experiences, and ASMALLWORLD members gain elite status in GHA DISCOVERY, driving more value to both programmes and more stays at GHA hotels. “2022 was packed with landmark moments for GHA, underlined by strategic partnerships that strengthened our position as the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with an innovative loyalty programme at its heart,” said Chris Hartley. “This paves the way for continued growth in 2023 as we look to expand our ecosystem with like-minded partners for mutual gain.