LONDON, 9 July 2025 – Hilton has retained its position as the world’s most valuable hotel brand for the tenth consecutive year, according to the latest report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. Hilton’s brand value increased 30% to USD15.1 billion, with the group expanding its global footprint and strengthening its offering in the luxury and lifestyle space. Now operating more than 8,600 properties across 139 countries and territories- with nearly half of 2024’s additions coming from the lifestyle and luxury segments - this growth underscores Hilton’s focus on experience-led travel and premium positioning.

Hyatt (up 32% to USD8 billion) holds second place, boosted by net rooms growth, a record development pipeline, and major openings across Asia and South America. Marriott (up 20% to USD3.8 billion) climbs to third, overtaking Hampton Inn (down 25% to USD3.1 billion), following a year of record signings, loyalty programme enhancements, and technology-driven service upgrades. 

Henry Farr, Director, Brand Finance commented:

“The global hotel sector is firmly back in growth mode, with the total brand value of the top 50 hotel brands rising 4% this year to USD58.8 billion. Leisure and experience-led travel continue to drive performance, while key metrics like occupancy and RevPAR are on the rise. Asia-Pacific is leading the way, with China’s outbound travel resurgence playing a major role in the recovery.”

Taj is the world’s strongest hotel brand with a Brand Strength Index score of 92.2 out of 100. According to Brand Finance research, the Indian luxury hotel brand secured perfect scores in knowledge and selection in its home market. Scandic Hotels (BSI 91.3) and Marriott (BSI 90.0) rank second and third for brand strength, respectively. The UK’s Premier Inn made one of the biggest jumps, rising from 22^nd to fifth strongest, supported by strong awareness and perceived value in the UK.

In the broader Leisure & Tourism sector, the total brand value of the world’s top 25 most valuable brands grew 22% to USD71.9 billion. Cruise lines recorded the fastest recovery, growing 57% year-on-year. Royal Caribbean International leads this resurgence, following the high-profile launch of its Oasis and Icon Class vessels. Booking.com retained its position as the most valuable Leisure & Tourism brand globally, valued at USD10.5 billion.

VICTORIA, BC (July 8, 2025) – Fairmont Empress has been ranked the #1 City Hotel in Canada in the 2025 edition—and 30th anniversary—of Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. In addition, the magnificent property has been named to Travel + Leisure’s 2025 T+L 500 list of best hotels in the world, earning itself an impressive placement as a standout property amongst global travelers.

Each year, Travel + Leisure readers cast their votes to define the very best in travel and hospitality. The Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards recognize the top hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel experiences worldwide, as voted by readers in the magazine’s annual survey. Today, the latest results revealed that nearly 180,000 people participated, casting over 657,000 votes, to rate hotels on criteria such as rooms, facilities, location, service, restaurants, and value—making the awards a definitive benchmark for excellence in the travel and hospitality sector.

Since 1908, Fairmont Empress, often referred to as ‘Canada’s Castle on the Coast,’ has been the crown jewel of the City of Victoria and a beloved destination for travelers from around the world. With its storied history, architectural grandeur, exquisite accommodations, and iconic Afternoon Tea program, the hotel continues to charm local and international guests. These recent accolades solidify the hotel’s position as a leader in global hospitality, making it a must-visit destination in Canada.

“We are incredibly honoured to be recognized as the #1 City Hotel in Canada with Travel + Leisure’s readers. It is beyond rewarding to know that so many of our valued guests voted us as their hotel of choice in the World’s Best Awards,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager of Fairmont Empress.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our staff and our visionary owner, Nat Bosa, whose passion and continual investment ensure Fairmont Empress remains a source of pride for our community and beacon for travelers worldwide. We are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, our supporters, our team, and Mr. Bosa for making this recognition possible.”

A pivotal chapter in the hotel’s legacy began in 2014, when Nat Bosa purchased the property. With a grand vision, Mr. Bosa spearheaded the remarkable $60+ million ‘Return of the Queen’ renovation, meticulously revitalizing the hotel in 2017 while retaining its heritage and introducing contemporary design and amenities. His continued investment in Fairmont Empress was exemplified by the launch of the new Fairmont Gold experience, which features 88 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, an exclusive spacious lounge with sweeping harbour views, and a host of elevated amenities designed to offer guests the ultimate in comfort and sophistication. In 2024, the hotel welcomed a new harbour view terrace, and the capital investment planned over the next two years demonstrates his commitment to make Fairmont Empress a top luxury hotel in the world and a source of pride for the local community.

For more information or to book a stay at Fairmont Empress, visit www.fairmontempress.com

Philadelphia, PA, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HHM Hotels today announced a bold restructuring of its leadership team, introducing a wave of strategic promotions and appointments across operations and commercial divisions. These moves are designed to accelerate performance, elevate owner relations, and prepare the organization for the next chapter of growth.

“These appointments reflect HHM Hotels’ commitment to building a high-performance culture by investing in the exceptional talent that drives our business forward and ensures that future and current clients benefit from the expertise and deep market knowledge,” said Dani Elhachem, COO, HHM Hotels.

The portfolio will now be overseen by a stable and growing group of Executive Vice Presidents. Promoted to EVP of Operations were Cathy O’Brien, Hiram Negron, and Doug Wilkins, a group of seasoned and talented hospitality leaders. Ray Perez continues to serve in his current capacity as EVP of Operations. Marsha Ray, Executive Vice President, Head of Canadian Operations, was hired in a move that will further enhance the company’s already strong Canadian foundation and position it for significant future growth.

“This is not business as usual,” said Naveen Kakarla, President & CEO of HHM Hotels. “Our leadership team is committed to driving long-term owner value and performance. And I am happy to do it with so many internal elevations plus industry-leading outside talent excited to come be a part of HHM Hotels.”

These leadership appointments complement the accelerated growth of HHM Hotels’ commercial team. With Raul Moronta joining as Chief Revenue Officer in late 2024; the company is taking a bold step toward unifying revenue management, distribution, marketing, and E-commerce efforts. As part of the commercial evolution, Lindsey Johnson was elevated to Senior Vice President, Head of Sales, to lead all hotel sales initiatives.

“This new structure for our operating company allows us to act faster, provide deeper support to our on-property teams, and maximize performance in every segment and market,” Elhachem added.

These moves reflect the company’s continued focus on operational excellence, technology-forward innovation, and deep alignment with the interests of its owners, partners, team members, and guests.

On behalf of Mr. Ray Gupta, Chairman and CEO, and Mr. Sandeep Gupta, President - Sunray Hotels, CFO Capital is pleased to announce the successful financing of a strategic office acquisition in downtown Regina, Saskatchewan.

The three-storey, 30,000+ sq. ft. building offers modern office space and street-level retail, including a Tim Hortons, and is supported by over 170 underground and surface parking stalls. Ideally situated within Regina’s central business district, this acquisition represents a strategic expansion for our client, who also owns the adjacent hotel. The two properties share both structured and surface parking, driving operational efficiency and enhancing long-term value.