Tuesday, September 17, 2024 In a significant milestone, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has expanded its diverse portfolio with the addition of four prestigious regional hotel brands. Unike Hotels from Norway, Sunway Hotels & Resorts from Malaysia, Andronis from Greece, and Paramount Hotels from the United Arab Emirates have joined the fast-growing alliance. This expansion brings 32 new properties into the GHA fold, offering members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme more options in some of the world’s most popular tourism destinations.
With this addition, GHA reaffirms its position as the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Unike Hotels, a distinguished collection of properties across Norway, is known for its distinctive blend of modern comfort and traditional Norwegian hospitality. Each property within the Unike group reflects the unique charm of its local environment, allowing guests to experience the beauty of Norway in its full splendor.
The collection includes 17 exclusive hotels spanning from the bustling city of Bergen to the tranquil fjords at Leikanger and into the deep forests of Rømskog Spa. One notable property, Utsikten Hotel, sits in the southern part of Norway, offering breathtaking views and high-end amenities. With their roots in Scandinavian charm, Unike Hotels contribute significantly to GHA’s offerings by providing unique and enriching stays that appeal to travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
From city breaks to wellness retreats, Unike’s properties cater to a diverse array of preferences, ensuring that every guest finds the ideal experience. Malaysia’s Sunway Hotels & Resorts joins GHA with its collection of 11 prestigious hotels and resorts, primarily located in Malaysia but also in the increasingly popular cities of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Hanoi, Vietnam. The Sunway Group’s hospitality division manages these properties, offering GHA DISCOVERY members an exciting range of experiences.
Sunway’s crown jewels include three hotels in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, a fully integrated premier destination for hospitality, entertainment, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Among these properties, the luxurious Sunway Resort Hotel stands out for its five-star offerings, favored by both family vacationers and business travellers alike. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh also deserves special mention.
Surrounded by lush rainforests, limestone hills, and natural hot springs, this property is a top destination for wellness retreats and dream weddings. Sunway’s ability to blend luxury with local culture and natural beauty makes its properties highly appealing for those seeking enriching travel experiences. By joining GHA, Sunway Hotels & Resorts extends the allure of Malaysia’s vibrant destinations to a global audience.
Andronis Hotels brings the beauty of the Aegean Sea to GHA with its exquisite boutique hotels located on the iconic islands of Santorini and Paros. Known for luxury and elegance, Andronis properties are synonymous with romantic getaways and wellness-focused escapes. The flagship Andronis Luxury Suites on Santorini is particularly notable, offering just 33 suites and villas perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
The hotel’s restaurant has even earned accolades from National Geographic for its remarkable location and culinary offerings. Another notable property, Andronis Minois on Paros, caters to families and travellers of all ages, offering transformational stays that combine luxury with a sense of local heritage. The addition of Andronis to the GHA portfolio enhances its appeal for upscale travellers who prioritize privacy, personalized service, and unforgettable experiences.
Paramount Hotels, based in Dubai, introduces a Hollywood-inspired flair to GHA’s already diverse portfolio. With two signature properties located in the heart of Dubai’s vibrant Business Bay district, Paramount Hotels brings cinematic experiences to life through its luxurious, film-inspired design. The Paramount Hotel Dubai exudes timeless elegance with themed suites and world-class dining options that transport guests into the world of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Paramount Hotel Midtown, also located in Business Bay, is an artistic retreat with a focus on wellness, creativity, and breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline. Featuring chic interiors and a rooftop infinity pool, this property is perfect for both leisure and business travellers. Paramount Hotels’ unique ability to merge the magic of cinema with luxury hospitality offers GHA members an unparalleled, star-studded experience in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
The integration of Unike Hotels, Sunway Hotels & Resorts, Andronis, and Paramount Hotels is not only a win for GHA’s 28 million DISCOVERY members, but it also represents a strategic growth opportunity for the entire alliance. As GHA CEO Chris Hartley commented, “The addition of these four regional independent hotel brands provides our members with even greater choices for unique destination experiences. Each brand brings its own distinct character, appealing to the growing traveller appetite for enriching stays in upscale and luxury properties, whether for culture and heritage, wellness and relaxation, or family fun and connection.
” This expansion also comes at a time when GHA celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of growth and innovation in the hospitality industry. Since its inception in 2004, GHA has grown into a collection of 40 brands with over 800 hotels, resorts, and palaces spread across 100 countries. The GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, first launched in 2010 and reimagined in 2021, now serves millions of travellers worldwide, generating $2.
3 billion in revenue and 10 million room nights annually. As GHA continues to grow, the addition of these four hotel brands promises even more exciting prospects for its members. Recent milestones, including the launch of the Green Collection in 2023 and partnerships with luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises and vacation rental platform Plum Guide, reflect GHA’s commitment to offering sustainable and diverse travel options.
As travellers continue to seek enriching and personalized experiences, GHA’s portfolio expansion ensures that its DISCOVERY members will have even more choices in top global destinations. This strategic growth underlines GHA’s vision of creating a vast, interconnected network of independent hotels that cater to the diverse needs of modern travellers. Whether guests are looking for remote getaways, cultural city breaks, or cinematic luxury experiences, the expanded GHA portfolio promises to deliver unforgettable memories.
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