Are AI images misleading travellers?

Are you being lied to by accommodation operators using Artificial Intelligence? 

One in five hotel photos on major booking platforms show indicators of being AI-generated or AI-enhanced, a new survey in Europe shows.

An analysis of 25,550 images used by hotels to advertise their rooms, facilities, restaurants and amenities reveals mass deception.

The study was conducted by Berlin-based marketing agency ABCD Agency in partnership with German forensic AI verification provider ContentGuard.me.

Hotel photos are one of the most decisive factors when booking accommodation online. But the report indicates  that the imagery travellers rely on is no longer just traditionally retouched but increasingly created or altered using artificial intelligence.

In a sample of 100 randomly selected hotels each across seven destinations a total of 25,550 hotel photos were analysed in May 2026. Among those popular European summer holiday destinations like Crete, Mallorca, Sicily and Alanya.

The result: approximately 19% of all images - a total of 4,778 photos - contained at least one signal typically associated with AI generation or AI editing.

These signals can appear in technical markers such as file metadata, or as visual anomalies within the image itself - including inconsistencies, irregular pixel patterns or detail errors.

When hotel photos are AI-optimised or AI-generated, expectations can be distorted in critical ways: including room size, furnishings and views. 

These enhanced images set expectations that reality often cannot meet. The result: disappointment on arrival, complaints and a long-term erosion of trust in both platforms and hotels that depend on credible visual content.

Jens Kramosch, deepfake expert and founder of ContentGuard.me explains: “Hotel photos have always been retouched to some degree. But AI takes this to a completely different level. When images are no longer just polished but fundamentally altered, it risks crossing the line from marketing into deception. Travellers need to look more closely and platforms need to start labeling AI-edited content transparently.”

Robin Wilfert, founder of ABCD Agency, warns: “When you book a trip, you're buying a promise. The photos that travelleds use to choose a hotel are the most important part of that promise. AI must not be allowed to create a gap between what's shown and what's real.”

Tough times for hoteliers in the US

Growth for US hotel operators has come to a crashing halt, industry analysts say.

Rising wages, taxes, insurance premiums, and other costs are outrunning revenue growth at many hotels - and tourist numbers are heading down,

Nearly six years after the pandemic, US hotels are still struggling to regain lost occupancy: spending more to operate while taking in less revenue.

Labour costs alone have soared 9% this year on a per-available-room basis, industry analyst CoStar's survey of about 6,000 hotels shows.

Hotels took in 0.4% less revenue per available room in 2025 than a year earlier, estimates from CoStar and Tourism Economics show.

"Luxury class hotels were the only ones getting close to increasing average daily rate to the level of inflation," said Jan Freitag, national director, hospitality analytics at CoStar Group told news hub Skift.

"All other classes saw flat average daily rate growth or even a contraction."

This year's US hotel EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) is forecast to decline 2.8%, Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting (LARC) reported.

Many travellers from overseas cancelled trips in response to President Trump's trade war and "America First" policies.

From January to October, travel to the US from Western Europe fell about 3.5% year-over-year, the US National Travel and Tourism Office reported.

But the trend varies by destination. The nation's capital of Washington D.C., New York and California are seeing fewer visitors, while Tennessee, home to Elvis Presley's Graceland estate, has welcomed 24% more people from Western Europe this year.

Among the top 25 markets, Tampa, Florida (top image), reported the steepest decreases with occupancy down 20.5% to 66.1%.

 

Landmark hotel unveils major makeover

One of Australia's landmark hotels, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has this week unveiled its extensive $70 million refurbishment. with final completion set for next month.

The renewal of the Sydney icon coincides with the diamond jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years of French art de vivre.

Sydney's first true "international" hotel when it opened in 1966, the former Sheraton has hosted royals, movie stars, and many dignitaries.

The refurbishment has included 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime (above), health and wellness centre, public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces.

Pivotal to the transformation is Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's partnership with prominent Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality, which has created a multi-venue food and beverage precinct within the hotel.

It comprises two restaurants; tilda and Delta Rue, and two bars; bar tilda and Wentworth Bar, which features one of Sydney's largest outdoor terrace bars.

tilda and bar tilda opened mid-October, while Delta Rue and Wentworth Bar will be opening this Friday

The new precinct offers multiple experiences from early until late, seven days a week.

Accor revs up its presence across Asia

The travel industry is back at full throttle - as evidenced by new signings across Asia from the Accor group.

Accor announced the signing of six significant projects (new builds and acquisitions) in the first quarter of 2024, reinforcing its commitment to growth and innovation in key markets across the continent. 

Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia, said: "Each signing highlights our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences and expanding our presence in key markets regionally.

"These new signings encompass a diverse range of properties, including hotels and serviced apartments, as well as the world's largest Pullman property, marking a momentous stride in our effort to innovate and diversify our offerings. These projects reflect our dedication to pioneering the future of hospitality."

Which is some serious hype. 

The recent signings include:

Mövenpick Vung Tau (Vietnam) (top image) will open its doors in 2027 and is an hour's drive on the new highway from Long Thanh international Airport. It will offer 433 guest rooms

Pullman Living Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 and Pullman Residences Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 (Thailand), which comprises a 200-key hotel and 225-apartnemt residential complex.

Novotel Living Bangkok Don Muang (Thailand), with a combination of an 80-key hotel and 112-key serviced apartments, spread across 19 floors just five minutes away from Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport.

Novotel Tangerang BSD City (Indonesia) in the heart of the Bumi Serpong Damai City Central Business District in Greater Jakarta with 285 rooms.

ibis Styles Ambassador Jeonju City Center (South Korea), which is Accor's first hotel in Jeonju. The 81-key property will undergo a soft refurbishment during the first half of 2024 with a plan to re-open its doors to guests later this year.

Pullman Mactan Cebu Hotel & Residences (Philippines) is set to become the world's largest Pullman property when it opens in 2028. It will have 200 guest rooms and suites alongside 900 branded residences.

In Japan, meanwhile, the Accor Juggernaut has announces the opening of 22 hotels with over 6,000 rooms, doubling the group's footprint in Japan.

The hotels, comprising 12 Grand Mercure and 10 Mercure hotels, range in location from the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido to the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa.

Minor Hotels plans major expansion

Minor Hotels, the group behind brands including Anantara and Adina, has announced it is targeting more than 200 new openings globally within three years.

The Bangkok-based hotel owner and operator has unveiled details of its commercial strategy for 2024 and beyond, Travel Mole reports.

The target for new hotels would increase the group’s global portfolio by almost 40% from its current count of 540 properties, as well as adding more than 30,000 rooms to its present inventory of almost 80,000.

The rapid acceleration of Minor’s global growth ambition builds on a record financial performance in 2023 and will be driven by a multi-pronged commercial strategy that will see the company enhance its portfolio of brands and overhaul its digital strategy, while pursuing a more balanced mix of management and franchise operating models.

Under its long-standing "asset right" strategy, Minor Hotels owns or leases almost 70% of its global portfolio of 540 hotels.

That percentage is expected to decrease to approximately 50% as the group pursues a more aggressive mix of management and franchise agreement options.

Minor is targeting more than 150 new management agreements over the next three years.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, said: “2023 has been a record year and the figures, both financial and regarding the group’s expansion, confirm this.

"Looking ahead, we intend to increase this pace of openings, expanding our brands within our existing areas of operation and growing our global footprint into new regions in which we are not yet present.”

The Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli and NH Hotels brands are expected to be the key drivers of portfolio growth.

Image: Anantara Iko Mauritius. Supplied.  

Adelaide to get new luxury skyscraper hotel

Adelaide will soon be home to a luxury Westin hotel in a new city skyscraper.

Marriott International this week signed an agreement with Australian property developers Freemasons South Australia and Northern Territory and Pelligra Group to introduce the first Westin hotel into Adelaide in late 2026.

The Westin Adelaide is set to be the second Marriott International property in South Australia, following the opening of Marriott Adelaide Hotel in mid-2024.

“This is an exciting and unique partnership that will not only honour the rich heritage of a historic building, but also mark our commitment to enhancing the city's hospitality offering”, said Richard Crawford, vice president of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific at Marriott International.

“The project's strategic location in the CBD and the retention of the iconic heritage building will be key ingredients for the distinctive positioning of a hotel that will have global pedigree”.

Situated at 254 North Terrace in the CBD, the 236-room new-build hotel aims to preserve the historic Freemasons building and its iconic façade while seamlessly integrating a modern 33-storey building to be known as Keystone Adelaide Tower.

The plans outline the hotel's presence across 19 levels within the contemporary tower, alongside a Freemasons Hall and Grand Lodge, retail outlets, office tenancies, rooftop restaurant and observatory.

The development will offer convenient access to Parliament House, Rundle Mall retail and entertainment strip, with Adelaide Casino, Festival Centre, Riverbank Precinct and Lot Fourteen redevelopment all within walking distance.

Alongside its 222 premium room and 14 suites, the Westin Adelaide will feature a sky lobby, restaurant, lobby lounge, cafe, fitness centre, swimming pool, day spa, 700 square metres of event and meeting space, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

“Marriott International delivers an incredible brand in Westin, a fantastic team, and a loyalty program we feel will help millions of people discover our beautiful home of Adelaide," said a representative for the Freemasons South Australia and Northern Territory.

"Our organisation is incredibly proud to partner with such a prestigious hotel company, and the Pelligra family, in delivering the Keystone Adelaide Tower.”

The new hotel will be the fifth Westin property in the Australia Pacific region, joining Westin hotels located in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Fiji.

Sean Hunt, area vice president for Australia, New Zealand & Pacific at Marriott International. said: “We are very confident that our close to 200 million Marriott Bonvoy members across the world will gravitate to The Westin Adelaide as their new hotel of choice in a city that has very strong demand drivers for both business and leisure travel.”

Mantra snaps up Adelaide hotel

Opening an independent hotel can be a tough gig.

The 88-room La Loft opened in Tonsley, south of Adelaide, in January.

Now Australia's largest hotel operator, Accor, has announced it will henceforth be known as the Mantra Tonsley Adelaide.

The four-star hotel is the result of a partnership between a local South Australian development company and 1834 Hotels.

The Mantra Tonsley Adelaide has a restaurant and bar, along with two conference rooms, and aims to cater for both business and leisure travellers.

It is located in the Tonsley Innovation Precinct, a 12-minute drive south of Adelaide's CBD, and near Flinders University and the Flinders Public & Private Hospitals.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mantra Tonsley Adelaide into the Accor family," says Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry.

"We are excited to be working with the hotel owner, alongside the team at 1834 Hotels, and importantly, look forward to seeing guests to Mantra Tonsley Adelaide experience the world-renowned Accor hospitality.”

Mantra is now Australia's largest hotel brand with 75 properties across the country.

OPENING SPECIAL: To be one of the first to experience Mantra Tonsley Adelaide and save 20% book at ALL.com

Are you happy to be checked into your hotel by a robot?

Would you rather be checked in or out of your hotel by a robot, or a human being?

As one of those who refuses to use self-checkout facilities at the supermarket, I know which camp I am in.

But one hotel group is banking on your preference being a robot.

Dorsett , which has hotels on the Gold Coast and in Melbourne, says its technology roll-out is "designed to deliver a more personalised guest experience" and ensure smooth operations behind the scenes.

Just how a robot delivers a more personalised guest experience is one of life's little mysteries.

The Hong Kong-based Dorsett group says its digital solutions are "designed to cater to the tech-savvy Dorsett Hotel customer".

Look out. Here comes some PR bulldust: "As a Hong Kong hospitality brand, Dorsett is tech-forward, innovating for the greater good of the customer experience. Tech solutions free up staff to provide a more hands-on experience right throughout the hotel."

Dorsett Melbourne and Gold Coast both have robots that have been nicknamed Tim and Tam by the Gold Coast team and Dorothy and Dexter by the team in Melbourne.

The ugly-looking short-arse critters have been programmed to greet guests, conduct the check-in/out process and provide guests with their keys. The robots will also provide information on local attractions and events.

The press release says the new Dorsett Melbourne and Gold Coast robots will not replace human staff but rather reduce waiting times by around 60% while offering "job enhancement and upskilling to our staff. The technology also controls hotel staff workflow during peak arrival times, improving customer service."

Narelle Welsh, director of sales and marketing at Dorsett Melbourne, is firmly onside with the hype.

“By using technology to free up our time at the front desk, the team are able to provide better service to our guests," she says. "We now have the time to be more attentive to the guest experience and the hotel runs more smoothly as a result.”

I can't wait to hear from guests whether this is, in fact, the case. I'd be much more impressed if the robots were trained to take your suitcases to your room, shine your shoes or deliver a morning paper to your door.

Other technology-based features of the hotels include in-room dining through QR code ordering (what about older guests who might not understand QR technology?), and paperless Do Not Disturb signs that are colour-coded with a miniature keypad in each room.

All televisions throughout the hotels have Chromecast for easy streaming from a phone to the TV - and that's certainly a good thing.

See www.dorsett.com.

Full steam ahead for Accor across Asia

It is as if the pandemic never happened.

Right across Asia, tourism is back and booming - and Accor, the largest international hospitality group in the region, has opened or reopened five properties across Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines and India over the past few weeks.

“From setting a new tempo for modern travellers to Singapore with the opening of Pullman Singapore Hill Street, to strengthening our presence in the vibrant District 7 of Ho Chi Minh, the last two months have paid testament to Accor's unwavering focus on providing unparalleled and varied hospitality experience across Asia," says a very enthusiastic Garth Simmons, CEOr, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia.

"The reopening of Mövenpick Mactan Cebu (top image) demonstrates our commitment not only to growth, but to hospitality excellence.”

The new Pullman Singapore Hill Street (below) has 350 rooms and billed as "the most story-led property under the Pullman brand". 

It has a strong commitment to sustainability; solar panels power corridor lights, with a programmed irrigation system ensures efficient water management by releasing precise amounts at determined times to sustain pockets of greenery.

Three distinct dining concept present cosmopolitan flavours; Madisone's All-American deli offers New York-style bagels and coffee, while MOGA is a modern Japanese izakaya-meets-coffee bar. Perched on the hotel's roof is El Chido, a Mexican-themed swim-up bar.

Accor's seventh property in Ho Chi Minh City is the first Novotel Living branded hotel in Vietnam: Novotel Living Saigon.

It is just two minutes' walk from Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC) and has 175 studios, one and two-bedroom apartments designed for longer stays.

There is an all-day-dining restaurant, and a fitness centre with sauna and steam bath facilities.

ibis Styles Goa Vagator, the second ibis Styles hotel in Goa, has 142 rooms close to medieval forts, scenic beaches, and Goa's bustling dining scene. 

The property showcases contemporary artists, with original artwork from emerging talents on display throughout the hotel.

Another newcomer, Grand Mercure Agra, has 168 rooms and a rooftop swimming pool is set against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal.

Mövenpick Mactan Cebu, meanwhile, is ready to welcome guests back to its 60 refreshed rooms and suites, all offering views of the Mactan Sea.

Visit all.com for more info.

Global recognition for Brisbane hotel

 A boutique Brisbane hotel has upstaged properties in Sydney and Melbourne and been named No.12 in a list of The World’s Best 50 Hotels 

The Calile Hotel was also named best in Oceania in the inaugural The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards announced in London today. 

 

The invitation-only event, attended by representatives from the 50 nominated hotels, was held in the historic Guildhall. 

In attendance for the ceremony, The Calile Hotel co-owner Catherine Malouf said she was extremely proud to be representing the Malouf family (owners) and employees from The Calile at such a significant celebration.

 

"This is a win for our team, our collaborators, our loyal guests and a win for Brisbane as a destination, and we are humbled to represent the Australian hotel industry on the world stage,” she said. 

 

"There is no doubt The Calile Hotel has carved a name for itself and sparked a trend in ‘urban resorts’ with its bold architectural commitment, sustainable practises and by embracing its local and sub-tropic climate within an urban setting." 

 

There are, of course, several of these lists, but it is nonetheless noteworthy recognition. 

 

 Speaking at the opening of the awards event, the managing director of World’s 50 Best Group Tim Brooke-Webb said: “The 50 Best Hotels has redefined hospitality - setting new standards and pushing boundaries to create unique moments for your guests.” 

So plenty of hype there. 

 

Hotel general manager Rob Unson said: “Being named 12 in the world was a fitting fifth birthday present for the 175-room boutique hotel and a great win for Australian tourism.

 

"It takes an outstanding team to deliver outstanding guest experiences, and I want to take a moment to thank the hotel team – from our housekeepers to our pool attendants, maintenance and kitchen teams and our front of house guest service attendants –who go above and beyond to welcome our guests back through the arches time and time again.”

 

Voting criteria was based on selecting seven best hotel experiences during the voting period. Voters were asked to consider every element of the hotel’s operation from first contact point, to room comfort, quality of food and beverage, on-site facilities and check out. 

Hotel industry big guns splash the cash

The hotel industry has been spending millions of dollars on upgrades and refurbs as travel numbers rocket towards pre-Covid figures.

Accor Pacific, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, this week announced that its partners have invested more than $300 million in hotel renovations and refurbishments since the beginning of 2022.

"This significant investment demonstrates Accor Pacific and their partner's commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and maintaining the highest standards of quality across its portfolio," the company said in a statement.

The upgrades have taken place in various locations throughout the Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia.


The investments aims to enhance guest satisfaction and elevate property amenities.

"We are proud to announce this substantial investment in hotel renovations and refurbishments," said Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry.

"It reflects the commitment of our partners to invest in Accor's brands, which continue to deliver outstanding guest experiences. These renovations will not only enhance the overall guest experience, but also contribute to the economic growth and development of the local communities where Accor hotels, apartments and resorts are located.

“The renovations have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, who have noted the enhanced comfort and improved facilities. Accor continues to prioritise guest satisfaction and aims to provide exceptional experiences that exceed expectations.”

Among the notable projects completed is the highly anticipated refurbishment of Manly Pacific - MGallery, located in Manly, Sydney (top image). The extensive renovation showcases the hotel's commitment to contemporary design and luxurious comfort. The updated property now offers state-of-the-art facilities, modernised guest rooms, and improved amenities, ensuring an unforgettable stay for guests.

Peppers Waymouth Adelaide also unveiled a new look earlier this year. The 202-room flagship Adelaide hotel renovation includes 17 floors of reappointed guestrooms, as well as the addition of two new luxury suites and two dedicated family rooms.

The hotel also added a new restaurant - TUTTO Cucina + Bar - with an open kitchen and wine cellar to its ground floor, plus a new high-end private dining room / boardroom, guest library lounge and enhanced conference rooms located on level one of the hotel.

Following a multi-million dollar transformation, the five-star Swissôtel Sydney has unveiled its new lobby bar Arches on Market, and European-inspired rooftop pool.

The Playford - MGallery, Adelaide's original five-star boutique hotel, recently received a $25m makeover including guest rooms, function spaces, reception and a new stand-alone restaurant and bar, Luma.

Accor brands across the Pacific region include: Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore's SO/ and TRIBE.

Taking a Chiang Mai stay to a new level

I have visited Thailand on many occasions but have never made it to the northern city of Chiang Mai.

That's a pity as I keep hearing great things about the city.

One spot that will be on the "to do" list when I finally make it will be a new 'hotel within a hotel' called The Level in the Meliá Chiang Mai.

The Level has 43 rooms and suites as well as a private lounge (above) and bespoke privileges.

Housed on the upper floors of the 22-storey urban hotel, the selection of rooms offer some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Guests staying in The Level have exclusive access to 21st-floor executive lounge The Level Lounge, which offers all-day snacks and beverages accompanied by vistas of the city and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountain to the west.

Tucked under the hotel’s 22nd floor rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar - the highest bar in Chiang Mai -The Level Lounge has large installations of illuminated umbrella ribs - which have regional significance - clinging to the ceiling.

Various artworks of umbrella canopies hang on the walls, such as those made from antique Chiang Mai textiles.

The Lounge offers private breakfast service from 7-10.30am, afternoon tea from 2.30-4pm, and cocktails and canapes from 5.30pm until 7.30pm.

Guests get private check-in and check-out and dedicated concierge service.

Business guests also enjoy complimentary use of The Level’s meeting room for two hours per stay and a 10% discount at YHI Spa.

Meliá Chiang Mai is located on Charoen Prathet Road by the River Ping and Night Bazaar.

To contact Meliá Chiang Mai’s The Level or to make a booking, call +66 5209 0699 or see https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

Adelaide city hotel gets a serious facelift

Peppers Waymouth Adelaide this week revealed a new look and new guest offerings.

The 202-room central city hotel has been given a makeover and now has 17 floors of reappointed guestrooms, as well as the addition of two new luxury suites and two dedicated family rooms.

The hotel has added a new restaurant - TUTTO Cucina + Bar - with an open kitchen and wine cellar on its ground floor, plus a new private dining room/boardroom, guest library lounge and enhanced conference facilities.

The hotel’s multi-million dollar refurbishment coincided with moves by Adelaide City Council to beautify the urban environment surrounding the hotel.

Accor Pacific Chief Executive Officer Sarah Derry said: “Peppers Waymouth Adelaide has long been a popular accommodation choice for visitors to Adelaide, chosen by travellers who cherish the warm personality of the hotel and value its central location in the heart of Adelaide.

“This transformative renovation takes the hotel experience to an entirely new level and complements the high quality of service provided by the hotel team. Peppers Waymouth brings a new vibrancy to Waymouth Street, drawing international and local visitors to the city to enjoy Adelaide’s world-class line-up of festivals and events, and strong food and cultural scene.”

Each room now features floor-to-ceiling windows, full Italian marble bathrooms and bespoke furniture.

The two new Bentham Suites on level 18 (image above) feature a separate living/dining area, work space, fireplace, large flat-screen TV, and views of the city and Adelaide Hills.

TUTTO Cucina + Bar will feature both traditional and modern Italian classics including a range of pasta dishes and fig, gorgonzola and truffle honey bruschetta.

The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, spa and sauna on site and room rates start from $279 per night at ALL.com.

Why plastic is far from fantastic at Six Senses

Six Senses resorts are celebrating not only the holiday period, but also a successful year in helping protect the environment.

Six Senses has set a goal towards plastic freedom and says it is committed to weaving long-term positive change into the fabric of every property.

Following its pledge as a founding signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative in 2019, efforts to eliminate single-use plastic are on track, the hotel group says.

This includes eliminating the brand’s “18 Most Unwanted” items, everything from guest amenities to behind-the-scenes material such as coffee pods and fruit packaging. It also means sourcing plastic-free products, arranging packaging take-back and bottling drinking water on property.

By the end of 2022, Six Senses will have:

# Eliminated all unnecessary plastic packaging of bathroom amenities, room amenities, and retail spaces.

# Introduced more reusable solutions in the kitchens to replace cling film and plastic packaging of fresh products.

# Sourced naturally compostable packing and other materials where appropriate by engaging with suppliers.

# Worked with other hotels and industry partners to share best practices, supplier recommendations, and other information to help all stakeholders move away from plastic.

# Eliminated more than 1.5 million plastic bottles each year by bottling its own drinking water in reusable glass bottles.

# Used natural materials to substitute everything from plastic straws to toothbrushes, and also crates, cloth bags, bottles, and containers that can be reused and refilled.

“When the world woke up to plastic straws, we realised we need to go much further to continue to lead on sustainability in the hospitality industry, so back in 2017, we set the audacious goal of eliminating all unnecessary plastics,” says Jeff Smith, VP of Sustainability at Six Senses.

“This journey began with an inventory of all remaining plastics, once straws and bottles had been eliminated, and now continues with supplier engagement, seeking natural materials, and adopting circular solutions. Our solution to plastic waste is to avoid it before it happens.”

Europe set to ban single-use plastic toiletries in hotels

The European Commission is considering banning single-use plastic items in hotels.

The European Union body is talking about banning all miniature shampoo, lotion and shower gel bottles as part of new proposed rules on packaging and waste control, Travel Mole reports.

Hotels will be required to provide larger reusable pump-pack dispensers or do away with free toiletries.

“About 40% of all plastics and 50% of paper in the EU are used for packaging, according to a recent European Commission report.

“Without action, the EU would see a further 19% increase in packaging waste by 2030,” it says.

Several companies have already discontinued hotel single-use plastic items but the EU plan would mandate it across the the continent.

The proposal is set to be considered by the European Parliament soon.

The new rules will be aimed at limiting overpackaging, and ensure clear labels are on each product to support correct recycling procedures.

"For the industry, they will create new business opportunities, especially for smaller companies, decrease the need for virgin materials, boosting Europe's recycling capacity as well as making Europe less dependent on primary resources and external suppliers," the report says.

"They will put the packaging sector on track for climate neutrality by 2050."

It is a move that is part of the wider European Green Deal's Circular Economy Action Plan, which aims to make sustainable products the norm and all packaging recyclable by 2030.

The proposed ban would, of course, not affect the UK, which is no longer a member of the European Union.

Image: Jessica Lee, Scopio.

Rooftop pool a highlight of new five-star Melbourne hotel

The Le Méridien hotel brand will return to the Australian market when Le Méridien Melbourne opens its doors in the first quarter of 2023.

With an uptown CBD location at the Parliament end of Bourke Street, the new five-star hotel will offer 235 guest rooms and suites, a ground floor café and bar, restaurant, a meetings and events floor, and a rooftop pool deck with views of Bourke St, Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens.

Close to Melbourne's theatre district and Chinatown, the location at 20 Bourke St originally housed the Excelsior Hotel in the 1850s and has been home to the Palace Theatre, a cinema, nightclub, and live performance venue.

Architects Peddle Thorp have maintained a historical Art Deco façade.

Born in 1960s Paris, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is now part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 hotel brands. The hotel will be the only Le Meridien in Australia after the brand exited Australia when it closed its hotel at the Rialto building in Collins Street.

“Melbourne is the ideal home for the relaunch of Le Méridien in Australia,” said Sean Hunt, area vice-president Australia, New Zealand & Pacific for Marriott International.

“With its premium CBD location, showpiece rooftop pool deck, and immersive arts and culinary programme, the property will continue the century-long legacy the site has held as an entertainment playground for Melburnians and visitors.”

General manager Peter Minatsis said: “We look forward to 'drawing back the curtain' on Melbourne's glamourous new visitor offering this summer and connecting guests with the city's rich history, art, and culture.”

Upon opening, Le Méridien Melbourne will join Marriott Bonvoy's growing portfolio in Australia, taking the number of hotels in operation to 29.

For more information see lemeridienmelbournehotel.com

NRMA commits to sustainable future for Tasmanian icon

I have serious love affair with Pumphouse Point, the iconic retreat on Lake St Clair in Tasmania.

In addition to staying there three or four times, I also consulted to former owner Simon Currant on the 90% Tasmanian wine list.

This week Currant completed the sale of Pumphouse Point to NRMA - a deal which we had known about for months - and which almost certainly means my services will no longer be required.

The resort, which controversially operates on land subject to a Crown lease, is the latest addition to NRMA’s growing portfolio in Tasmania.

Pumphouse Point features two heritage industrial buildings which have been transformed against the tranquil backdrop of Lake St Clair.

NRMA Expeditions CEO Rachel Wiseman said the acquisition of the business provides another opportunity for the organisation to showcase Tasmania’s exceptional natural environment and the best regional Australia has to offer.

“Tasmania is abundant in natural beauty and we’re excited to share another unique location in Tasmania with our Members and the community, and continue to work with local partners to promote the state and its amazing eco-tourism experiences,” Wiseman said.

“Nature-based tourism experiences are in high demand. We need exceptional accommodation that delivers amazing experiences in remote locations.

“These are precious places that have significant meaning to our biodiversity and local communities. We recognise the role we must play as the caretaker of these places to make sure they are able to be enjoyed in a sustainable way.

“The acquisition of the Pumphouse Point business demonstrates the NRMA’s ongoing commitment to the Tasmanian tourism industry, and our confidence in the state to continually deliver immersive nature-based experiences for guests.”

Other properties in the NRMA portfolio in Tasmania include Freycinet Lodge (where they do a superb job), Cradle Mountain Hotel, Strahan Village and Gordon River Cruises.

Striking new resort makes a statement

Noku Hotels is a new name to me, but a press release about its new hotel in Phuket caught my eye - it is a striking-looking property (above).

Noku Hotels is part of Roxy-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, a property and hospitality group with a track record dating back to 1967.

The Group’s residential development projects typically comprise of residential developments such as apartments and condominiums in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

The group also owns the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy and four hotels under its Noku Roxy brand: boutique hotels in Kyoto and Osaka, Japan, as well as resorts in the Maldives and Phuket.

The new property is on a hilltop with views of Chalong Bay.

There are a total of 91 villas and lofts in a green setting. 

Hill and Tree villas have private pools (above). 

Embrace restaurant and The Terrace Bar are on-site, while the wellness centre is designed around the  swimming pool. Other wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym and a yoga room.

The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to nearby beaches, the Phuket Old Town and shopping malls. See www.nokuhotels.com/phuket 

Goodbye to several Travelodges as they transition to Mercures

Australia is about to have a swag more Mercure hotel properties and fewer Travelodges.

Accor has added nine Mercure hotels to its collection, following a deal with equity fund managers Salter Brothers "with an industry-leading link to ESG outcomes" sealed by Paul Salter of Salter Brothers and Accor's Sarah Derry.

I have no idea what that means, but it smells like bulldust.

With the acquisition of the Travelodge portfolio owned by Salter Brothers now complete, a total of 10 hotels have joined Accor's portfolio, including nine Mercure hotels and an ibis Styles property in Sydney's CBD.

The addition of these new Mercure hotels grows the Mercure brand from 44 properties in Australia to 53, making Mercure the largest and fastest-growing global mid-scale brand in Australia.

Accor Pacific Chief Executive Officer Sarah Derry said: “We are delighted to be adding these great hotels to our portfolio.

"The hotels are located in highly desirable central city locations and in the best metropolitan areas. The properties will have access to our powerful network and we are working closely with our partners Salter Brothers to rejuvenate the properties and set them up for success.

“We continue to focus on expanding Accor's presence across the Pacific region.

"Accor has one of the most appealing brand portfolios in the world, positioning us well to continue introducing more choice and more experiences for leisure and corporate travellers.”

Accor adds the following 10 hotels in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Newcastle: Mercure Brisbane Garden City, Mercure Newcastle City, Mercure Sydney Bankstown, Mercure Sydney Blacktown, Mercure Sydney Macquarie Park, Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah, Mercure Sydney Wynyard, Mercure Melbourne Southbank, Mercure Perth on Hay and ibis Styles Sydney Central.

Having stayed in a couple of those Travelodges, I know some work is definitely needed.

Accor now has more than 340 hotels, resorts and apartments in Australia, including international brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis Budget.