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Toronto, ON (August 7, 2026) –Choice Hotels Canada continues to expand its upscale Ascend Collection® portfolio with the addition of four distinctive hotels across the region: Grand Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary Airport in Calgary, Alberta; Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario; Atlantic Host Hotel in Bathurst, New Brunswick; and Amsterdam Inn & Suites in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Ascend Collection, the first and largest soft brand in the upscale segment globally features resorts, historic properties and boutique hotels that offer guests unique local experiences.

“The addition of these four hotels marks another important milestone in the growth of both our Ascend Collection and upscale portfolio across Canada,” says Brian Leon, CEO, Choice Hotels Canada. “We’re seeing strong momentum from independent hotels seeking the flexibility of a soft brand, backed by the reach and resources of a global hospitality company. Together, these properties expand our presence in key destinations, while offering guests more distinctive travel experiences.”

Grand Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary Airport Calgary, Alberta

Just 15 minutes from Calgary International Airport and within easy reach of downtown Calgary, Grand Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary Airport offers convenient access to Stampede Park, the Calgary Zoo and the Calgary Tower. Designed for both business and leisure travellers, the hotel features 194 spacious guestrooms and suites, onsite dining at Everest Grill and the lobby lounge, a 24-hour fitness centre with steam rooms, and more than 7,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

Frontenac Club – Kingston, Ontario

Housed in the former Bank of Montreal building in the heart of downtown Kingston, Frontenac Club combines more than 185 years of history with contemporary boutique luxury. Steps from the Kingston waterfront, City Hall and Queen's University, the meticulously restored property provides an ideal home base for exploring one of Ontario's oldest and most vibrant cities. Featuring 20 individually designed guestrooms with premium finishes, curated artwork and distinctive architectural details, the hotel offers an elevated boutique experience that celebrates its historic character while delivering modern comforts.

Atlantic Host Hotel – Bathurst, New Brunswick

Nestled along the Tetagouche River in northern New Brunswick, Atlantic Host Hotel offers travellers a welcoming destination, blending natural beauty with Maritime hospitality. Conveniently located near Bathurst Airport, coastal attractions, outdoor recreation and regional business centres, the full-service hotel provides easy access to the area's beaches, trails and year-round adventures. Its combination of modern amenities and authentic local character makes it a natural addition to the Ascend Collection, and features 96 comfortable guestrooms, onsite Atlantic Hotel Restaurant and Lounge, serving Canadian favourites in a laid-back atmosphere, indoor pool, fitness facilities, and versatile meeting and event space.

Amsterdam Inn & Suites – Fredericton, New Brunswick

Just outside downtown Fredericton, Amsterdam Inn & Suites offers guests easy access to many of the city's popular attractions, including the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Christ Church Cathedral, the University of New Brunswick and scenic Saint John River. Serving as an inviting gateway to New Brunswick's capital city for both business and leisure travellers, it delivers on the warm hospitality the region is known for. The hotel features 68 spacious guestrooms and suites, complimentary hot breakfast, 24-hour fitness centre, business amenities and pet-friendly accommodations. Having been in the Choice Hotels’ system since 2015 as a Quality Inn & Suites, its convenient location further strengthens Choice Hotels' growing upscale presence in the Atlantic.

These additions further bolster Choice Hotels Canada's growing upscale portfolio, providing travellers with more distinctive accommodations in destinations across Canada. The region has an additional seven Ascend Collection hotels in the pipeline, including a new build property scheduled to open in Grand Falls, NB next month.

These Ascend Collection hotels, as well as all properties in Canada participate in Choice Privileges®, which recently launched an all-new rewards experience enabling members to earn more rewards more frequently, achieve Elite status faster, and access exclusive benefits designed to help get the most from every stay. Members can earn and redeem points for reward nights at Ascend Collection hotels, as well as at more than 7,000 properties globally across a diverse portfolio of brands. For reservations or additional information, visit choicehotels.com.

 
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Vancouver, BC (August 5, 2026) – At the heart of Fairmont Pacific Rim's enhanced wellbeing offering is the unveiling of the newly reimagined Fairmont Spa - a transformative renovation that establishes one of Vancouver's most comprehensive luxury wellness destinations.

Designed as a sanctuary where ritual meets recovery, the newly renovated spa has been thoughtfully reimagined alongside the Fairmont Pacific Rim Wellness Club x HOUSE Concepts on the hotel’s 5th floor, creating a seamless ecosystem dedicated to movement, restoration, nourishment, and longevity.

The revitalized Fairmont Spa now features 14 luxurious treatment rooms, including two innovative Dream Spa Specialty treatment tables, a Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, private women's lounge, co-ed relaxation lounge, and an expansive outdoor spa terrace complete with a mineral wellness jacuzzi, dry sauna, fire pits, and relaxation loungers. Together, these spaces create an immersive environment designed to restore both body and mind.

Far more than a traditional spa, the new Fairmont Spa represents a shift toward results-driven, performance-focused wellness. Rooted in a philosophy of intentional restoration, treatments are designed to deliver measurable outcomes through technical therapies. The spa’s elevated retail offering brings together a curated collection of high-performance skincare, luxury haircare, contemporary resort wear, and exclusive HOUSE i.D athleisure - reflecting a modern approach to wellness, beauty, and lifestyle.
Complementing the spa experience is the newly renovated Fairmont Pacific Rim Wellness Club x HOUSE Concepts, where guests can participate in daily LAB classes, private personal training sessions, and bespoke fitness programming led by HOUSE Concepts' elite trainers. Together, the spa and wellness club create a fluid journey that allows guests to move effortlessly between performance, recovery, and renewal.

Situated within the Fairmont Spa, Wish Dry Bar is Vancouver’s go-to luxury hair boutique, offering elevated blowouts, hair treatments, styling, and makeup services delivered by highly trained, detail-oriented stylists. Wish Dry Bar specializes in everyday glam, special-event styling, photoshoot-ready hair, and bridal beauty, creating a consistent, polished experience tailored to each guest. Open seven days a week, Wish also offers in-room styling services for hotel guests.
Anchored by the newly transformed Fairmont Spa, Fairmont Pacific Rim has redefined luxury wellbeing -not as a standalone amenity, but as a fully integrated guest experience. By seamlessly connecting movement, recovery, nourishment, and mindful restoration across every touchpoint, the hotel positions itself as a destination for modern luxury where wellness is thoughtfully embedded into every stay.

This latest evolution further reinforces Fairmont Pacific Rim's position as one of North America's leading luxury lifestyle hotels and establishes the property as a destination where modern wellbeing is not an addition to the guest experience - it is the experience itself.

To discover more and book a treatment, visit: https://www.fairmontpacificrim.com/fairmont-spa/

 
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Edmonton, AB – July 30, 2026
Edmonton, AB As Canada marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the country’s hotel industry is turning awareness into action, with more than 4,200 hotel employees enrolled in Not In Our Hotel training in 2026 alone.

“Trafficking does not always look like a crime scene. Sometimes it looks like a guest who is afraid, controlled, or not free to leave,” said Tracy Douglas, President & CEO of the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association. “Hotel staff are not investigators. But with the right training, they can notice the warning signs, report concerns safely and help protect someone in danger.”

The 2026 theme is Together Against Trafficking. The message is simple: awareness is not enough. Hotels need practical training, clear reporting steps, and a shared commitment to act.

Not In Our Hotel now works with hospitality associations in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland & Labrador.

For hotel teams, training ensures better preparedness.

"Not in our Hotel has increased staff awareness, improved our confidence in reporting procedures, and reinforced our commitment as a workplace that provides a safe environment for our guests, employees, and community," said Teagen Dominato, Director of Human Resources, Lake Louise Inn.

Human trafficking is complex, and hotels cannot stop it alone. But they can be part of the solution. Every trained employee is another set of eyes, another informed voice, and another opportunity to respond safely when something does not seem right. As more hotels join Not In Our Hotel, the industry is building the awareness, confidence, and shared responsibility needed to help protect vulnerable people before it is too late.

 
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(JULY 29, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. Hotels Canada and the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation (AHLAF) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing a partnership to combat human trafficking across the hotel industry.

The agreement builds on Hotels Canada's No Room for Trafficking campaign and the AHLA Foundation's initiative of the same name. Together, the organizations will align resources, expand industry participation, strengthen awareness, and education and enhance survivor
support efforts across Canada and the United States.

"Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires collective action," said Beth McMahon, President & CEO, Hotels Canada. "This partnership will create a stronger, more coordinated international response by expanding awareness, increasing access to resources, and strengthening our industry's capacity to help prevent and combat human trafficking."

"Human trafficking knows no borders and our response should not either," said Kevin Carey, President & CEO of the AHLA Foundation. "By partnering with Hotels Canada, we are reinforcing our shared commitment to equipping hotel employees with the training and resources they need to help identify and prevent trafficking. Together, we can build a stronger, more united hospitality industry committed to protecting vulnerable individuals."

Through the Memorandum of Understanding, Hotels Canada and AHLAF have committed to:

Aligning No Room for Trafficking programming and educational resources.
• Promoting free anti-human trafficking training opportunities for hotel employees in both Canada and the United States.
• Strengthening survivor support by promoting employment opportunities and fostering connections with survivor-serving organizations.
• Expanding collaboration through advisory council participation, regular knowledge sharing, and coordinated industry engagement.

The agreement will amplify Hotels Canada's next No Room for Trafficking awareness campaign, planned for early 2027.

The partnership with AHLAF reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the hotel industry
remains a leader in combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.

To learn more about Hotels Canada's No Room for Trafficking initiative and access free training resources, visit https://hotelscanada.ca/no-room-for-trafficking/.

 
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LONDON, 23 July 2026 - Hilton Hotels & Resorts (brand value up 28% to USD19.2 billion) retains its position as the world's most valuable hotel brand for 11 consecutive years, according to the Hotels 50 2026 report from Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation consultancy.

The brand's growth was supported by strong revenue expectations, underpinned by continued global expansion and the increasing contribution of its premium full-service portfolio. Its flagship brand, Hilton Garden Inn also generates significantly higher revenue per property than many of its peers, reflecting its premium positioning and strong international presence.

Hilton's continued leadership comes as the global hotel sector builds on its post pandemic recovery. Collectively, the world's top 50 hotel brands increased their combined brand value by 21% to USD69.8 billion in 2026, up from USD57.8 billion in 2025, reflecting resilient travel demand, disciplined expansion strategies and sustained pricing power across the industry.

Hyatt (brand value down 6% to USD7.5 billion) retains second place despite being the only brand among the top five to record a decline in brand value. With international markets accounting for an increasing share of its future pipeline, Hyatt remains well positioned to capture long term growth opportunities despite short term pressure on brand value.

Marriott (brand value up 23% to USD4.6 billion) ranks third following another year of robust global expansion and portfolio diversification. Strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of citizenM and the launch of Series by Marriott, further strengthened its brand portfolio and global reach. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy’s membership grew to 271 million members, reinforcing customer loyalty and supporting sustained revenue growth across its extensive international network.

Henry Farr, Global Sector Head of Hotels, Brand Finance commented:

"The global hotel sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with leading brands benefiting from sustained travel demand, disciplined expansion strategies and strong pricing power. Brands that are combining asset light growth, premium guest experiences and investment in digital capabilities are strengthening both their financial performance and brand value. At the same time, our research shows that brand strength is increasingly shaped by customer trust, loyalty and consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences, highlighting the importance of balancing rapid expansion with long term brand investment."

Meanwhile, Delta Hotels & Resorts (brand value up 79% to USD476 million) is the fastest growing hotel brand in this year's ranking. The brand's exceptional performance has been driven by accelerated international expansion, and its growing role within Marriott International's premium full-service portfolio.

Vinpearl (brand value up 86% to USD381 million) emerges as the strongest hotel brand this year, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.4/100 and retaining its AAA+ brand strength rating. The brand's strong performance was supported by its Wonder Summer 2025 campaign, which offered promotional packages across destinations including Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Nam Hoi An, and Nha Trang.

Taj (brand value up 32% to USD878 million) retains its position as the second strongest hotel brand, achieving a BSI score of 93.5/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating. Brand Finance's data highlights Taj's exceptional performance across key brand strength metrics, particularly familiarity, consideration and preference in its home market. Taj is also featured as brand to watch in the Hotels 50 2026 ranking, reflecting the brand's ambitious expansion strategy and continued investment in strengthening its position within the global luxury hospitality market.

Scandic Hotels remains as the world's third strongest hotel brand, achieving a BSI score of 91.3/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating. The brand continues to strengthen its position through a customer centric strategy focused on digital innovation, seamless guest experiences and long-term loyalty.

Alongside the Hotels 50 ranking, Brand Finance also evaluates adjacent segments within the broader travel and tourism ecosystem, highlighting the continued strength of leisure and tourism brands that are shaping global consumer experiences across accommodation, travel platforms, entertainment and attractions.

In the leisure & tourism sector, Booking.com (brand value up 16% to USD12.1 billion) retains its position as the most valuable leisure and tourism brand, benefiting from strong travel demand and continued expansion of its connected travel ecosystem.

Despite a decline in brand value, Tokyo Disney Resort (brand value down 11% to USD2.8 billion) is the strongest leisure and tourism brand globally, achieving BSI score of 94.3/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating. The brand continues to benefit from exceptional consumer perceptions around experience quality, service excellence and immersive entertainment.

Meanwhile, among the top 10 luxury hotel brands, Hilton Hotels & Resorts remains the world's most valuable luxury hotel brand, supported by its strong premium positioning and global reputation for high-quality hospitality. Growth has been underpinned by continued investment in its luxury portfolio, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and NoMad Hotels, alongside expansion into high demand luxury destinations.

Taj Hotels retains its position as the world's strongest luxury hotel brand. As luxury travellers increasingly seek authentic and experience led stays, Taj continues to differentiate itself through its distinctive blend of Indian heritage, personalised hospitality and timeless luxury.

 

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