This week’s 5-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

We explore a significant shift in New Zealand as IHG and Pro-invest Group transition the Holiday Inn Express Queenstown into a premium voco property, prioritising high-value assets over new builds. Meanwhile, TFE Hotels debuts its Adina brand in Hobart, capitalising on Tasmania's record-breaking tourism via a strategic dual-branded site.

Investment is surging, with Australian hotel transactions hitting $2.7 billion in 2025—an 80% increase—driven by offshore capital and a "rare arbitrage opportunity" where existing assets trade below replacement costs. We also cover Hilton’s $53 million Ipswich expansion and La Vie’s bold move into the Philippines.

In tech, we examine how AI is transforming hotel managers from reactive "firefighters" into strategic leaders by unifying fragmented data into actionable guest sentiment. Finally, we celebrate key leadership appointments at Pan Pacific, Amora, and Orion Hotel Group.

Stay informed and stay ahead in the hospitality industry.