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

Including Paradox Hotels’ debut in Sydney, the relaunch of Hotel Diana in Brisbane by Samdoo Corporation, and Minor Hotels’ alpine expansion with Oaks Lake Crackenback. We explore the surge in tourism-driven investment across Australia and New Zealand, with insights from Global Asset Solutions and WTTC projecting strong sector growth through 2028. From the Lion Hospitality Awards – standouts like QT Auckland, Craggy Range, and Peekaboo Eatery were recognised for excellence, sustainability, and innovation. And at HITEC 2025, AI stole the spotlight – with Levee sweeping the E20X pitch competition and startups like Bookboost, Ediphi, and Vella AI showing how tech is reshaping guest experience and operations. Plus, new appointments from Four Seasons, JLL, Imagine Hotels, and more across the region.